Category Archives: history

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Have You Ever Used an O’Dell Ladder?

“The Ditch” is the name Detroit Firefighters use for many sections of freeways that cut through the city.  In certain locations the roadway is set far lower than the surrounding area and is flanked by vertical concrete walls.  It literally looks like the freeway is set into a ditch in the landscape. When referring to the service drives that run along the top of these freeways we often say it is “top side”.

Photo courtesy of skyscraperpage.com

Photo courtesy of skyscraperpage.com

You can imagine the difficulties fire companies encounter while responding to fires or accidents located on “the ditch“.  Access ramps to the freeways may be far away and traffic backups

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Correction and More Information on Previous Posts

On Monday I attended the east side retirees’ breakfast and met a warm and inviting man named Wayne Isken. Wayne writes the Wayne’s Stuff articles you may have seen. His articles are geared toward stirring the memories of the department retirees with his “Do you remember….” questions, but for those of us who were not around during those days they hold a wealth of information about how things use to be. I strongly encourage you to take a look at his articles. They can be found at his website waynesstuff.weebly.com and on detroitfirefighters.net.

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Detroit Fire Department History – November 10

Today in DFD history – November 10, 1963

Detroit Firefighter Albert Booth was killed and another firefighter was permanently injured. Engine 56 responding to Box 7277, Hildale and Moneart, and was struck by a speeding motorist. It was a false alarm. A 15 year old boy was caught by police and later admitted to pulling the box. Three years later, (October 14, 1966) the first alarm boxes were

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It’s a Good House Now!

In the Detroit Fire Department, when an emergency call comes in the firefighter on watch rings a bell. It sounds a lot like a school bell. It serves as an alert to firefighters who may be scattered throughout the house that their services are needed.

Detroit Fire, like many other departments, have stations that

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Detroit Fire Department History – The Engine Company With An Identity Crisis

Today in DFD history – November 6, 1846

The Engine Company With an Identity Crisis
Detroit’s sixth hand engine company was organized and located on Larned between St. Antoine and Hastings.

Notice the “Neptune” and “No. 6” in the arch above the door.
Great old architecture!

Although the dedicated men purchased their own engine and paid their own expenses, they apparently had an identity crisis. 

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Detroit Fire Department History – November

Today in DFD History – November

1972 – XXL days were implemented, reducing Detroit Firefighters
              scheduled work hours to 50.4 per week.

November was also a popular time to add to DFD.

1903- Engine 27 went in service at Junction at Rogers. Although they’re
            no longer at this location, “The Junction Boys” are standing strong
            109 years later.

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Detroit Fire Department History – October 29

Today in DFD History: October 29, 1977
Trial Firefighter Curtis Randolph, E-32 died as the result of a backdraft.
TFF Randolph was the first black DFD firefighter to die in the line of duty.

 

In July 1979 Detroit’s new fireboat was named in honor of the TFF. The “Curtis Randolph” is still in service today.

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CHOW!

It has happened twice a day, every day, in every Detroit Firehouse.  That familiar yell of “CHOW!”  It’s a not so subtle way of letting everyone know a meal is ready. 

Each morning firehouse cooks collect money from each member of their crew, shop for that day’s food, then prepare and serve lunch and dinner. 

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