Shortly after Sept 11, 2001, Fire Chief John Kobarda contacted Fire Fighter (FF) Tim Gracey looking for assistance to create station logos. Inspired by the comradery displayed by New York fire houses, Chief Kobarda hoped to bring a similar passion and pride to enhance the London Fire Service. Original concepts to display these news logos was to dedicate one sleeve of the uniform to the station. Using a velcro patch, similar to military organizations, as firefighters moved from hall to hall, they would display the patch of their current station. Logistics and practical funding of additional patches prevented this from being realized.
Voluntarily tasked with creating new station logos, FF Gracey presented the idea to all the stations requesting feedback to help and participate in the creative process. Of course, there were mixed emotions with the project to add a new tradition/logo to their station.
Here are the logos created:
Engine 1 – The Workhorse
As the busiest engine in the city FFs John Peter, and Steve Beasley provided the original concept of the workhorse. After several iterations, the final version was revealed.
Engine 2 – Terrible Twos
From an old t-shirt design of a baby smoking a cigar this logo was created. During the design process a small Rat was added honouring the dash mounted rat in the Rescue.
Engine 3 – The King of the Hill
With Station 3 at the highest elevation in London, crews assisted with developing this unique logo.
Engine 4 – Old North
Enthusiastic to support this project and to develop their own logo, Engine 4 crews insisted on honouring the old Moose head that hung on the wall of 4co for many years.
Engine 5 – FIghting Fives
Requested by crews including Captain Don Harrington, this logo depicted the strength of the crews supporting their community from one of the busier engines in the city.
Engine 6 – Best in the West
Inspired by an unnamed artist, the illustrated truck was created with a London flair and included the Gorilla as per the 6co crews’ requests.
7co – Super Sevens
Born from the inspiration of the Superman comics, Captain Paul Carew championed the commission of the station 7 logo.
8co – Crazy Eights
The card playing jester was hatched from the brainstorming and collaborated efforts of Station 8 crews.
Engine 10 – Beast from the East
Lead by FF Angus Mckenzie, E10 developed this logo for their station and engine.
Engine 12 – Byron Brigade
Captain Paul Blair, FFs Hawkins, Jongepier & Pollard suggested including a traditional steam engine and the name “The Byron Brigade”. Other Engine 12 crews suggested the imagery of the Storybook Gardens castle to be included.
Special Teams
Dive Team Logo
Created to support or designate vehicles associated with the Dive team, this logo was created by members of this highly skilled team.
9co – Tech Rescue Hall
An obvious connection was made to incorporate a likeness of “Spider man” in this logo as the Technical Recue Team are highly skilled in rope rescue.
1co – Hazardous Materials Team
Station 1 has traditionally been staffed with personnel from the Hazardous Materials Team. This logo honours all vehicles station at 1co when it was created.
New logos
FF Sean Foxton is currently spearheading a campaign to redraw and in some cases create new logos using modern digital technology. Here a few of the new logos:
