The Albany Fire Department - 150 Years of History
Since its founding in 1836, Albany always provided fire protection for the community. Of course, back in the early days, protection involved the use of a "bucket brigade", a simple system where water was passed in leather buckets from person to person until it could be thrown directly on the fire. As difficult as it was to set up, and tiresome for those participating, this system rarely resulted in the successful suppression of larger fires in most communities.
No actual date is known, but sometime during 1866, Albany purchased a steam driven fire engine, and on January 8, 1867, the fire department began to form into a semi organized volunteer fire department. During these years, when a fire was noted, people came from all over town to assist in fighting the fire. In 1882, Albany formed its first organized volunteer fire department with four active companies. The Thronateeska Engine #1, located at the main station on Pine Avenue at Court Alley, had thirteen active white members. Eagle #2 and Lightening Hook and Ladder companies were located behind the main station, and each company had forty active black members each. Defiance #3 was located in the building which housed Rucker's Bakery on North Jackson Street, and had twelve white members. The Defiance fire house was also utilized by the City councilmen for regular meetings on the second floor.
At this point, there were no fire trucks like we have today. All of this equipment was horse drawn, and the only powered unit was the steamer manned by Thronateeska volunteers. The City had no water mains or hydrant systems to be utilized for firefighting, but relied solely upon cisterns and holding ponds for water supply. The largest of these cisterns was located on Pine Avenue between the New Albany Hotel and the old City Hall. Cisterns like this would fill with rain water and were maintained at the "ready" in the event of fire. Mr. W. V. Kimbrell, who joined the fire department in 1913, stated that a primary part of his job when the first came to the City was to keep the cisterns cleaned out and ready for use. The cisterns provided the main source of fire water for the Albany area until artesian well development initiated a more accessible water supply.
Today, telephones allow us to contact emergency services within seconds in order to respond to fire, police or medical services. In the early days of the City, things were not so easy. If a fire was discovered during day light hours, the first person to see it would call out "FIRE" and the word would be relayed until someone nearest the fire station would hear it. A bell tower was constructed on top of the fire station with a rope hanging to arms length at the sidewalk. The closest person hearing the alarm would sound the bell by pulling the rope. If a fire was discovered during night hours, shots would be fired into the air by the person finding it. Five shots signaled the discovery of a fire, and the person closest to the fire station hearing the shots would sound the alarm. In either case, the bell, as well as the shots would bring the volunteers running to the stations.
Competition abounded amongst the fire companies within the City. A standing rule was the foreman of the first arriving company on the scene would direct the entire operation, so response was quick and sometimes reckless. The inbred rivalry between all companies due to this, as well as the social distinction of belonging to the respective companies, made life interesting amongst the volunteers of the Albany Fire Department.
The main station on Pine Avenue was a one bay, two story building, and was to be very similar in layout to a larger house, constructed in 1909 on the same location. The second story was utilized as sleeping quarters for the volunteers, if they desired. The ground floor was the center of activity, for this is where the steam engines and team horses were kept. The rear portion of the ground floor contained the stalls for the teams and hay lofts were evident in each station. The harnesses for the horses were suspended by cables from the ceiling, and when an alarm was received, the horses would position themselves under the harnesses and the firefighters would lower and secure them to the team. The normal; "team" for a steamer and the ladder truck was three horses, while hose wagons normally were drawn by a team of two. When the team was "hitched", the engines would be on their way to the fire.
Although there is no confirmation, the worst fire in the history of the City occurred on March 13, 1867, when twenty-seven buildings in the downtown area were completely destroyed. It is understood that the fire was of such magnitude, that fire companies just protected the surrounding blocks of buildings and let the fire burn itself out.
In 1893, a new chapter of the Albany Fire Department history began with the organization of a paid department. Thomas E. James, a veteran of Thronateeska #1, was installed by the City fathers as the first Chief of the department, although his formal title was that of "General". A forty-three year old bachelor, James was to serve until his death on October 15, 1909 at the age of 55. James lived in the sleeping quarters of the Pine Avenue station and served in all capacities for 27 years. He was just getting ready to move into his quarters in the modern fire headquarters when he answered his last alarm. A very popular person, his funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners. His death was attributed to heart failure, complicated by pneumonia induced during a stubborn major fire at the Planter Oil Mill in east Albany just one week before he died. Chief James can be considered the first death of a firefighter in the history of the Albany Fire Department.
Following James' death, the department was without a chief until January 3, 1910, when L. S. Weldon was appointed as the new chief. He served until November 11, 1911, when D. W. Brosnan was appointed to replace Weldon.
