Fire Chief for the City of Portland
Died in the Union Oil fire on June 26, 1911
Son of Alex & Mary J. Campbell
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David Campbell was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1864. He came to Portland in 1878 and shortly afterward became a member of the volunteer fire department, being assigned to duty in Engine Company No. 4. He served the three years required to earn an exemption certificate. In 1892, Campbell re-entered the department as a member of Engine Company No. 1, and was appointed as a foreman. In 1895, Campbell was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor Frank, and after serving fifteen months he was replaced by order of Mayor Pennoyer. He was again installed as chief by Mayor Mason in 1898, a position he filled until his untimely and tragic death.
David Campbell, Portland Fire Department Chief, was killed at 8:35am on June 26, 1911 while fighting a fire at the Union Oil Company plant at East Water and East Salmon streets. Chief Campbell was only 47 years old. A progressive leader, Campbell was a force behind the modernization of Portland's fire department. Well respected by his men and the public alike, his funeral procession drew over 150,000 mourners into downtown Portland. The Campbell Memorial at 18th and West Burnside, dedicated to all Portland firemen killed in the line of duty, is named in his honor.
Fire Chief for the City of Portland
Died in the Union Oil fire on June 26, 1911
Son of Alex & Mary J. Campbell
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David Campbell was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1864. He came to Portland in 1878 and shortly afterward became a member of the volunteer fire department, being assigned to duty in Engine Company No. 4. He served the three years required to earn an exemption certificate. In 1892, Campbell re-entered the department as a member of Engine Company No. 1, and was appointed as a foreman. In 1895, Campbell was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor Frank, and after serving fifteen months he was replaced by order of Mayor Pennoyer. He was again installed as chief by Mayor Mason in 1898, a position he filled until his untimely and tragic death.
David Campbell, Portland Fire Department Chief, was killed at 8:35am on June 26, 1911 while fighting a fire at the Union Oil Company plant at East Water and East Salmon streets. Chief Campbell was only 47 years old. A progressive leader, Campbell was a force behind the modernization of Portland's fire department. Well respected by his men and the public alike, his funeral procession drew over 150,000 mourners into downtown Portland. The Campbell Memorial at 18th and West Burnside, dedicated to all Portland firemen killed in the line of duty, is named in his honor.
