About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for City of Gresham by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add City of Gresham to your Twitter account or create one.
@CityofGresham
GRESHAM, Ore. – Gresham City Council recently voted to allocate an additional $240,000 of American Rescue Plan Act dollars (ARPA) for the Gresham Fire Department to install new HVAC systems in the four fire stations owned by the City of Gresham. In total, the City has designated $1.78 million in ARPA funding to the Fire Department since 2021.
“The health and safety of our public safety personnel is paramount. We recognize that the growth of our community has exacerbated the operational and capital needs of our Fire Department,” said Gresham City Manager Nina Vetter. “While I’m grateful for the historic investments by our current Council, and the improvements we’ve made over the past few years, our Fire Department’s needs and the safety of our community is one of the fundamental drivers behind the City going back out for a Safety Levy in the May 2024 election.”
To date, the following actions have been taken to alleviate the most immediate safety concerns within the Gresham Fire Department:
- In collaboration with IAFF, annual voluntary cardiac and cancer screenings have been implemented for fire personnel.
- A radon mitigation service was performed at Station 74.
- Filtration systems for drinking and cooking water at two fire stations have been installed.
- City Council approved ARPA funding for new HVAC fans to remove vehicle exhaust from stations.
- City Council approved ARPA funding for four firefighting personnel positions.
“It’s important to know that the actions taken so far were to resolve the most urgent risks to our staff. We understand that many of Gresham’s fire stations are in disrepair and in need of being rebuilt,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “I’m encouraged by the options and strategies City leadership continues to explore in order to develop the long-term solutions we need.”
In addition to the repairs and hires made to date, City staff are looking to renegotiate current contracts impacting fire services, pursuing the Gresham Safety Levy in the May 2024 election, and analyzing a potential bond for capital needs in 2025.
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.
###
GRESHAM, Ore. – The City of Gresham is excited to announce that the Spirit of Gresham is back! Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the start of the holiday season in historic downtown Gresham, where a variety of family-friendly festivities all lead up to the grand finale—the tree lighting at the 32nd annual Spirit of Gresham event on Saturday, December 2. Starting at 5 p.m., the community will have the opportunity to enjoy treats from local businesses, listen to international holiday music, visit Santa, and more! The tree is lit promptly at 6 p.m.
At the Arts Plaza, located at 401 NE Second St., Santa will listen to children’s wish lists and pose for photos. We will hear from Mayor Travis Stovall, City Manager Nina Vetter, Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis, and Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg all leading up to the tree lighting. Free cocoa, cider, and various other treats will be served, thanks to our generous sponsors and local business partners.
Leading up to the tree lighting at the Arts Plaza is the 3rd annual Holiday Light Cruise, beginning at 4:30 p.m. This year’s cruise will begin at East Hill Church, travel down Main Avenue, and end at the Gresham Arts Plaza.
This annual event is made possible by local businesses and generous sponsors.
- Spirit of Gresham presenting sponsor: Weston Kia of Gresham
- Holiday Light Cruise presented by: Gresham Ford
- Spirit Sponsors: Servpro of Gresham
- North Pole Elves: Rock Haven Climbing Gym, US World Class Taekwondo, Portland Event Productions, and John L. Scott Real Estate
Visit Greshamoregon.gov/Spirit-of-Gresham/ for more information.
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.
###
GRESHAM, Ore. – The Gresham Fire Department, assisted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team has planned the memorial service to honor Firefighter Brian Flowers this Saturday, December 2 at 11 a.m. The memorial will be held at the Pathway Church, 3848 Northeast Division Street, Gresham OR. Parking might be limited, and carpooling is encouraged. The service will also be available for viewing through the City of Gresham’s YouTube channel, https://youtube.com/live/l_PofgJt5ng?feature=share.
Firefighter Brian Flowers passed away on November 19, after battling Occupational Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Firefighter Flowers started his firefighting career with the Gresham Fire Department in 2008, serving the Gresham community for over 15 years. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, daughter Carina, and sons Darian and Anthony, as well as his parents and in-laws.
Firefighter Flowers’ legacy at Gresham Fire continues with his son Darian, who began his firefighting career with the department in September 2023. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis said, “Our hearts go out to the Flowers family for their terrible loss. For our firefighters and department, Brian’s death is compounded by the passing of Firefighter Brandon Norbury last February.”
A procession is planned for the fire service, law enforcement, and other public safety agencies. The procession will leave the old K-Mart parking lot on the corner of Northwest Burnside Road and Northwest Eastman Parkway around 9:45 a.m. heading east on Burnside to Division and ending at Pathway Church. Due to limited seating and parking, the general public is encouraged to watch the procession and view the live stream on the City of Gresham YouTube channel.
Media is invited to cover the memorial but encouraged to check with the assigned Public Information Officer for any coordination during the event. The family will not be available for interviews, but Fire Chief Scott Lewis may be available after the service.
###
GRESHAM, Ore. – It is with great sadness that the City of Gresham announces Firefighter Brian Flowers passed away late Sunday night, November 19, after his monthslong battle fighting Occupational Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
The Gresham Fire Department and City leadership are actively in communication with the family and funeral services are pending. Details of the service will be shared as soon as they are finalized.
As the City works to support the family and our firefighters who are grieving, we will not be releasing any additional information or conducting interviews at this time and ask that the family’s privacy be respected as well.
Firefighter Flowers started his firefighting career with Gresham Fire in 2008, serving the Gresham community for just over 15 years. He has been a member of the Water Rescue Team since 2013 and has spent the last ten years at Station 75 in Troutdale. He is survived by his wife Elsie, daughter Carina, sons Darian and Anthony, as well as his parents and in-laws.
“As we approach Thanksgiving later this week, we ask that everyone please take a minute to say a word of thanks for those they love and for Firefighter Brian Flowers, whose loss is immeasurable,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis.
The City of Gresham is greatly appreciative of Firefighter Flowers’ service. But more than that, our hearts go out to the family and friends as we mourn this tragic loss.
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 and rapidly growing city with a desire to thrive. To learn more, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov or visit us on Twitter at @CityofGresham.
###