It's #waybackwednesday! Check out these then and now photos, courtesy of the Daniel A. Baker Collection in our Community Album. The first photo shows Fire station #3 on Washington Blvd. circa 1909. The Fire station was constructed in 1893 and deactivated in 1972. The second photo shows the Fort Wayne Firefighters' Museum in 2017, formerly Firestation #3, which opened in 1981.
From our back issue 11::: The Fire House Horse::: check out this little movie of fire horses being harnessed, ca. 1903. Watch how fast a team can harness and be out the door--faster than modern fire engines. OUT IN FIFTEEN SECONDS! Look how quickly the gray horse is ready to go--The single-horse buggy you see just at the end (on left) is probably a Morgan pulling the Fire Cheif. Enjoy! We've uploaded another Fire Horse video too--so be sure to check the Video Gallery.
From our back issue 11::: The Fire House Horse::: check out this little movie of fire horses being harnessed, ca. 1903. Watch how fast a team can harness and be out the door--faster than modern fire engines. OUT IN FIFTEEN SECONDS! Look how quickly the gray horse is ready to go--The single-horse buggy you see just at the end (on left) is probably a Morgan pulling the Fire Cheif. Enjoy! We've uploaded another Fire Horse video too--so be sure to check the Video Gallery.
Fort Wayne Fire Fighters Search this file showing the work of Donald A. Weber, a retired professional fire fighter and photographer. He has worked a number of years with newspaper accounts and his own knowledge of area fire fighters to compile this data. at .
Learn more in the book Fort Wayne’s Fire Department 1839-1964 by George K. Bradley, available for sale at the Firefighter’s Museum
WFWA PBS39 2013 promotional documentary project about women in the Fort Wayne Fire Department featuring Fort Wayne's first female Fire Chief Amy Biggs and Fort Wayne's first female firefighter, Genois Wilson. From Pbs39 Productions on Facebook May 23, 2013.
As the weather gets nicer we inevitably get more calls related to open burning. If you live within the Ft. Wayne city limits and plan on enjoying an evening campfire, please be aware of the city ordinance on open burning.
First responders are challenged when they enter a home where hoarding is taking place. Firefighters can't move swiftly through a home filled with clutter. Responders can be trapped in a home when exits are blocked. They can be injured by objects falling from piles. Here's some info about how you can help if you have a person in your life who is a hoarder.
Check out this amazing lineup of vintage rigs which participated at EMERGENCY! The Ultimate First Responders' Event held August 27th in New Haven Indiana. Congrats to the organizers and a tip of the hat to all the owners who brought pieces from across Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
We want to give a big THANK YOU to Code 3 Indiana who provided the footage of the Antique Rigs! If you want to see the entire parade, visit Code 3 Indiana on YouTube!
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It’s #firefighterfriday! Today, we recognize Patsy who was the Dalmatian mascot at Fire Station No. 2 at 436 East Wallace St. in Fort Wayne. Patsy was born into her profession. The daughter of Queenie, a former mascot of Fire Station No. 5, she was one of a litter of ten puppies born in the basement of the fire station in May 1951. The puppies were offered to all of the fire houses in the city. In the days of horse-drawn fire engines Dalmatians were commonly used as carriage dogs, trotting alongside the horses and helping clear the path for the fire engine.
According to a 1954 article, Patsy was the sole member of Queenie's family who was still following her profession. Whenever an alarm sounded, Patsy would swiftly join the firefighters in hurrying towards the fire trucks. Remaining steadfastly loyal, Patsy fearlessly accompanied the firefighters into blazing structures, undeterred by thick smoke.
The following firefighters received a Unit Commendation Recognition Award this morning for their efforts during a fire on Fulton Street September 3. Due to the well trained, highly motivated firefighters who arrived on the scene, all of the occupants survived the fire. Congratulations, and thank you for all that you do to keep our residents safe!
Station #1
Private Travis Gase
Lieutenant Robert Hinsenkamp
Private Douglas Krawczyk
Captain Ryan Smith
Private Lucas Vorndran
Station #2
Captain Scott Estridge
Private Andreas Gomez-Espino
Private Thomas Kline
Private Caleb Spyker
Station #7
Captain Todd Brinker
Private Douglas Castator
Private Benjamin Keller
Private Charlie Phan
Station #17
Private Barney Farris III
Private Jason Fleming
Private Matthew Klopsch
Captain Miguel Rosales
Congratulations to Todd Brinker, Scott Estridge, Michael (Kenny) Girardot, Eric Lahey, Adam O'Connor, Todd Prindle, Scott Sorgen, Paul Veldman, Tom Volz, and Jamie York on 27 years of service to the FWFD.
