Fred May was born in September 1865 and became a member of Tiger Engine Company #5 of the Portland (OR) Volunteer Fire Department in 1881. As it transitioned into the Portland Paid Fire Department in January 1883, Fred would become a paid member. He would serve with Engine 2 and Truck 3 before being made Captain of Engine 8 in 1891. He would continue service as Captain of Engine 8 until his death on April 22, 1920. While standing watch duty at Station 8, Fred was found at 7:30 pm to have suffered a stroke. Before he could be taken to a hospital, he died at the fire station (on duty). He was survived by his wife and two daughters. Fred was 54 years of age with 39 years of service.