GRESHAM, Ore. – The Gresham Fire Department is hosting a blood drive in honor of Firefighter Spencer Tejedas, who is currently recovering from severe injuries sustained in the line of duty. The event will be held on Friday, August 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Gresham City Hall Conference Center, 1333 Northwest Eastman Parkway, Gresham.  

In support of Firefighter Tejedas, the Gresham Fire Department is encouraging community members to donate blood. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code: GreshamFD. 

On Thursday, May 30, Gresham Fire Department and Portland Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a duplex fire on the 1300 block of Southeast 182nd Street. The incident required a complex response due to the rapidly evolving nature of the fire.  

Three Gresham firefighters were injured and transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Two have since been released, but Firefighter Spencer Tejedas remains hospitalized with severe burns covering over 45% of his body. 

“Our firefighters risk their lives and show up for our community when they need it most,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “This blood drive is a tangible way our community can impact Spencer’s recovery and show up for the Tejedas family during this difficult time.” 

Eligible donors of all blood types are welcome. However, individuals with type O, B-, or A- blood are especially encouraged to consider making a Power Red donation, which maximizes the impact by collecting red blood cells, the most commonly transfused blood component. 

Join us in supporting Firefighter Spencer Tejedas and others in need by donating blood. Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of many patients. 

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GRESHAM, Ore. – The City of Gresham has been awarded multiple federal and state grants to fund projects that will address heat island mitigation, tree planting and clean water. The following grants have been received and all corresponding projects are currently underway.  

• FEMA Hazard Urban Heat Mitigation grant: $380,000 has been awarded to address heat island mitigation specifically in Rockwood. This includes pavement removal, structural soil and tree planting.  
• EPA Environmental Justice Government Two grant: $80,000 has been awarded to the City of Gresham in collaboration with Friends of Trees to reduce urban heat islands by planting trees and creating additional tree canopies. 
• Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry grant: $4 million has been awarded to the City of Gresham in collaboration with Friends of Trees to address municipal urban forestry in Gresham including urban forestry equitable planning projects such as the tree code, culturally informed outreach, workforce development and the installation and care of new trees in underserved neighborhoods. 
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from Oregon DEQ: $121,575 has been designated for the design of approximately 30-40 tree wells along Powell Boulevard in Gresham, which contribute to clean water.  

“These grants will go a long way in not only creating a safer and more resilient Gresham but a healthier and more vibrant community as well,” said Assistant City Manager Steve Fancher. “I’m proud of how hard our staff works to continually find alternative funding sources to better our community.”  

It is important to note that these projects not only work towards the goals set forth in the City of Gresham’s recently adopted Climate Action Plan, but also the City’s Strategic Plan.  

To learn more about the Climate Action Plan, please visit GreshamOregon.gov/Government/Climate-Action/. To learn more about the City’s Strategic Plan, please visit GreshamOregon.gov/Government/Strategic-Plan/.  

About Gresham: 

Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition meets opportunity in Oregon's fourth largest city. Gresham’s residents care deeply about our roots and are committed to building a vibrant future. Today, Gresham is a dynamic, innovative, and rapidly growing city with a desire to thrive. To learn more, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov or visit us on Twitter at @CityofGresham. 

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