Portsmouth Fire & Rescue

03/16/2026

We will do our crp/control burns on Thursday march 19.. .. Hopefully get to them all but we are a little short of help so might take awhile for some but anyways we ask that if your in our area that you don't burn that day.. wait till the wknd it'll be nicer 😆
Thanks

03/10/2026

CRP and Control Burns Update: Although a date is pending, we are targeting the end of next week for burns. (Will let you know but shooting for Thursday March 19) If your burn requires our involvement, please communicate with us so we can plan accordingly, aiming for all burns to occur on one day. (We have 3 right now so would start at 4ish) Additionally, we ask that residents in the Portsmouth area avoid burning on our designated burn day, due to the deployment of our entire fleet and staff. We are always ready to act and the response time would be top notch but it's just easier to control 1 fire instead of 2.. this would make everyone job easier and safer.. Thanks, Chief Leinen

03/01/2026

We appreciate your support at our breakfast event; it's clear we live in a remarkable community. With your help, we aim to achieve our goals, and we're grateful for your contributions - thank you.
Chief Leinen

02/28/2026

Don't miss our breakfast tomorrow morning, Sunday, March 1, from 7:30 to 11:00. We're proud of our track record for successful events,(not 1 breakfast burnt either) and we hope to see you there. A free-will donation is appreciated, with proceeds going towards upgrading our station or building a new one, provided that other essential facilities are also maintained. We invite contractors to share their expert opinions on our plans, and any input from professionals in the field would be valuable. We're dedicated to serving our community.
Thanks
Chief Leinen

02/22/2026

We hope everyone attended the Persia event this morning for breakfast. A reminder that our next gathering will be on Sunday, March 1, starting at 7:30 AM. We appreciate any assistance and information regarding our building fund efforts to expand or renovate the station, ensuring all other aspects remain current. Hopefully, we will be able to achieve this goal in 10 years or less.
Thanks

02/15/2026

HEART, HEROES, AND HISTORY: Portsmouth Fire Department Honors Its Own at 2025 Annual Banquet
PORTSMOUTH — In a tradition that has warmed the community since at least 1965, the Portsmouth Fire Department gathered this past Valentine’s Day to celebrate a year of service, sacrifice, and the "biggest heart in the county."
Chief Michael Leinen opened the evening by acknowledging the true backbone of the department: the families. "I’d like to thank everyone’s better half for letting them respond," Leinen said. "The calls come at the wrong time and take a while... this meal isn't just for the firefighters, but for the families putting up with it."
A Year in Review & Bragging Rights
The department saw a busy year with 55 total calls—21 fires and 34 rescue missions. Statistics showed that April remains the most demanding month for the crew. 8 calls that month while they avg 4 per month While the department prides itself on speed, this year’s "bragging rights" goes to the Chief himself. In a department where most members are clocking in under 45 seconds to get their gear on, Chief Michael Leinen took the top spot with a blistering 37.02 seconds, proving he can still lead the charge from the front.
Chief Leinen recalled a day with 70mph winds when multiple fires broke out in neighboring towns; he arrived at the station only to find four firefighters had already prepped the trucks just incase they were needed to help or have their own fire, with more pulling in behind him. "That’s a department that is ready to act," he noted.
Passing the Torch
The evening marked a significant leadership change as Marv Leinen stepped down after eight years as Assistant Chief, with Chad Reinig stepping into the role. The department also bid a formal "happy retirement" to long-time veterans Craig Rau (30 years), Jeff Schmidt (29 years), and Rick Ohlinger (15 years).
Chief Leinen issued a standing invitation to all retirees: "You are always welcome to come down the second Monday of the month at 7:00. We hope we’ve made you proud."
2025 Award Winners
The department’s top honors for the year were awarded to those who went above and beyond in the line of duty:
Firefighter of the Year: Mike Schneider
EMT of the Year: James Voge
Volunteer of the Year: Marv Leinen
By the Numbers: 2025 Standouts
Top Response Rates: Michael Leinen chief (86.4%), Tim Springman rescue capt (78.8%), and Chad Reinig assit chief (72.7%). As you can see their a officer for a reason.
Total Training/Meetings: 11 sessions held throughout the year.
Mutual Aid: Critical support was provided to Neola 1, Woodbine 1, Logan 2, Panama 1, Harlan 1, and Persia fire 10 and rescue 13.
The night concluded with a heartfelt toast to the retirees who built the house and the active crew that keeps it standing. "To the Portsmouth Fire Department: May we always get there fast, stay safe, and always make it back home to the ones we love."

ALSO don't forget our fireman's breakfast Sunday March 1 7:30 to 11

02/04/2026

PUBLIC ANNOUNCE

Short post this time long post coming in a few weeks after our firemens appreciation supper..

First off id like to thank everyone for supporting us in the past and for continuing to do so in the future.. You've help us achieve alot of things we needed at the station or for personal..

With that being said we have a big cost coming ahead of us and we aren't sure how we are going to handle it.. so any and all help is appreciated but we are starting to out grow our station.. So at this time we will keep up to date with everything but all proceeds will go to either adding on to station or some how building new.. As you drive by our station the driveway is breaking up and starting to get a sink hole so we are thinking to the future with this big project...

So hope to see you at our breakfast and ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED

THANKS AGAIN
Chief Leinen

07/07/2025

On a sunny Sunday morning in 1990 in the "Biggest little town in the U.S.," Portsmouth, Iowa, parishioners gathered at the church that was rebuilt after the devastating tornado tore through the town 50 years prior.

06/22/2025

06/13/2025

The count down is on.. This event grows every year and we hope to see you there.. Gates open at NOON come earlier if you want autographs as the players walk in to warm up 🤣..
First game at 2
No 9u or 12u game before hand but
A t ball game after read flyer..
PLUS 2 AIR balloons jump houses after the game..
Fun for ALL AGES if you've never came before this is something you'll need to come too cause you'll keep coming back..

SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY
I believe all fathers get in for free and I think it's also Fan Appreciation Day were you all get in free..