The History of the London Fire Department,
of heroes, helmets, and hoses.
Compiled by: Bill Adams
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The publisher would like to acknowledge the following for their contributions:
- Fire Chief Dave Hodgins.
- Deputy Fire Chief John Kobarda.
- Retired Fire Chief Jim Fitzgerald.
- Retired Deputy Chief Peter Harding.
- Retired District Chief Jack Nudds.
- Retired District Chief Jack Duncan
- Fire Captain Gary Fleming.
- Firefighter Rich Kerr.
- Fire Captain Scott Carter.
- Public Information Coordinator Rick Jefferson.
- London Professional Fire Fighters Association President Brian George.
- London Professional Fire Fighters Association Treasurer Phill King.
- Anita McCallum, Manager of News Research, The London Free Press.
- Arthur McClelland and staff of the London Room at London Public Central Library.
- Ken McTaggart.
- Doug Purssglove and staff at Holiday Print.
- Patti Muldoon, Design Consultant.
- Mibsie Booth of the Talman Regional Collection, University of Western Ontario.
Published by:
The London Fire Department
400 Horton Street,
London, Ontario.
www.city.london.on.ca/emergmed/fire/fire.htm
Printed by:
Holiday Print& Promotions Ltd.
287 Ashland Avenue,
London, Ontario.
Printed in 2002. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be repro- duced, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval without system, the prior consent of the London Fire Department. ISBN 0-9732159-0-9
A Message from Chief Hodgins
It is an honour to be afforded this opportunity to offer my personal observations on the distinguished history of London’s Fire Department. I introduce this book with a great deal of pride and pleasure. The book was commissioned to capture the heritage, culture and significant endeavours of London’s professional fire fighters.
I was appointed fire chief by London City Council on February 1, 1999. With this appointment came the opportunity to join the ranks of the many distinguished fire chiefs who have worked diligently to create a positive legacy for the service. My ambition is to build on this honoured heritage. As in the past, we will continue to focus considerable effort and energy toward public safety and education while ensuring preparedness, emergency response and mitigation resources are available to deliver the best possible life safety and property protection services.
History confirms that members of London’s City Councils, senior City Administration and City Managers have demonstrated absolute support for the members of the Fire Department and the elite services they pro vide. The universally embraced goal is to ensure that the emergency fire, medical and rescue services being provided for the community exceed expectations.
Our collective ambitions include a desire for and pursuit of service excellence. The ability to continue successfully executing the significant responsibilities entrusted to us is due primarily to the intense professionalism, compassion and dedication to duty championed by all members of the London Fire Department.
We are justifiably proud of both the past and present members of the London Fire Department team.
Respectfully submitted,
E. David Hodgins
London Fire Chief and Director of Paramedic Services
Excerpts from the book
February 1826
The Volunteer Brigade
Shouts of "FIRE, FIRE" would send London's early residents scurrying from their homes and businesses...
February 1832
First recorded fire
In 1835 the settlement had grown to about 300 buildings including seven taverns, three blacksmith...
February 1840
First fire by-laws
In London's early years, bylaws were passed in an effort to reduce the constant threat...
March 1842
Volunteer Fire Company
The following are the bylaws they established for the London Volunteer Fire Company: 1st. That...
First Volunteer Brigade Roster
List of the Members of the London Volunteer Fire Company W. Till, Captain. W. Bissell,...