Chief Brosnan became known as the most famous chief in the City's history during his forty year term as chief. Through his leadership, Albany became well known nationwide for its active fire prevention programs and fire free community. During his term, the department received two "Grand Awards" and five "Class Awards", the highest awards bestowed for fire prevention activities at the time. Brosnan became nationally and internationally known through his activities as President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs in 1931 and 1932. It was once said that he made the citizens of the City so fire conscious, that when a fire did occur, the owner was viewed with suspicion. One thing is sure, many improvements were made during this term as chief. He was so politically active in the community, that whatever he wanted, he got. During most of the time he served, he was the only City Department Head, and had the largest City department. Therefore, he ran the City. During this time, the department membership grew, and with this growth came fire employees who would once serve as chief of the department. They were J. J. Romeo, E. E. Moody, Carl Callaway, H. F. Houston and C. E. Hysler.
The fire horse went by the wayside with the purchase of Albany's first motor driven fire apparatus in 1912. These faithful horses were given to the trash collectors, and it said that there were instances when the fire bell rang, that the trash wagons pulled by ex-fire horses, could be seen racing to fires, dumping trash in the street as they went. In a few short years, the horses were all replaced with motor driven apparatus, and the end of an era was at had, never to return.
Around 1908, the City's first alarm system was installed for reporting fires. Approximately fifty pull type fire alarm boxes were bought and installed in and around the City. This system proved to be a curiosity for the City's citizens checking them out. In addition to the pull station boxes, a selector station, located on Jackson Street, was also installed. This station was utilized to alert the off duty firefighters and water works when a fire was noted. During those years, the water works would boost the pressure in the event of a fire, allowing fire hoses to be directly connected to the hydrant for water without a boost from a fire apparatus pump. When the duty watch received an alarm, he immediately notified the on duty firefighters and set the selector to sound the bell in the tower to alert the off duty men of the location. The off duty men were expected to answer calls when received as part of their job. When this system was retired on February 28, 1983, there were 183 pull boxes in service in the City. The system was retired due to the cost of upkeep, maintenance and the number of telephones available for reporting fires. At 9:45 A.M. on February 28, 1983, Box 44, located at Palmyra Park Hospital as transmitted making this the last fire alarm transmitted on this system.
In the early years of the department, work hours were extremely long with only four firefighters and the chief. They would work six days and have one day off each week. In 1927, with eleven men on the department, the hours were cut with only three days on and one off. At the same time, the employees could go home, at staggered intervals, for meals three times a day. A few years later the shift was reduced to seven days of twelve hour shifts weekly. Each week, on Friday at noon, the shifts would change with one shift working the entire day and the second not coming in until the following day. This shift stayed until 1951 when the department went to a one day on, one day off schedule. Each employee would work like this for two weeks and then have three days off. The in between day was called a "Kelly" day, and the employee would have it off once each third week when his shift would be on duty on that day, and the employee scheduled would be off. The department worked this shift until November of 1969 when the present one day on, two days off schedule was implemented. The present system required an additional shift of manpower to start. The three shifts, "A", "B" and "C", rotate through this schedule 365 days a year.
The uniforms worn by the fire department today are similar to those worn by early volunteers and paid personnel. Similar to military uniforms, a blue coat, blue pants, white shirt, black tie and black shoes are complimented by a blue dress hat, badges, name plates and collar ornaments. The early uniform included a "stove pipe" or "bell" cap, but several years ago, these were phased out by an Air Force type of hat. Work uniforms include blue pants, black shoes and blue shirt for firefighters and AOE's. The officer's uniform is complimented by a ball cap with department logo imprinted on it. These uniforms are supplied by the City, and have been done so since 1912. During the 1950's, gray uniforms were issued for work, but the color was returned to blue in 1971.
With the increase of population, it was necessary to provide for additional fire stations throughout the City, and later the County as well. With the advent of paid staff, the only station was located at Pine Avenue and Court Alley. Built in 1893, it was replaced in 1909 with a more modern headquarters which remained as the only station until 1940, when a new sub station was built behind Albany High School at Harding and Tift Avenue. Staffed with six men, the station was operational until World War II broke out. The station was closed due to the cost of operation.
After World War II, a new station was opened on Broad Avenue in east Albany. This station [#3] was in operation until 1986. In the early 50's, another station was built at Highland and Poplar Avenue. This station [#4] was in operation until 1986. Station #2, at 1500 Palmyra Road, was opened shortly after #4, and presently serves as a station and apparatus repair shop. Station #5 was built shortly thereafter at 2035 Newton Road, and is still in service. In 1962, there were five stations, including headquarters, and in September of that year, Station #6 was opened at 2223 Dawson Road.
