The Fire Service

I heard a quote once describing the fire service that can seem fairly accurate at times. "The fire service. 200 years of tradition unimpeded by progress."

I know at times it can seem that fire departments are slower than molasses at accepting and embracing change but if you look back at our history I think you'll find that we have changed rather dramatically in recent years.

The Romans were the first to employ "firefighters." They were a group of men that watched for fire and then tried to stop it using a bucket brigade, water pumps, and various tools to rip down buildings in the path of the fire.

In 1679, the first fire department was established in Boston, MA. By 1715, Boston had 6 engine companies.

 It wasn't until 1853 that the first fully paid fire department was established in Cincinnati OH. Horse drawn fire apparatus were state of the art at this time.

In the early 1900's the first motorized fire engines came into service.

In 1967, the Los Angeles County Fire Department made another huge step. The first paramedics we're put into the field on two squads. While initially met with resistance from the fire service, paramedics today have become standard on most metropolitan fire departments. Part of the early success of the paramedic program is due to the show Emergency.

Since that time the fire service has grown in size, technology and scope. We no longer just respond to fires. Firefighters are trained in advance emergency medicine, vehicle extrication (no small feat considering all the different types of vehicles out there today), hazardous materials, technical rescues of any and all kinds, skydiving, flying, boating, prevention...just to name a few. And we strive to be experts in every one of these areas.

Here are a few of the modern apparatus that we use today.

 

ARFF (Aircraft Rescue Fire Firefighting)

  

Type 1 Engine

 

Quint

 

Fire Truck

 

Firehawk Helicopter

I just thought you might like a very brief look into the history behind the fire service and that firefighter/paramedic treating you or your family member.