This week, Deputy Fire Marshal Lani Hill was recognized with the 2022 Golden Sparky Award, honoring a fire service member for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple presented the award, which celebrates Lani’s many achievements in her 15 years with Portland Airport Fire and Rescue. Key among them:

• Serving as a chair of the Northwest Fire Diversity Council – an Oregon nonprofit whose mission is to increase the number of women, people of color and other underrepresented groups working in the fire service in Oregon and Washington – and working in collaboration with regional fire departments, EMS, college, state and local public organizations.
• Helping lead the PDX Lifesavers program, coordinating hands-on CPR, AED and first aid training opportunities for Port and PDX employees.
• Overseeing the fire prevention piece of PDX Next construction and renovation, critical infrastructure for Oregon and SW Washington.

Fire Chief Rob Mathis shared, “I believe that Lani embodies our core values of leadership, inclusion and service. No task is too big, and it’s always taken on with a positive, can-do attitude. Lani is a tireless worker and a true ambassador for Portland Airport Fire and Rescue to Port staff, PDX workers and our local community.”