chicago fire department ranks chicago fire department ranks

The paid department was established by ordinance on August 2, 1858. The CFD is the second largest municipal fire department, behind the FDNY as measured by sworn personnel, of which there are 4,500 employees and responds to over 800,000 emergency calls annually, making it the second busiest department in the nation. Fire Department Baseball Cap: Caps will be blue with an approved Rogers Fire Department emblem. Incident Team (H.I.T.) Hand signals are also In a statement, a spokesman for theChicago Fire Departmentsaid hiring is handled by the citysDepartment of Human Resourcesrather than theFire Departmentitself, and that much of the reason for the racial imbalance is the low number of Blacks who apply to take the test. FDIC International. But imagine, Wiley-Earls interjects, Imagine if there was more Black heroes coming to your house to save you? 521 is housed with Engine 5. If there is no-one between the chief and the battalion chief, the bugle, still uses that name and awards them on promotion right through the Unit (5-3-1), 1 Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat.) This spurred decades of dueling lawsuits between Black and white firefighters and applicants claiming racial bias and reverse discrimination. The CFD's Special Operations Division is located at 3918 S. Honore St. Philadelphia's current average fire response time is 6 minutes and 44 seconds. Exhibited professional skill and conduct during a coordinated fireground or administrative function. 0 Change in Rank Title - The rank of "Commissioner" was abolished and became known as . Low numbers arent unique toChicago; the federal government has investigated fire departments inNew York,Baltimore,PhiladelphiaandFlorida, according to published reports. The design depends on the hierarchy in the department and the number of other officers between them and the fire chief. Then there was a more ornate version referred to as a Often the highest ranking officer on duty on a 24 hours basis. Distributed byTribune Content Agency, LLC. JEMS. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. The 4th Fire District has a Deputy District Chief (2-2-4), who reports to the District Chief of the District. Decontamination (Decon.) Built 1927, now the African American Firefighters Museum. Rank: Commander of the Divisions of the Bureau of Inspectional Services, Director, District Commander & Task Force Commander Active Service Dates: December 31, 1960 - December 4, 1963 Status: Inactive - Repurposed Rank: Supervising Captain Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 - December 30, 1960 Status: Inactive - Repurposed Specifications THINK FIRE SAFETY 0000001166 00000 n Collar Ornaments / Insignia. The Civil War is often credited with helping to establish the fire department rank system that exists today. The CFD's City Warehouse is located at 1869 W Pershing Rd. Chicago's first volunteer company was organized in 1835. Engine 127/Ambulance 54/Battalion 16 are considered "city companies" and all repairs and changing of apparatus are performed at city repair/radio shops. speaking trumpet. Learn more atLearn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDVax. . What the veteran fire lieutenant-emergency medical technician would like to focus on is how more training could increase the number of Black candidates applying for firefighting jobs, leading to more Black people in the ranks. Curtis said he thinks the time is right for change in CFD. cohesive manner. Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt is a 31-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). The role up from lieutenant is captain. O'Hare Rescues 1,2,3,4 and Midway Rescue (Airport Side of Firehouse) are located in the 3rd Fire District/Airport Operations Division. your uniform once you become a fully qualified firefighter, then youre out of 0000001975 00000 n Office Hours Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:45 pm, except District holidays Connect With Us 2000 14th Street, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20009 Phone: (202) 673-3320 Fax: (202) 462-0807 TTY: 711 Alternate Number: Media Hotline: (202) 579-6905 giving instructions on how to deal with the situation at hand. It was his responsibility and typically hung from his neck The death of his father still haunts him and his desire to live up to the expectations of others has proven to be a lingering issue. Commissioner Nance-Holt was mainly raised in the Maple Park community on the south side of Chicago and attended both parochial and public schools. [10], Quarters of Engine 38, Truck 48, and Ambulance 77 in the North Lawndale area. The items used in the old days of firefighting and it also allows departments to spell out the rank of the firefighter in Think City of Chicago, Illinois, United States There was no point in embellishing this trumpet too much if And 8 other unique firefighter terms, The history and Sometime companies would also use them as prizes in From there, I will discuss some of the ways that youll be wearing bugles But the early heroism of the Black company didnt lead to many more positions or spots in white firehouses. those used on-scene and those depicted in the insignia of a firefighter. ever used bugles in the traditional sense. Candidate Firefighter / Candidate Paramedic or EMT, Management Information Systems/Technology. [5][9]. The CFD protects a population of approximately 2.7 million residents over an area of 234 square miles. The Great Chicago Fire - On October 8th, 1871 The Great Chicago Fire destroys three and one half square miles, including almost . Chicago's . He later sued the city claiming his superiors retaliated for turning over the tape. A letter prefix identifies the type of apparatus. Since the Oct. 15 deadline passed, 73 Chicago police employees and 67 Chicago Fire Department staffers have been placed on no-pay status and sent home for refusing the fill out the city portal . initiative combines industry-leading health and safety standards with virtual technologies designed to keep real estate moving forward, and give our employees, customers and partners confidence and support to stay safe. Also, in some departments stars are used to depict years of The regulation uniform jacket shall be navy blue. If there are still other assistant chiefs and other, higher roles than the two crossed bugles will be used. TI Positions & Ranks | Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighting Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Every [4][5][6], The Chicago Fire Department is organized into 5 Districts, which command a total of 24 Battalions and a Special Operations Battalion. with the bugles molded into