Portland Fire & Rescue

would like to introduce you the 2026 Firefighter of the Year, Harbor Pilot Colin McGladrey. Colin came to Portland Fire & Rescue after his US Coast Guard service ended. He finished the training academy and naturally found himself woven into our Marine Program. And from day 1, he has had a positive influence in all aspects of the program.

As the pilot, Colin is a partner with the ranking officer of the crew when responding to calls on the water. It is easy for all members to feel a sense of comfort with Colin at the helm of any of our vessels. On top of the actual operation of the vessel, Colin has spent many an hour rewriting our training manuals and finding needed marine equipment for our fleet. His impacts are very impressive. It is not only on the water where Colin shapes the direction of the crew. His quiet, steady calmness in chaotic situations always sets the tone for the actions taken by the crew in both river and land-based responses.

On top of his work with Portland Fire & Rescue, Colin is very involved with his community and church spending many hours volunteering here in the greater Portland Metro area along with traveling outside the area to construct homes for those less fortunate. Simply put, you want Colin on your crew and as your neighbor. His service nature bleeds into all aspects of his life and all around him are immeasurably improved.

Congratulations Habor Pilot Colin McGladrey on your well-deserved recognition as the 2026 Portland Fire & Rescue Firefighter of the Year.

Congratulations to selection of the 2026 Thomas Gavin Safe Driver of the Year Award winner, Firefighter Nick Borton. FF Borton has been assigned to one of the busiest apparatuses in the bureau for over 15 years and the permanent driver at Station 19 for a good bulk of that time. In over 16000 emergency runs, Nick remains collision free, a tough feat to match as we navigate in and around traffic on our way to critical incidents.

Nick not only is an effective apparatus operator while behind the wheel, but he also always sets everyone up for success during his daily checks. He ensures the rig and all contents are ready to respond and create a successful outcome, regardless of the nature of the emergency. He also takes the time to guide newer members through the process of checking an engine to be sure it is ready, provides guided driving assistance to the new members to PF&R, and begins to establish a successful foundation for all drivers to pull from during their career with Portland Fire. He does this all with a lighthearted chuckle behind that crooked smile.

On top of his driving skills, and setting the rig up for success, Nick is a fantastic member to have as the pump operator at a fire. He will often backstretch from the back of the rig to the closest hydrant to establish the continuous water supply for fire extinguishment, will take a needed hose forward to crews on scene, and has thrown more than a couple ladders while acting as the pump operator.

Congratulations FF Borton on your Driver of the Year award!