In March of 1970, a new and modern headquarters was constructed at 320 North Jackson Street. This two story, 17,000 square foot structure, houses Station #1, administrative offices, training, fire prevention and supply. The old headquarters was demolished following the opening of this modern station.
The next station built is located at 200 North Mock Road and houses Station #7. Due to the number of jet planes flying into the Albany airport, another station [#8] was constructed within the airport grounds, but following several years of operation as a City station, was turned over to the airport commission for their operations. The Albany Fire Department still responds to backup the airport crash trucks when needed.
In 1979, Station #9, located at 1406 Antioch Road, was opened. This was followed by the opening of a new Station #8 in 1984, located at 5924 Newton Road. Both of these stations are owned by the County, but are operated by the Albany Fire Department.
Two new stations were constructed in 1986 to replace two existing stations. Station #3, presently located at 501 Holly Drive, was built to replace the existing Station #3 on East Broad Avenue. Station #4, located at 2601 Gordon Avenue, was built to replace the existing Station #4 on Highland Avenue.
In 9187, two brush fire units were placed in service at Stations #4 and #7. These two units [Brush Truck #4 and Brush Truck #7] respond to brush fires throughout the County.
On March 22, 1988, Station #10 was opened at 4717 Gillionville Road. On the same date, a manpower squad, named Truck #31, was put into service at Station #1. This squad responds to augment the manpower at multi company responses throughout the County. This brought the allocated strength of the Albany Fire Department to 165 personnel.
At present, there are ten [10] operating fire stations, from which ten [10] engines, two [2] ladders, one [1] man power squad, two [2] fire units, a hazardous materials unit and one [1] battalion chief respond. Through a contract with Dougherty County, the entire County is covered by the department.
In the early days of the department, training was held once a week on Pine Avenue near the New Albany Hotel. The men would gather to stretch hose lines, raise ladders and perform related training activities. This drill, which normally reflected the "hurried" atmosphere of an actual fire, usually took less than a half of one hour and included no classroom work. As the department began to receive new equipment, and need arose, training became more involved. Each Friday morning, the department would drill on the old Bob's Candy building on Pine Avenue. Hoses would be stretched up raised ladders and operated. At this time, the way of thinking of the older firefighters, was that if you were interested in the job, you might be looking to get their job, so training was still limited.
Starting in 1947, the department began to hold one hour training sessions each morning in order to familiarize the men with streets, hydrant locations and fire boxes. In 1954, a multi story training tower was constructed behind Station #2 on Palmyra Road. Each day different stations would report for "drilling" on ladder evolutions, hose evolutions, pump operations and other "hands on" skills. This type of training is still utilized at a training site at the old Turner Field location. Plans for a new training tower, drafting pit, burn building and combined Police/Fire Training Center are presently in the works for this site.
As the years have passed, the importance of training has been realized within the department. Presently, each employee is required to receive 2.5 hours of training a day year round. Training subjects are assigned monthly and special instructions performed by the Training Division.
Firefighting has never been one of the highest paid professions in the world, considering that it is rated as the most hazardous. The early salary rate is not known, but in the 1920's a firefighter was paid approximately $120.00 per month for long and tedious hours. In 1962, the salary was only $278.00 per month, and 1986, the salary had risen to $1,280.00 per month. A starting firefighter now makes $1,505.00 per month, and works a 56 hour week.
Up until the late 1940's, a fire personnel were paid off in cash by the chief, at a table set up in front of the chief's office. If an employee had received an advance, it was deducted from his pay each week. At present, employees can receive salary either weekly or biweekly.
With the beginning of the contract with Dougherty County, for coverage within the County limits, several problems were rectified. Prior to 1958, when a call was received by the watchman, he would check a log book containing the names of those persons who had paid a fire tax to the City. If the persons name was not in the log book, the department would not respond and the building would burn. In 1958, the Albany Fire Department began running to all fires within the Dougherty county limits through a contract for services. In fact, the Albany Fire Department has no dividing lines between City and county areas, but services either equally. The saving to the public in this area is further supported by the fact that citizens within the City limits presently have a Class 3 insurance rate on their property. Those citizens living in the County who are close to both water and fire stations have a Class 5 insurance rating. Other property holders in the County have a Class 9 rating. Other counties having protection usually have a Class 9 protection rating with a Class 10 rating in non protected areas. A 1988 ISO grading review brought the Albany Fire Department to within 1.25 points of having a Class 2 fire department. Manning of companies was determined to be at only 59% of the required number for a Class 1 department.
