Portland Fire Chief Ryan Gillespie announces retirement

Portland Fire Chief Ryan Gillespie has announced he will retire from Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), effective March 4, 2025.

Chief Gillespie joined PF&R in 1998 as a firefighter and has served the bureau in various leadership roles since 2019.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve the City of Portland and to lead an amazing team of dedicated fire service professionals. Together, Portland Fire & Rescue has faced numerous challenges and through it all, our team has continually stepped up and shown professionalism, compassion, and sacrifice, always putting the community first. To everyone who's been part of this journey: Thank you for the lessons in perseverance and the will to never give up. As I embark on my next chapter, I have immense gratitude for our team, and I am confident the future of Portland Fire & Rescue is bright," said Chief Gillespie.

"I want to thank Chief Gillespie for his years of service to the residents of Portland and wish him the best of luck in this new chapter," said Deputy City Administrator for Public Safety Mike Myers.

"Chief Gillespie has been an exemplary leader and a dedicated public servant throughout his tenure with Portland Fire & Rescue," said Mayor Ted Wheeler. "Under his leadership, the department has navigated numerous challenges and emerged stronger. I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Chief Gillespie will work alongside DCA Myers and City Administrator Mike Jordan to identify an interim fire chief prior to his retirement.