Here are a couple more great photos of the 95th recruit class, taken on graduation day. The first is the entire class, and the second is of the four females who graduated.
Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced promotions for two FWFD employees.
Jermaine Thomas, District Chief of Health and Safety, was promoted to Assistant Chief of Health and Safety and Recruitment. Thomas began his career with the FWFD on August 10, 2001.
Captain/Inspector Jonathan Flickinger was promoted to Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction. He will oversee the Safety Village and FWFD Division of EMS. Chief Flickinger began his career with the FWFD on November 22, 2000.
“Both District Chief Jermaine Thomas and Captain Jonathan Flickinger have proven to be dedicated public servants,” said Chief Lahey. “Not only have they proven themselves to be excellent firefighters, but they have also shown an acumen for administrative work. I am excited to have both of these firefighters join the administrative team for the Fort Wayne Fire Department and to see what they will accomplish in their new roles.”
“I’m impressed with the professionalism and dedication to public service displayed by Jermaine and Jonathan. Both gentlemen are committed to protecting the community and have earned their respective promotions,” said Mayor Henry. “The Fort Wayne Fire Department continues to do an outstanding job to help meet the safety needs of residents, neighborhoods, and businesses.”
Station 12 received their new Engine 12—a 2024 Pierce Enforcer—which replaces a 2012 engine! Station 12 A shift is...
Station 12 received their new Engine 12—a 2024 Pierce Enforcer—which replaces a 2012 engine! Station 12 A shift is pictured here after spending several hours transferring new equipment and hose onto Engine 12, and doing training exercises to get familiar with the Engine. Engine 12 was placed into service yesterday and it was used to respond to a house fire only a couple of hours after it was placed into service.
Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced today that Battalion Chief Dafforn has been selected to serve as our new F-20 Chief of...
Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced today that Battalion Chief Dafforn has been selected to serve as our new F-20 Chief of Operations. Congratulations, Assistant Chief Dafforn!
Dafforn began his career with the Fort Wayne Fire Department in July of 1995. Over the last 30 years, Dafforn rose through the ranks of the FWFD and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2019. In his new position as the Assistant Chief of Operations, Dafforn will oversee the Fire Department Operations Division, supervising its 12 battalion chiefs which are spread out over three shifts. Dafforn will also supervise the District Chief of Logistics, and the Building Maintenance Supervisor.
Chief Dafforn is a former member of the FWFD Water Rescue Team and the Technical Rescue Team. He has also served as a member of the FWFD Honor Guard, the Joint Apprenticeship Training Program Committee, the FWFD Apparatus Committee and has served on the Firefighter’s Museum Board.
On Friday, Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced that Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor requested a new assignment--to fill the...
On Friday, Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced that Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor requested a new assignment--to fill the position of Captain at Fire Station 1.
“Although many of my responsibilities as Deputy Chief were rewarding, I enjoyed being a firefighter much more,” said Deputy Fire Chief O’Connor. “I’d like to finish out my career with the FWFD doing something I really love.”
In his duties as Deputy Fire Chief, O’Connor was instrumental in keeping Department costs low while still providing a high level of service. His more recent contributions to the community include the construction of Fire Station 14, the implementation of new air packs and radios, the purchase of new fire apparatus, and the transition to the new vehicle maintenance building. Deputy Fire Chief O’Connor was also directly involved with the officer promotional processes and responsible for the day to day work of the Operations Division.
“I appreciate the nine years of service that Adam O’Connor dedicated to the City of Fort Wayne as its Deputy Fire Chief,” said Fire Chief Lahey. “With his return to the engine house, there is no doubt that Adam’s technical proficiency will be an asset to the Operations Division. However, his presence in the administration will be missed.”
Acting Mayor Karl Bandemer and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced promotions for FWFD employees. Chadd Keller,...
Acting Mayor Karl Bandemer and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced promotions for FWFD employees.
Chadd Keller, Randy Mee and Brent Peterson were promoted to Captain/Inspector.
Casey Cassidy and Charles Komarck were promoted to Battalion Chief.
Rebekah Lash, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Bryce Western and Caleb Raap were promoted to Lieutenant.
“Advancement within the Fort Wayne Fire Department requires a firefighter to dedicate themselves to a level of excellence that is parallel to the mission of saving lives,” said Chief Lahey. “These individuals, who have made the decision to commit themselves to the service of others, have accepted the challenge that Mayor Tom Henry so often issued to those of us who had the privilege of working for him. He often quoted the West Point Cadet Maxim: ‘Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.’ I’m excited to see what this new group of officers will accomplish in their careers.”
Emmanuel Rodriguez was promoted to Lieutenant yesterday. Rodriguez is a 7-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new...
