Imagine the culture discussions the early editorial board had
Today Fire Engineering celebrates its 137th birthday. Volume 1 launched back in 1877, as can been seen in the tagline above, ‘devoted to the interests of the firemen of the country.” When we think that our own era is challenged by innovation, invention and change, it somewhat pales in comparison to the late 1870’s. What was the fire service like back then?
Engine Company 18 (218) in Brooklyn (NYFD.com photo)
Horses were still running calls.
Ladder Company 6 in Manhattan (NYFD.com photo)
Ladder companies had excellent staffing.
Patent Office 1877 fire woodcut published
in Harper’s Weekly 13 October 1877 after
Timothy H. O’Sullivan photograph
The U.S. Patent Office, built of fire-proof construction, burned for a second time downtown.
The Pompier ladder, portable fire escape and gas mask were being developed and tested as well. What hasn’t changed? Passion and the pursuit to do the job better than before.
Look at the mission statement of sort as we celebrate a milestone in the business of firefighting.
Bookmark, Like/Share and Follow
Fire Engineering on Facebook, Twitter
“Captain Anonymous Doesn’t Ride Here†Read our comment policy
Bill Carey is the online public safety news and blog manager with PennWell Public Safety, or more specifically FireRescue Magazine/FirefighterNation.com, JEMS.com, LawOfficer.com and FireEMSBlogs.com. Bill started in the fire service, as a third generation firefighter in 1986, on the eastern shore of Maryland and then continued after moving to Prince George’s County. He served as a volunteer sergeant and lieutenant at Hyattsville. Bill’s writing has been on Firehouse.com, Fire Engineering, FireRescue Magazine, FirefighterNation.com, the Jones and Bartlett 2010 edition of “Fire Officer: Principles and Practiceâ€, The Secret List and Tinhelmet.com. His recent writing on firefighter behavioral health has been nominated for 2014 Neal Award for Best Subject-Related Series.
