The run came in at that point in your sleep when you’re just starting to feel like you’re getting some rest. My first thought, “There goes the rest of the night.” Even if this was a false alarm, we’d be back in 10 minutes but the few hours of solid sleep that could be had that night were gone. We’d already had 3 fires that shift, one during the day and two earlier in the night. This would be our 4^th.

Your perspective changes how you see the world.

We descended the stairs as the cot guy yelled out “Box.  We’re first”. Everyone’s already fast pace increased a notch. Seconds later we were pulling out of quarters. Central office radioed a report of people still in the building. The pace increased another notch. Thank God the fire was only 3 blocks from the station.

Today in DFD history – 

March 1922
L-22, affectionately known as “The Double Deuce”,  went in service at Martin and McGraw.   
March 1925
E-50 and L-23 went in service on Houston near Gratiot

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This is the second in a series of posts that highlight some history of punishments given Detroit Firefighters that broke rules. This article give specific examples of rules that were broken, excuses given, and the resulting punishments imposed in 1913 and 1914.  The first post was an overview of  How Rule Breakers Were Punished 1913-1914.

If a firefighter breaks a rule, there are concequences. Records show, however, that consequences are harsher for some more than others.
It’s something I’ve witnessed throughout my time on the job. It may have been a function of who broke the rule, who imposed the penalty, or who was offended by the rule breaker’s actions.  In 1913 and 1914 things were no different. The following is information compiled from Detroit Fire Department documents from that era.
You’re Late
Being late for duty seems to be the most common punishable offense committed. When you look at a list of the amount of time a person was late, excuses given for being late and punishment imposed, a few thing inconsistencies stand out.

This is the first in a series of posts that will highlight some history of punishments given Detroit Firefighters that broke the rules.  This article is an overview of penalties imposed in 1913 and 1914.  The next will give specific examples (also from 1913 and 1914) of rules broken, excuses given, and the resulting punishments.     

Punishments for rule breakers on the Detroit Fire Department has evolved over the years. In 1913 a firefighter was dismissed from duty for damaging L-15 by driving over a curb. When viewed from today’s standards, that seems like a high price to pay. I’ll leave it to you to decide if time has changed things for the better or the worse. Documents from 1913 and 1914 show that the punishment for a minor rule infraction was most typically a reprimand.  Loss of leave day privileges for 30–90 days

Today in DFD history – January 9, 1978

Engine House No. 11 was placed on the National Register of Historical Sites.

Engine House No.11, located at Gratiot & Grandy was built in 1883, and is currently the oldest engine house in the city.  It was designed by architects Gascione & Sons and built by A. Abrecht & Marlow Brothers.  The original hose tower was shortened during World War II to accommodate the installation on an air raid siren. 

Companies were put in service on January 1^st, 1884.  The original equipment, a Silsby steam engine and a hose