Source: Phillipsburg herald (Phillipsburg, Kansas), September 9, 1897

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In 1897, in the city of Portland Oregon, a heartwarming decision was made by the city’s fire commissioners when they voted to grant a full pension to one of their most steadfast firefighters: a horse named Jerry. Jerry, a 23-year-old big bay horse, faithfully served the Portland Fire Department for 17 years. He began his career during the era of the volunteer department, where he and a mate were tasked with the demanding job of pulling Ladder Truck No. 1. He continued his dedicated service even after the department transitioned to a paid organization. 

After a long career, he eventually reached the point where he was considered too old to continue working. The commissioners were then faced with a decision about his future. Unwilling to sell the veteran horse for a small sum, where he might face neglect or abuse, they felt a deep responsibility to the animal who had served the city for so long. The board officially voted that Jerry would be retired as a "pensioner on the city." He would receive free hay and oats at the city's expense for the rest of his life, ensuring a peaceful and well-deserved retirement for a true public servant.