HFD History

A Historical Look Back at the Hamilton Fire Department

[Hamilton Spectator @TheSpec]

Did you know that 95 years ago this month the Hamilton Fire Department officially put out to pasture the last of its horse-drawn fire wagons? Writes @MarkFlashbacks #HamOnt
https://t.co/olwQkPWZKb

[HFD History @HFDHistorian]

92 years ago on March 10, 1929, Captain John Walsh collapsed while on duty at the John Street N. station and died of a massive heart attack. 83 years later in 2012, Captain Walsh's passing was formally recognized as a line of duty death. Never forgotten. @HamiltonFireDep

[HFD History @HFDHistorian]

On February 23, 1891Firefighter Jeremiah Thomas died in the line of duty after a fall in the hose tower at the King William Street station. Firefighter Thomas had joined the HFD on August 28, 1885 and was 34 years old at the time of his death. Today we remember his service.

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of former @HamiltonFireDep Chief Glen Peace. He served the city of #HamOnt with distinction as Fire Chief and City Manager. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

[HFD History @HFDHistorian]

As we close out 2020 we look back at a picture of apparatus and personnel taken 100 years ago in front of Central Fire Station.

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

What a difference 100 years in #HamOnt make. Shown are the 1920 Reo Bickle Pump 6 and what we have for Pump 6 in 2020.
#FleetFriday #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

For #ThrowbackThursday we look back to 1968, when Mayor Vic Copps visited #HamOnt Fire Station 8 on Melvin Avenue to showcase some medical equipment on Emergency Car 8 #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

As times changed, so did the colour of our fleet with the transition of our 1964 Mack Pump-3 and 1966 Mack Pump-4. #FleetFriday #FlashbackFriday #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

Our #HFD new fleet purchase in 1964 with Pumps 2, 7 and 9 showcased at #HamOnt City Hall.

#FleetFriday #FlashbackFriday #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

As winter approaches we look back at our #HamOnt firefighters operating at a working structure fire during the winter of 1926. #Firefighters are always ready to respond, no matter what the conditions are. #ThrowbackThursday #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

Today we look back at the additions to the #HFD fleet in 1980 with the Mack Pumpers 1, 3, 4, 8, and 11.

#FleetFriday #FlashbackFriday #StrongForYou

Photo courtesy of Ken Buchanan

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

#StrongForYou #HFD #HamOnt

How it started. How it's going.

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

#StrongForYou #HFD #HamOnt

How it started. How it's going.

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

#StrongForYou #HFD #HamOnt

How it started How it's going

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

A large part of our Public Education program has been our #HFD Open Houses. Although public visits are currently suspended, we look forward to being able to have #HamOnt residents visit us again, as seen here in1955. #ThrowBackThursday #FirePrevention #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

With #FirePreventionWeek2020 coming up next week, we look back on our fire prevention activities in #HamOnt with our Hook & Ladder 1 at the turn of the century. #ThrowBackThursday #FirePrevention #StrongForYou

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

HFD Station 11 (Ray St.) was opened on Oct. 21, 1959 and has served the core of #HamOnt from that location since. There have been many different apparatus assigned to St. 11 over the years. Shown are Pump 11, Truck 11, Car 11, DC-1, RU-11 & EMS #ThrowBackThursdays #StrongForYou

[HFD History @HFDHistorian]

On June 28, 1883, the HFD purchased its first steamer engine capable of pumping 600gpm built by Clapp and Jones of Hudson, NY. A second steamer capable of pumping 800gpm was added in 1907 built by Waterous of Brantford.

[HFD History @HFDHistorian]

As we recognize National Firefighter Memorial Day, we remember the first Hamilton firefighters to die in the line of duty. Fireman Laurence Powers and Lieutenant William Woods died on September 13, 1854 at the Fisher and McQuesten Foundry fire. @HamiltonFireDep @CanFirefighters

[Hamilton Fire Department @HamiltonFireDep]

On January 1, 1902, the HFD opened the Sophia Street Station (Strathcona Avenue). This station remained operational until August 1959 when the current Station 11 was built on Ray Street South. #ThrowBackThursdays #HamOnt #StrongForYou