Category Archives: history

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08-26 Detroit Firefighter LODD – Charles L. Phillips

Today in Detroit Fire Department history – August 26, 1948, Detroit Firefighter Line of Duty Death

Detroit Fire Department Sargent Charles L. Phillips made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of Detroit. At the time of his death Sgt. Phillips was assigned to Engine 31.

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Sargent Phillips was killed by a collision between a fire apparatus and police car.

Charles was 48 years old. He joined the Detroit Fire Department on July 16, 1927.  At the time of his death he had served for more than 21 years.

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06-01 Detroit Firefighter Military LODD – Robert Roy Lanham

Today in Detroit Fire Department history – June 01, 1918, Detroit Firefighter Military Line of Duty Death

Detroit Fire Department Pipeman Robert Roy Lanham made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country (WWI). At the time of his death Robert was 24 years old.  He was a member of the United States Marine Corp.

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Pipeman Lanham started with the Detroit Fire Department as a substitute fireman.  He was brought on in a full time capacity on Marcy 1, 1913.  He was granted a leave of  absence to join the war effort on July 31, 1917.  Charles had been assigned to Engine 8 as badge number 302.

 

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06-14 Detroit Firefighter Military LODD – Edward Smalley

Today in Detroit Fire Department history – June 14, 1918, Detroit Firefighter Military Line of Duty Death

Former Detroit Firefighter Private Edward Alonzo Smalley made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country (WWI).  At the time of his death Eddie was 28 years old.

Smallley enlisted in August 1917.  He was a member of the Fiftieth Company United States Marine Corp.

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He was wounded in active service on June 13, 1918.  He died the following day at a base hospital in France.  He had been in France since November 1917.

Private Smalley’s parents were informed of his death via telegram which read:

“Regret to inform you that cablegram received from abroad advising that Private Eddie Alonzo Smalley, Marine Corp, died June 14 of wounds received in action.  Body will be interred abroad until end of war.  Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your greatest sorrow.  Your son gave his life nobly in defense of his country:.”

Smalley joined the Detroit Fire Department on February 16, 1917.  He served as a substitute fireman.  He resigned from the department on May 23, 1917.

 

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Detroit Fire Department History – Engine 17 and Ladder 7 Established

Detroit Fire Department Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17 and Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 Established

June 1st, 1893 Detroit Fire Department established Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17 and Hook and Ladder Company No. 7.  They went in service at a new fire station located at the corner of Cass Avenue and Amsterdam Street. At the time this was the far northern section of Detroit. The area had been annexed by Detroit in 1891.

Detroit Fire Department Detroit Fire Station Steam fire Engine Company No. 17 and Hook and Ladder Company No. 7

Detroit Fire Department fire station located at Cass and Amsterdam. Opened June 1st, 1893. Housing Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17 and Hook and Ladder Company No. 7

In the 1890’s this area was rapidly expanding due to the building of a major railroad infrastructure known as the Milwaukee Junction. Several industrial plants quickly sprung up in the area to take advantage of rail transportation for incoming materials and outgoing products. Many of these plants were related to Detroit’s growing

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Detroit Fire Department History – Largest Purchase of Fire Apparatus

Today in Detroit Fire Department History – 1969

The largest purchase of fire apparatus by the Detroit Fire Department happened in 1969.  A total of 16 fire engines and 7 ladder trucks went into service.  They replaced obsolete and riot damaged rigs.

Detroit Fire Department Engine 31 in 1974

The 16 fire engines were a Mack cab-forward model.   They had a 1000 gallon per minute capacity.

American LaFrance supplied the 7 ladder trucks.  Each had a 100′ areal ladder.

Question: If you were ordering new apparatus for the Detroit Fire Department today what rigs would you choose? 

 

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Detroit Firefighter Line of Duty Death – William O’Brien

Today in Detroit Fire Department history –
Detroit Firefighter Line of Duty Death
May 30, 1919

Detroit Fire Department Pipeman William Christopher O’Brien made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of Detroit. At the time of his death William was assigned to Flying Squadron Company Number 1.

Detroit Firefighter William OBrien died in the line of duty

A fire was reported in the basement of the plant of Berry Brothers Varnish Company around 2:00pm March 29th, 1919. Pipeman O”Brien was overcome

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Detroit Firefighter Line of Duty Death – Peter J. Condry

Today in Detroit Fire Department history – May 29, 1919, Detroit Firefighter Line of Duty Death

Detroit Fire Department Pipeman Peter J. Condry made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of Detroit. At the time of his death Peter was assigned to Flying Squadron Company No. 1.

Detroit Firefighter Peter Condry Died in the line of duty

A fire was reported in the basement of the plant of Berry Brothers Varnish Company around 2:00pm March 29th, 1919.  Pipeman Condry was overcome by

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Detroit Fire Department History – May 16th – Applications For Female Firefighters Accepted

Today in DFD History – May 16th, 1977

Detroit Fire Department accepted it’s first applications for female firefighters.  In September 20th of that year, Harriett Saunders, Sandy Kupper and Theresa Smith graduated from training academy and were assigned to E-21, E-32 and E-55. 

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Harriett Saunders, Sandy Kupper and Theresa Smith – Detroit Fire Department’s first 3 females firefighters.

As you might imagine, this was a very conterversial move for the department.  Many people believed that women would not be able to perform the duties necessary as firefighters.  Wives of many Detroit Firefighters expressed concerns over the lack of

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Detroit Fire Department’s First Paid Employee

Today in Detroit Fire Department History –  May 13th, 1828

Lewis Davenport is believed to be the Detroit Fire Department’s first paid employee.  He was paid $12 for ringing “the bell” from February 13, 1828 to May 13, 1828.  The bell was an 8 foot tall steel triangle that was placed in a central location in Detroit to alert firefighters in the event of a fire.

The triangle is now part of The Henry Ford Museum’s collection (formerly known as Greenfield Village). 

On the same date, Thomas Carmichael and David Kendall were appointed as members of Engine Company No.1. 

Without doubt David Kendall’s service with the fire department had a impact on his son, John.  John Kendall joined the department at 14 years old as a volunteer.  He stayed with the department 53 years and eventually became chief in 1898.  Detroit’s third fire boat was named the “John Kendall” in his honor.

Detroit Fire Department fire boat John Kendall

 

Some of the information for this post came from the book Detroit Fire Department 1701-2007.  You can learn more about the book and other references I use on the Resource Page.

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Detroit Fire Department History – May 1st

Today in Detroit Fire Department History –

May 1st  1932

The Fire Commission voted to lay off 120 firefighters and 23 bureau (now called divisions) members due to the economic toll of the great depression.  During that time, all city employees, including firefighters, were paid in script.  The layoffs lasted 6 months.  Only 85 of the 143 laid off chose to return to the fire department.

May 1st  1951

The Detroit Fire Department was pronounced the most efficient in the nation in personnel, equipment and effectiveness when they received the Grand Award in the National Inter-City Fire Prevention Contest.

May 1st 1956

Use of the High Pressure Water System was discontinued.  With a new freeway construction and the cost of moving the underground mains proved too costly.  Another factor in the decision to discontinue uses, was that the State Health Department objected to the use of raw river water as a possible contaminant. 

high pressure unit 1950s

 

May 1830

Detroit’s first ladder company was formed.  Known as “Rescue Hook and Ladder and Axe”, it had no truck until Jan. 10, 1831 when one was finally purchased for $70.  The company ran out oa a house located at Bates and Larned along with “Protection No.1” and “Hulbert Hose No.1”.

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