Emmanuel Rodriguez was promoted to Lieutenant yesterday. Rodriguez is a 7-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new position, he will assist in the direction of, and participate in, firefighting rescue activities, and will primarily supervise and operate the engine company when assigned to a single and multi-apparatus firehouse.
Rodriguez has been working at Station 12 for the past 2 years, has been an EMS and Academy adjunct instructor, and is also a member of the SCUBA Dive team. He looks forward to the opportunity to teach and lead his crews and share his knowledge of the profession.
Congratulations Lieutenant Rodriguez!
Randy Mee was promoted to Captain/Inspector recently. Mee is a 24-year veteran of the fire department. In this new...
Randy Mee was promoted to Captain/Inspector recently. Mee is a 24-year veteran of the fire department. In this new position, Mee will assist the Fire Prevention Division with occupancy inspections in accordance with the Indiana Fire Code and local ordinances. Mee's additional responsibilities include plan reviews of new construction and remodeling, and assisting in developing and implementing Code Enforcement programs.
Mee has been married to his wife Kelley for 26 years and has 1 daughter. He enjoys spending time with is family and currently works part-time as a certified home inspector.
Chadd Keller was promoted to Captain/Inspector on Monday. Keller is a 9-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new position,...
Chadd Keller was promoted to Captain/Inspector on Monday. Keller is a 9-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new position, Keller will assist the Fire Prevention Division with occupancy inspections in accordance with the Indiana Fire Code and local ordinances. Keller's additional responsibilities include plan reviews of new construction and remodeling, and assisting in developing and implementing Code Enforcement programs.
Keller has been married to his wife Becky for 12 years. In his spare time, he enjoys building their farm and taking care of their animals.
Congratulations Captain Keller!
Casey Cassidy was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief last week. Cassidy is a 28-year veteran of the FWFD. In this...
Casey Cassidy was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief last week. Cassidy is a 28-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new position, Cassidy will supervise the activities of all fire stations and personnel within his assigned area.
Cassidy obtained his Advanced E.M.T., has been a member of the Hazardous Materials Team for over 20 years, was a member of S.O.R.T. (Special Operations Response Team), and has received a total of 5 Unit Commendations and 1 Letter of Commendation.
Congratulations Battalion Chief Cassidy!
Rebekah Lash was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant last week. Lash is a 23-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new...
Rebekah Lash was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant last week.
Lash is a 23-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new position, she will assist in the direction of, and participate in, firefighting rescue activities, and will primarily supervise and operate the engine company when assigned to a single and multi-apparatus firehouse.
Lash has been working at Station 12 for the past 20 years.
She is also an instructor and paramedic. Congratulations Lieutenant Lash!
Belated congratulations to the 78th recruit class on completing 25 years of service with the FWFD.
Firefighters from our Sister City in Gera, Germany participated in live burn training at the FWFD training grounds alongside Fort Wayne Firefighters today. These six firefighters from Gera arrived on Saturday and have spent the week training with the FWFD and touring our City.
Congratulations to the 70th recruit class on completing 35 years of service with the FWFD.
Congratulations to the 74th recruit class on completing 29 years of service with the FWFD.
Congratulations to the following Lieutenants who were promoted to Captain today! Michael Aker Brandon Dickmeyer Christopher Schiel Timothy Schweitzer Craig Stephenson
Congratulations to Andrew Nieberding and Ryan Smith on your promotions!
Andrew is a 27 year veteran of the Fort Wayne Fire Department. In his time with the Department, Andrew has strived for professional perfection and honed his skills while serving 17 years at Station 11. Andrew’s strong skills have always been his passion, professionalism, and dedication to the Fort Wayne Fire Department. He has carried this over into his time at the Academy helping instruct the 96th Recruit Class, instilling his love of the job and his quest to continue to improve every day on a new generation of firefighters. Andrew continues to commit himself to training and developing firefighters of every skill set and of every stage of their career to provide the most professional service to the citizens and visitors of the City of Fort Wayne.
Ryan, hired in 2001, has been working as a Captain on a Ladder Truck company for the past 2 years. He is also the team leader of the Dive Rescue/Recovery Team and a 20-year member of the Technical Rescue Team. Previously, Ryan was assigned as a Lieutenant at Station 10 for 5 years. He holds a degree in Fire Science from Ivy Tech and is a member of the Fire Department Instructors Conference Safety Team. Ryan is being assigned to Battalion 13 and looks forward to the opportunity to lead his battalion and share his knowledge of the profession.
Congratulations to the 83rd recruit class on completing 20 years of service with the FWFD.
Yesterday, Mayor Sharon Tucker and Fire Chief Eric Lahey welcomed the Fort Wayne Fire Department's 97th recruit class to its first day of training. There are 23 recruits in the class.
