Allen County, Indiana Genealogy

Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union 2016-2017 calendar archived on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

Fires That Have Ravaged Fort Wayne Koehlinger Lynn A-12 Jan 1979-0001 23-page paper in the Quest Club Papers at the Allen County Public Library.

April 5, 2023 post by the Genealogy Center on Facebook:

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.

View these photos and thousands more in our Album: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/

Did Fort Wayne fire houses go through this routine?

Fire Horses, Harnessing, 1903

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.

Posted by Art Horse Magazine on Friday, July 16, 2010

July 16, 2010 post by Art Horse Magazine on Facebook:

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.

History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers Volume Three 01/02/1878 to 12/03/1886 by Weber, Donald Allen, Publication date [20--]- on Archive.org, Includes index v.1. 1833-1872 -- v. 2. 1873-1877 -- v. 3. 1878-1886

1. See also our Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum section
2. Firefighters of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1839-2017 and Index to Fort Wayne fire department, 1839-1973 Author Weber, Donald Allen books at the Allen County Public Librarywhich has several items under Fort Wayne (Ind.) ; Fire Dept. ; History. Another book is Index to Fort Wayne fire department, 1839-1973 Author Monroe, Barbara J.
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana, Fire Department history book. 1939-1964 by George K. Bradle a book also at the Allen County Public Library
4. The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indianahas various databases and publications:
   1. 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 .
   2. Fire Fighter Photographs collection at the Allen County Public Library Digital Collections at the Allen County Public LibraryRetired firefighter Don Weber complied and digitized more than 20,000 photos dating back to 1860
   3. Fort Wayne Fire Alarm Box Running Cards
   4. Fort Wayne Fire Department Annual Report, 1961
   5. Fort Wayne Fire Department Annual Report, 1962
   6. Fort Wayne Fire Department History, 1833-1886
   7. Fort Wayne Fire Department Fire Run Book, 1919-1923
   8. Fort Wayne Fire Department Newspaper Clippings, 1920-2008
   9. Honorary Fort Wayne, Indiana Fire Chiefs and Firefighters
   10. Monroeville Fire Department
5. Fires and explosions in the city can be found on the Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union calendar on the Wayback Machine.
6. I Love Fire Trucks! by Nancy McCammon-Hansen published July 2, 2013 on the History Center Notes & Queries blog.
7. I LOVE Fire Trucks! with lots of photos by The History Center on Jul. 09, 2015 on Visit Fort Wayne blog.
8. Learn more in the book Fort Wayne’s Fire Department 1839-1964 by George K. Bradley, available for sale at the Firefighter’s Museum
9. History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers ([20--]-) Volume 3 an Archive.org embeded below. The front of the book mentions some street name changes and several former neighborhood towns such as Frenchtown.
10. Dearly Departed...and the Fort Wayne Fire Department about fire fighter tombstones at Lindenwood Cemetery published July 6, 2013 by Nancy McCammon-Hansen on History Center Notes & Queries blog.
11. City’s first female firefighter, fire chief meet Gratitude expressed for leading way - the fire department hired Genois Wilson Brabson in 1979 , who had been a dispatcher in the department. A PBS documentary is being filmed about Brabson. Published August 28, 2013 by Jeff Wiehe in The Journal Gazette newspaper.
12. Museum showcases 175 years of fire service with video by wanealyssaivanson published August 28, 2014 on CBS WANE-TV NewsChannel 15.
13. Souvenir book of Indiana State Firemen's Association convention held at Fort Wayne, August 10, 11, 12, 1920 by Indiana State Firemen's Association Publication date 1920.

14. As the weather gets nicer we inevitably get more calls related to open burning. If you live within the Ft. Wayne city...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Wednesday, April 10, 2019

    Wednesday, April 10, 2019 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    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.

    Fort Wayne, IN Code of Ordinances BURNING REGULATIONS

15. September 5, 2022 shared post by Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum on Facebook:

    September 3, 2022 post by Vintage Fire Truck & Equipment on Facebook:

    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!

    Help us get to 1000 subscribers on YouTube by giving the video a thumbs up and SUBCRIBE FOR FREE to our channel! 

    23 minute video. See Horse drawn firetruck at 2:10 mark in Emergency! Ultimate First Responders Event 2022 Parade posted August 28, 2022 by Code 3 Indiana on YouTube
    

     

    Shorter version Vintage Rigs @ Emergency! The Ultimate First Responder Event | New Haven Indiana | August 27, 2022 September 3, 2022 Vintage Lives Here on YouTube

16. July 28, 2023 post by the Genealogy Center on Facebook:

    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.

    View these photos and hundreds more in the Fire Fighter collection in our Community Album: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/digital/collection/coll3

    (1954, June 5). Firemen’s Mascot, Patsy, Is Last Dalmatian On Job. The Fort Wayne News Sentinel, 28.

17. October 9, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations Mike Adams, Richard Byrd, Jim Kohrman, and Doug Mounsey on 31 years of service to the FWFD!

18. October 11, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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

19. October 12, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to Marsha Black, John Crawford, Carlos Gomez-Espino, Mike Heastan, and Matt Loraine on 32 years of service to the FWFD.

20. October 12, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    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.

21. October 27, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.

22. October 28, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 93rd FWFD recruit class on completing their second year of service with the Fort Wayne Fire Department .

23. November 22, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 79th FWFD recruit class on completing 23 years of service.

24. November 22, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 89th FWFD recruit class on completing 7 years of service.

25. December 5, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 84th recruit class on completing 18 years of service with the FWFD.

26. December 6, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to Captain Bob Amber on completing 37 years of service with the FWFD.

27. December 9, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 83rd recruit class on completing 19 years of service with the FWFD.

28. December 15, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 85th recruit class on completing 17 years of service with the FWFD.

29. December 19, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 86th recruit class on completing 15 years of service with the FWFD.

30. December 19, 2023 post by the Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Facebook:

    Congratulations to the 92nd recruit class on completing 4 years of service with the FWFD.

31. January 8, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.”

32. Station 12 received their new Engine 12—a 2024 Pierce Enforcer—which replaces a 2012 engine! Station 12 A shift is...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Thursday, March 28, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.

33. Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced today that Battalion Chief Dafforn has been selected to serve as our new F-20 Chief of...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Monday, April 8, 2024

    Monday, April 8, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.

34. On Friday, Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced that Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor requested a new assignment--to fill the...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Wednesday, April 10, 2024

    Wednesday, April 10, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.”

35. Acting Mayor Karl Bandemer and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced promotions for FWFD employees. Chadd Keller,...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Monday, April 15, 2024

    Monday, April 15, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.”

36. Emmanuel Rodriguez was promoted to Lieutenant yesterday. Rodriguez is a 7-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Tuesday, April 16, 2024

    Tuesday, April 16, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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!

37. Randy Mee was promoted to Captain/Inspector recently. Mee is a 24-year veteran of the fire department. In this new...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Friday, April 19, 2024

    Friday, April 19, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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.

38. Chadd Keller was promoted to Captain/Inspector on Monday. Keller is a 9-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new position,...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Thursday, April 18, 2024

    Thursday, April 18, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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!

39. Casey Cassidy was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief last week. Cassidy is a 28-year veteran of the FWFD. In this...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Monday, April 22, 2024

    Monday, April 22, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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!

40. Rebekah Lash was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant last week. Lash is a 23-year veteran of the FWFD. In this new...

    Posted by Fort Wayne Fire Department on Friday, April 26, 2024

    Friday, April 26, 2024 post by the Fort Wayne Fire Department on Facebook:

    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!

Full Circle: Women in the Fort Wayne Fire Department

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.