PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Portland Fire & Rescue calendar featuring images mocking Portland’s homeless camps has been leaked.
The Oregonian/OregonLive obtained a copy of the calendar that sparked an internal investigation last month.
All photos provided by The Oregonian/OregonLive
The calendar was reportedly made by one or more firefighters and pokes fun at homeless camps around Portland — particularly the East Side. It surfaced at one of the city’s busiest stations, Station 7, in the Mill Park neighborhood, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
In 2018-19, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to more than 7,800 homeless-related calls — about 2,000 more than the year before.
PFR Lt. Rich Chatman told KOIN 6 News the incident remains under investigation. They expect to wrap it up sometime in March.
In a statement, PFR Chief Sara Boone said: “While this incident is under investigation, I want Portlanders to know that they are in good hands. I understand the impact this incident has on both the houseless community and the employees who work tirelessly every day to serve our community. It is not reflective of who we are or what we stand for. Working at Portland Fire & Rescue is about service, community, and sacrifice. As Fire Chief, I will address any issues that get in the way of those three pillars of commitment that I know our firefighters take extremely seriously during every hour of every shift.”