Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) has entered a new era, announcing AJ Jackson as the Interim Fire Chief who will commence duties starting March 4. According to a recent statement by the Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), Jackson, a veteran with over a quarter-century of service in PF&R, will manage an extensive workforce of 744 employees and navigate through an annual budget approaching the $200 million mark.
Deputy City Administrator for Public Safety, Mike Myers expressed his confidence in Jackson's appointment. "I appreciate Chief Jackson’s willingness to serve as interim chief during this time of transition," he noted. Jackson, who has previously served as Fire Marshal, has a breadth of experience that spans Emergency Operations, Fire Prevention, and the Training Division. Tension has marked the shift in command at PF&R, with the incumbent Chief Ryan Gillespie set to retire on the very day Jackson takes the helm, concluding a lauded 27-year tenure.
"I’m honored for this opportunity to lead the members of Portland Fire & Rescue," Chief Jackson told Portland.gov. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration between fire bureau leadership and the community to maintain the safety of Portland's neighborhoods and assures to build on Gillespie's legacy. Meanwhile, the bureau remains in search of a permanent replacement, with a national search said to be initiated in the forthcoming months.
"AJ Jackson is an excellent choice to serve as Interim Fire Chief for Portland Fire & Rescue, bringing a wealth of fire service leadership experience and a high level of intelligence for solving complex issues," Gillespie said, marking the transition with an endorsement of his successor. Mayor Keith Wilson also praised Jackson, attributing her as an invaluable asset to the community, and spotlighting her dedication to community safety and innovative program implementation over her extensive career.
