Public Relations

The Portage Fire Department provides public education for fire safety. The Portage Fire Department offers group fire station tours and will attend special events that are within our goal of promoting fire prevention and safety. Due to the demand in responding to emergency calls and the number of Public Relations requests, we must adhere to the following procedure. Please carefully read the different types of events in which we are able to schedule.

Request Form

The request must be submitted no less than 2 weeks prior to the event. If interested in scheduling an event, please read the options listed and fill out the Public Relations Request form with the details of your event. Once the request is received by the Portage Fire Department and the approval process has begun, you will receive an update via email. Please consider that we are a working Fire Department. Our first priority is to save lives and protect property. There will be times that we may not be able to attend your scheduled function or have to leave early due to an emergency. We hope you understand and want to thank you for your continued support. With your understanding and consideration, our firefighters will strive to make your visit or event a memorable experience.

Fill out the Public Relations Request Form.

Station Tours

Tours need to be scheduled a minimum of two weeks prior to the event to allow stations to plan events and training. No station tours will be conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday as those days are designated for departmental training. Tours will consist of a safety discussion by a firefighter, a tour of the station, and a look at the fire apparatus. Tours can last for an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the size of your group.

Public Appearances

Fire Department apparatus can come to schools, churches, and approved public events. Firefighters are available to teach fire safety issues and talk about rewarding careers in the Fire and Emergency Medical Service. Appearances for businesses are restricted and must have approval by a Fire Department Administrator prior to scheduling. Business events will only be considered if they are clearly related to public education for fire or EMS safety.

Schools

October is National Fire Safety Month, and when we typically schedule visits to elementary schools. The fire crews will give educational presentations and demonstrate the apparatus. These events are considered public education and will be scheduled through the Division Chief of Inspections. Other functions with the Portage township schools can be scheduled with the Fire Administration outside the guide of this policy.

Public Speaker

The Fire Chief or staff can speak to any group or organization about the Portage Fire Department or a variety of fire and life safety issues. Please indicate on your request what topic you would like our speaker to discuss. Requests for a speaker should be made with at least three weeks' notice.