As was stated earlier, when a fire was discovered, the bell at the fire station would be rung and the volunteers would come to the station, get the equipment, and respond to the fire. With the increased use of telephones, the use of the selector unit would strike out the box location of the fire on the bell. The house watchman, when receiving a phone call for a fire, would call out "twelve" to alert the on duty shift of a fire call. This code was used due to the fact that the phone number for fire calls was "12".
When the department began to grow and more stations were added, the fire phone would ring in each station, alerting the entire on duty force. In later years, a "ring down" telephone system, which could be selectively rung in any or all stations, was installed to alert the companies to respond. With the advent of two way radios, each station and apparatus were in constant contact with fire headquarters. On duty fire personnel were made dispatchers and would receive all fire calls at Station #1. There were four men assigned to the ladder company at this station and they rotated in serving as dispatcher every four hours. When a call was received, the dispatcher would note the address and ring the station which was to respond. The original dispatcher schedule was eight hours in length until men were rotated off the ladder truck.
Following the retirement of Chief W. D. "Billy" Brosnan in 1951, J. J. Romeo took the reigns of the Albany fire Department. Romeo had served as Assistant Chief under Brosnan prior to 1924, having joined the department on March 24, 1912. Romeo retired in 1957, and later died in April of 1971. Sometime during this period, a firefighter, H. H. Clower, was killed while being thrown from an apparatus responding to a false alarm.
The next chief was E. E. Moody, a veteran of the Albany Fire Department since July 18, 1927. Although Moody resigned his position with the department on February 15, 1929, he returned to duty on December 20, 1930 and eventually was promoted to chief. He held that position until January 1, 1969. While he served as fire chief, another firefighter, H. C. Huff died while fighting fire in the City.
Chief Carl Callaway took command as chief following Moody's retirement. A veteran of the Albany Fire Department since 1939, he left the department to serve in the Armed Forces during World War II, and returned in 1945. He was appointed assistant chief in 1957, and was appointed chief of the department on February 11, 1969. Just prior to his appointment, another firefighter, J. N. Snyder, passed away fighting a fire. Callaway served as chief until his death on July 6, 1971, while attending a meeting at Station #4.
H. F. Houston became Albany's seventh fire chief on October 6, 1971. Having joined the Albany Fire Department in 1948, he was promoted to battalion chief in 1963, and assistant chief in February 1969. He retired in 1978, and was succeeded by Charlie E. Hysler on October 30, 1978.
C. E. Hysler joined the Albany Fire Department in June of 1948. He served in various capacities prior to his appointment as fire chief. He served until his retirement on January 17, 1986. Deputy Chief T. F. Roberts took command as acting chief until the appointment of J. D. Jansen, Jr. on April 11, 1986. Albany's ninth fire chief was the first person outside of the ranks of the fire department to be appointed chief of the department. A 26 year veteran of the fire service, he had served on the New York Fire Patrol, the Hartford Connecticut Fire Department, and as State Fire Marshal for North Dakota prior to coming to Albany. Jansen served as Albany's ninth fire chief until March 28, 1991, when he left Albany to become fire chief of the Columbia/Richland County, South Carolina Fire Department.
On September 16, 1991, the City of Albany appointed Henry L. Fields as its tenth fire chief. Chief Fields has joined the department in 1974, and moved through the ranks to become fire chief and along with this appointment was appointed Director of Emergency Management by Governor Zell Miller. These appointments gave birth to the Albany Fire Department and the Emergency Management Agency. Currently this involves ten [10] fire stations and 165 employees, with an annual budget of $4.5 million dollars.
As the fire department moves ahead under the leadership of Chief Fields, changes for the future are already starting to take place. A combined communication dispatching system to include an enhanced 911 phone system, featuring a computerized dispatching [CAD] system, manned 24 hours a day. The planning of an eleventh fire station to be placed within the County to better serve the public, a dry hydrant system to supplement water supplies in the County's outlying areas, through the Emergency Management part of the department an increased awareness system for monitoring unnatural weather conditions, stronger involvement in public awareness through the use of fire prevention programs [Puppet House, Safe House] designed to attract the attention of all ages of people within the County. All this with a dedicated staff of employees willing to meet the demands of public safety.
With 100 years of paid service and still growing; 174 employees, 11 fire stations, 36 pieces of apparatus, rescue water operations, hazardous material response. The fire personnel of the Albany Fire and Emergency Services stand ready to face the future and provide for this County, the best protection it can for the next generation to come.
[Historical Information: Courtesy of retired Captain Bill Cloud]