Jefferson D. Morris
"Fireman Jeff"

Jeff Morris joined the Portland Fire Bureau in 1943, at the age of 15.  At the time he died from cancer in 1974, he had risen through the organization and was serving at the rank of Battalion Chief.  He was 46 years old at the time of his death.

Jeff's devotion to the Fire Bureau led him to become what one city commissioner called "Portland's best-known city employee."  He spent numerous hours spreading the word of fire safety and fire prevention among Portland's school children, civic clubs, and at public meetings.  Jeff became the Bureau's unofficial ambassador of goodwill.

Upon his death, a group of friends formed "The Friends of Jeff Morris" committee and raised funds to purchase and equip a vehicle and set up a fire museum in his memory.  Both exist today as a tribute to his commitment to safety and history.