BOUNDARY COUNTY EXCELLENCE: Portrey named Firefighter of the Century

BONNERS FERRY — A longtime South Boundary Fire Protection District volunteer firefighter has received an unprecedented honor — firefighter of the century.

Wesley Portrey, 74, was instrumental in rebuilding the fire district, serving for 30 years and was attending district training as recently as July. Only recently, however, his health took a drastic turn and Portrey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Dad went from walking to barely getting up,” Shane Portrey said.

Portrey has always wanted to receive the coveted Firefighter of the Year award, which SBFPD officials give out every year in December. SBFPD Chief Allen Merritt said it was the district’s plan to give Portrey the award this year based on his contribution to the department this year.

“Since becoming chief here, I’ve noticed how much he cares about this department and his willingness to help in any way he can shows how much he cares,” he said.

His family said Portrey isn’t expected to make it much longer, let alone to December, due to the cancer, which has spread to many of his organs.

“Dad gave his life to the fire department,” said Shane Portrey. “Volunteer firefighters are another creature. They run into a burning building, knowing they can die.”

On Aug. 29, family and friends gathered at a family residence. A lethargic Portrey was carried to a lawn chair by his sons, his South Boundary Fire District jacket wrapped around his chair.

Right on cue, SBFPD Engine 652, from Station 3, pulled up in front of the home; it’s the very truck that Portrey drove when responding to calls. His eyes lit up.

Over a dozen SBFPD volunteers, leaders and commissioners came out to say their goodbyes to Portrey and thank him for his years of service. He was surprised and touched to see the men and women with whom he served.

As each person knelt next to Portrey, they thanked him for setting an example as a firefighter, for being a good teacher, and his dedication to the fire district and his neighbors.

Merritt thanked Portrey for his service, wisdom and knowledge he shared with the district over the past 30 years.

“You've been an honor and blessing, and such an asset to the community,” Merritt said as he thanked Portrey for his service not just to the Naples area, but to Boundary County as a whole over his decades of service.

Merritt and Assistant Chief Wayne Wilkerson presented Portrey the award, but instead of being named Firefighter of the Year, he was named Firefighter of the Century. Portrey was overcome with emotion — as were all present.

Merritt said he didn’t know why Portrey hadn’t received the award before, noting Portrey had been a firefighter for most of his years at the district and had only moved to the driver position in the past couple of years.

“There is nobody I would trust more to drive me to a scene than Wes. He was an amazing driver, always safe and always calm,” Merritt said.

Portrey was carried to Engine 652 for one final ride. He reached up and turned on the lights, like he had on so many calls and during parades.

Merritt has since visited Portrey.

“Even today, he says he wishes he could be here to help,” he said. “To me, that shows an enormous amount of dedication to South Boundary Fire. It's that reason that we decided to give Wes the Firefighter of the Century award. If he has that dedication now, I can only assume that he has always had that.”

Since becoming chief, Merritt and Portrey have become close.

“It's been an honor to get to know Wes better and learn from him, he has a lot of knowledge, and I’m thankful to have been able to get some of that knowledge. It's been an honor to call him a friend and a brother,” Merritt said.

While it has always been Potrey’s dream to be buried in a firetruck, the family has purchased a red coffin and with the permission of the SBFPD and the assistance of Far North Outfitters, South Boundary’s logo will be placed on his coffin.

In his 30 years of service to South Boundary fire, Portrey was never a paid firefighter, instead remaining a volunteer.

The Portrey family thanks South Boundary Fire and everyone who came to love and support them and Wesley in their time of need.

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Boundary County Excellence is a regular column at the Bonners Ferry Herald which will feature community members that inspire others whether through accomplishments, community service or life experiences. If you know someone who is an example of Boundary County Excellence, email us at news@bonnersferryherald.com.