PORTLAND, Ore. – The David Campbell Memorial, once a shining tribute to the valor of Portland’s fire service, now stands as a shadow of its former self.
With plaques honoring fallen firefighters stolen or damaged over the years, families are now rallying to restore this crucial recognition of service.
Among those driving the restoration effort is Laura Godson, who remembers her brother George fondly.
“He loved to cook, we cooked together often. I really miss being able to cook with him,” she said, remembering the cherished time spent with his late brother.
George Godson was not just a family member but a legend in Portland, joining the Fire Bureau in 1989 driven by his passion for helping people.
Rising from firefighter to lieutenant, George dedicated himself to the community until his untimely passing at the age of 42, 18 years ago.
His death was attributed to a heart dysrhythmia caused by smoke and chemical inhalation, leaving behind five children, the youngest of whom was just four years old at the time.
“Having his name consciously and unconsciously pushes me every day,” shared George Jr., who is affectionately known as Georgie in the family.
Following in his father’s footsteps, George Jr. has become a world-record-holding firefighter in South Carolina, embodying the same commitment to service.
Meanwhile, Oliver Godson, George’s other son, continues his father’s legacy within the Portland Fire Bureau.
“I grew up in the firehouse, running around seeing everything, mainly Station 9 on Belmont,” Oliver recalled.
He fondly remembers how his father instilled knowledge from a young age, always pointing out potential safety violations during their tours.
George’s commitment to the community has left a lasting impact, inspiring his sons and even a nephew, who are all now serving alongside firefighters in Texas.
“You probably hear this: first in, last out,” Laura said.
“George truly embodied this principle, always the first to enter a fire and the last to emerge.”
His bravery and culinary skills are still remembered by those he served alongside.
“When I would meet people who were in the fire service, they would always recognize the name,” George Jr. mentioned, reflecting on the legacy George left behind.
“Even after all this time, people say, ‘Oh, I knew your dad,’ sharing funny stories about him,” Oliver added, underscoring George’s enduring presence in the community.
Despite George’s significant contributions, there has been a notable absence of a public memorial to honor his sacrifice.
“George deserves to be honored,” asserted Don Porth, a retired Portland firefighter who leads the David Campbell Memorial Foundation.
Porth emphasized the importance of recognizing George not just for his bravery, but also for the closure it would bring to his family and the community.
The David Campbell Memorial, named after Portland’s first fire chief who died in the line of duty in 1911, has remained unused for decades.
“There’s a lot of damaged features from all of this; it was made from a very soft stone that struggles in this climate,” Porth explained regarding the memorial’s deteriorated condition.
Plans to restore and repaint the memorial are underway this summer, and the Foundation is also seeking funds to install a wall honoring George and nearly 100 other firefighters.
Cardiac events make up 45% of firefighter deaths in the U.S. annually, according to the National Institutes of Health.
George’s passing catalyzed changes within the Portland Fire Bureau, leading to enhanced training focused on the health impacts firefighters face.
“His sacrifice led to greater awareness and training in the fire service, benefiting many others,” Oliver stated.
The influence of George Godson continues to echo through generations, inspiring those who look up to him.
“It helps a lot to have that person to look up to,” Oliver expressed.
George often said that living a good life positively impacts others, a legacy that continues to inspire many.
“Trying to fill those shoes has been a big motivation for my career and other parts of my life,” George Jr. shared, expressing the desire to honor his father’s memory.
The Godson family will be honored at a firefighter ceremony on June 26, providing yet another occasion to celebrate George’s legacy.
Additionally, to foster community engagement, the neighborhood and Memorial Foundation will host a summer concert series every other Thursday until September 11, inviting all to reconnect with the memorial’s significance.
Those looking to contribute to the restoration of the David Campbell Memorial can visit the Foundation’s website to get involved.
image source from：https://www.kptv.com/2025/06/13/firefighter-family-advocates-renewal-memorial-downtown-portland/
