On July 1, 2007, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department celebrated their 125th anniversary of service to the residents of Atlanta as a paid Department.
Although Atlanta approved and organized the City’s 1st Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1848, the same year that the City received her name, it was not until July 1st, 1882 that all members of the Atlanta Fire Department were paid for their services.
In 1882 there were 3 Fire Stations and 38 Firefighters. Today, the department is comprised of 36 fire stations (including 5 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport) and more than 1,100 firefighters.
Interim Fire Chief Harold D. Miller said, “The professional honor, pride and integrity that existed in the 1800s can still be seen today as all of our members train and work diligently to prepare for and mitigate the increasing situational demands of various hazardous environments… whether the origin is from a natural, accidental or malicious source.”
“This is certainly an occasion to celebrate,” said Mayor Franklin. “I extend my sincere congratulations to the men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department who have made the commitment to protect and serve our community and improve the quality of life for all of our residents.”
On Sunday, July 1st, 2007, the Atlanta Firefighters commemorated the beginnings of being a paid department by sounding their siren on all apparatuses, at 0800 hours (8:00a.m.) for 15 seconds, in honor of the department and its Fire personnel of the past and present.
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For more information about this and services of the City of Atlanta visit our website at www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26.