Firefighters

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Glimpses into different historic periods of firefighting, crew shots, and various HFD firefighters.

Houston formed its first full-time, paid fire department in June 1895. Prior to that, volunteer firefighters, like those pictured here in front of their steam engine wearing their best parade uniforms, served the small but growing city. Many of these volunteers were among the first 44 paid members of the Houston Fire Department, who worked 24 hours a day, with two days off each month.

The first Fire Chief of Houston's paid fire department, Tom Ravell, and Louis A. "Pinky" Bradley

Houston formed its first full-time, paid fire department in June 1895. Prior to that, volunteer firefighters, like those pictured here in front of their steam engine wearing their best parade uniforms, served the small but growing city. Many of these volunteers were among the first 44 paid members of the Houston Fire Department, who worked 24 hours a day, with two days off each month.

The first Fire Chief of Houston's paid fire department, Tom Ravell, and Louis A. "Pinky" Bradley

HFD Fire Station 01 - 1900s Crew Picture (Unknown) 002.JPG

Station #1 (second location) crew photo. 1900s

Firefighter sliding into action at Central Station in the 1930s.

Station 01 - 1940s Crew Picture (Unknown)-2_edited.jpg

Station #1 (third location) crew photo. 1940s

Furniture store fire in 1947. Firefighters did not have breathing devices at this time. Fire fighting efforts were often stopped at windowsills during such fires.