A customized golf car, a heartfelt memorial, and a legacy of service converge in a special ceremony at the PF&R Training Facility.
In a poignant tribute to the late Training Chief Ron Bender, Portland Fire and Rescue’s training center is set to receive a one-of-a-kind golf car, generously gifted by the Bender family.
The customized golf car, a labor of love by Chief Bender himself during his retirement from the Portland Fire Bureau, is a remarkable representation of his passion for golf and firefighting. Resembling a fire engine, it boasts intricate details such as ladders, axes, a siren, a bell, and several other unique elements that reflect the visionary spirit of a true firefighter.
Rather than allowing this cherished golf car to collect dust or be sold, the family decided to offer it to Portland Fire and Rescue as a meaningful vehicle to aid the training staff.
The ceremonial presentation of the golf car took place on Saturday, October 28 at the PF&R Training Facility in NE Portland. This event was a touching occasion, celebrating not only the memory of Chief Ron Bender but also the enduring connection between firefighting and the camaraderie forged on the golf course.
