Firefighting History
From its wooden beginnings to modern ‘smart’ systems, the fire hydrant is a storied icon that represents the evolution of the fire service
Hundreds visit the Station Fire Memorial Park each year to pay their respects
92 children and 3 nuns were killed in the 1958 school fire where so many previously learned lessons had gone unheeded
A six-year push for the day of appreciation, inspired by heroism and tragedy, culminated in the designation of Oct. 28 to honor first responders
From the story of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow to the annual observations that bring fire safety messages to millions
9/11, tech growth, expanded assignments, and warp-speed changes define the decade
Who we were then, who we as a country are now and who we need to be
A FF/paramedic captain recounts hunkering down with victims at the Pentagon on 9/11 while expecting another attack
“The aim of this project is to share, with humility and grace, the family members’ journeys,” said Richard Wiesel
Reviewing historic fires enhances fireline safety by building context and familiarity with high-risk scenarios
At its best, tradition is a moral compass; at its worst, it’s albatross hindering progress
The conflagration claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people but still exists for many in the shadow of the Great Chicago Fire
The 1978 roof collapse served as a wake-up call about the dangers hidden in building construction, specifically the weaknesses of trusses
Through the televised memorial service, books and big screen dramatization, countless Americans discovered the story of 19 fallen firefighters
How a fire at a Queens hardware store took the lives of FDNY firefighters Harry Ford, Brian Fahey and John Downing
15 years after the Sofa Super Store fire, it’s critical to stay vigilant, remembering the firefighters’ sacrifice and the lessons learned from tragedy
58 members remain from June 18, 2007, ready to guide the newest 311 members
Summarizing the lessons learned from two investigations
As inquiries continue in the United Kingdom, issues of housing equity and inclusion persist there and stateside
Lawsuit
Buena Borough is trying to recover the 1948 Autocar truck, a “jaws of life” device and other items from former officials for the Landisville Volunteer Fire Company
The ceremony dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when members had to push the equipment into the bay
An event and tours will raise funds to preserve Fire Fighter, which responded to Ground Zero and the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’
The city’s second Black firefighter, David Taylor, described Erwin as a “great firefighter but an even greater human being”
Dogs have a long history helping firefighters; now they expand their role to offer physical and mental health benefits
The department’s parade and apparatus muster displayed both modern and antique equipment
No one was injured, but the crash caused major damage to the Knoxville Fire Department building
“Tommy,” which was named after former Baltimore Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., will be restored and displayed
Among Tom Herman’s 18 apparatus is one of two remaining trucks that responded to the 1937 aviation disaster
America’s firefighters were better trained and equipped for the future but ever mindful and proud of their past
Fire Chief Richard Kelley performed rescue and recovery operations, and Police Chief Wade Gourley served as an honor guard for many victims’ funerals
Diversity
Still far short of a goal of 45% minority representation, veteran and retired Black members fear that upcoming retirements will further reduce the numbers
Gregory Brown will enter an Alford plea, which allows him to maintain his innocence, and a judge plans to sentence Brown afterward
Is it time to prepare U.S. firefighters to battle mass fire events similar to those witnessed during World War II?
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