Gloucester City Fire Department

Where did it all start? Who was the first to organize firefighting?  How did it evolve into modern times?  When did it happen in Gloucester City?  All very good questions.

Ancient Rome is known to have had a fire department in the 1st century.  Not only did they responded to fight fires, but also patrolled the streets with the authority to impose corporal punishment upon those who violated fire-prevention codes.

The history of firefighting in America can be traced all the way back to Jamestown, VA in 1607.  In January 1608, a devastating fire destroyed most of the colonists' provisions and lodgings.  Captain James Smith spear-headed this early firefighting effort. 

New communities sprang up around three of the best harbors – Boston, New York and Philadelphia.  Along with new buildings near the harbors came new fire problems.  This created a need to enact America’s first fire codes to help prevent fires.

Most notable among the famous Americans who helped shape the country and the fire service was Benjamin Franklin.  In 1736, Franklin founded the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, which became the standard for volunteer fire company organization. 

The Gloucester City Fire Department was organized on July 5th 1878.  Prior to this, there was no fire department.  Most people felt they didn’t need one; however one calm evening in 1876, everything changed.  There was a fire in a shoe store located at Middlesex & Willow Streets. The store was owned by local businessman John Moffat.  The townspeople were threatened as they watched the fire grew in such great intensity.  Other businesses and homes were in danger.  Near by Washington Mills came with their fire brigade and saved the day.

After this, the people realized that had it not been for the firefighting forces from Washington Mills, they would have lost much of their personal property.  This inspired them to form a fire department in Gloucester City.

So on July 5th 1878, an ordinance was passed to establish a fire department.  Council also formed a five member board.  Their first meeting was on September 11th 1887

They appointed Patrick Mealy as Fire Marshal.  John Graham & John Lafferty were appointed as assistants and they had 10 other members at that time.

 Now that we had a fire department they needed a firehouse.    Council solved this when they approved money to build a new brick building on Bergen Street behind City Hall.  In 1889 the construction cost was $5,892.47.  This building served as Fire Headquarters' until it was replaced in 1939 at the same site. 

 Over the years, the fire service continues to evolve.  Today we have an exciting and technologically advanced service.  Our department operates from three fire stations with both career and volunteer members. Many things have changed, however the legacy of colonial firefighters can still be seen in fire department operations and organization across the country to this day. The wooden hydrants are gone but the iron willed determination of American firefighters is as strong as ever.

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