brass. Truck 46 designation used in 1991 film "Backdraft". Unit (5-2-5), 3 Jump Bag/Trash Pump Units (5-6-1/5-6-3/5-6-5), 3 Fireground Rehabilitation (Rehab.) CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT HOUSE PATCH: Engine 11 / Truck 9 / Ambulance 2, Cumberland Caveman $ 6.25 Add to cart. Wiley-Earls uses the lessons of her 30-year career to help instruct and hopefully inspire the young men and women attending the fire brigades training course that has produced 460 graduates who earned a state paramedics license and are working for fire departments and ambulance companies. In 1963, Ald. In most cases, these badges are sewn into the uniforms of You, the visitor, should assume that any and all links on this website are affiliate links. We have been given a sacred trust to provide the very best level of service to the citizens of Los Santos County, Los Santos and Los Santos State by answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls in a . odd when you see battalion chiefs from different departments side-by-side. If you want to impress your fellow firefighters as a new Im Mike, a career firefighter/paramedic and the creator behind the FirefighterNOW YouTube Channel (if you haven't seen it, you should head over and check it out). see: . Lets talk about change. 0000030689 00000 n damage. In the next nine years, only nine additional African Americans joined the department. Leon Despresintroduced a resolution asking that Quinn end the discrimination, citing only 187 Black firefighters out of 4,514 and only one integrated unit. The fire chief is the last one in the ranks and therefore Executives Or, you may be part of a department that discarded the term . instructions to firefighters before and during the operation. Reveal contacts of top Chicago Fire Department managers and employees. The strict hierarchy of the fire service, with all its different ranks, means that firefighters on each level can showcase their position with their own badge or insignia on their uniform. Visitation for O'Leary is slated for 3 to 9 p.m. Monday at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., according to the Chicago Fire Department. The best way to do so was through a speaking trumpet. Its no secret that Black firefighters have lagged far behind their white counterparts for decades. F (Discontinued) - Tractor-drawn aerial trailers, Ambulance 66 (C282) - 2022 Ford E-450 / Wheeled Coach, (B614) - 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B607) - 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B601) - 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-Deputy Commissioner 2-1-5), (B594) - 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-District Chief 2-1-30), (B592) - 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-Deputy Commissioner 2-1-7), (B583) - 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B581) - 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B580) - 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B578) - 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B572) - 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B564) - 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, (B561) - 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B559) - 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B556) - 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (B555) - 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ex-, (AVF505) - 1994 Oshkosh T-3000 crash tender (1800/3000/410F) (Ex-Crash Truck 6-5-14) (Ex-Rescue 6-5-5), 2004 Oshkosh Striker 3000 crash tender (1950/3000/420AFFF/500 lbs. The Fire Suppression and Rescue Division is commanded by an Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner. They look much nicer and are most often used The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) was established on August 2, 1858 and is one of the oldest major organized departments in the United States. [8], The Bureau of Operations is one of four Bureaus within the organization of the Chicago Fire Department. The increase in Black political influence as its population increased did little to clear a path for Black firefighters to be hired and promoted. Curtis said fewer Black firefighters in the department equals a missing stable income in neighborhoods that desperately need them. Disbanded 03/08/2004, re-organized as Truck 6. Firemen are our heroes, Curtis said. Secondly, you must evaluate whether . . Its an opportunity to make a difference, she said. The Chicago Fire Department is led by the Fire Commissioner, currently Annette Nance Holt. CFD was one of the first departments investigated by the federal government for racial bias in hiring, which MayorRichard J. Daleyand his fire commissioner,Robert Quinn, denied. 0000004705 00000 n Some probationary firefighters may hope that they will get Dimensions. But, you These include: "Long John #1" "Fred Grund" and the "R. A. Williams". The Bureau of Fire Prevention is commanded by a Deputy Commissioner. CPD currently has 11,710 sworn officers on duty, and over 1,925 other employees. When you get promoted through the ranks, it is an honor to earn a new badge that depicts this achieve and to wear it with pride. To this day, the Chicago Fire Department ranks its fires as "2-11," "3-11," "4-11," and so on, instead of the more familiar multi-alarm ratings. (Click the link for our guide to the ranks and structure of fire departments). 0000000016 00000 n Built 1936, disbanded 1992. Built 1899, disbanded 1981. Carmelita Wiley-Earlshas the deft touch of a velvet hammer, a mix thats part grandmother, part drill sergeant. Asterisk (*) adjacent to company number denotes an Advanced Life Support (Paramedic staffed) Company. awarded to personnel like medals of honor to commemorate the duties of that officer. This is a clear indication of the importance of the person within the department. CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT. evolution of communication devices, but that simple trumpet also became an with the crew and need to locate the right people in a hurry. Building demolished. It is all about the chain of command. Fire officials must retire at age 63. star than a series of bugles. Baseball caps shall be personalized with last name on the back of the hat. The Bureau of Administration commands the following Divisions: Personnel, Training, the Photo Unit, and the Employee Assistance Program. Used as Engine 67 and Engine 77 during Season 5 Episode 14 of NBC's Chicago Fire. Were there to save your life and everybody knows it. Dispatch Recruit . Chicago Fire Department United States employs 433 employees. Wildfire. Commissioner Nance-Holt is committed to having a membership that mirrors the communities it serves, and for the Department to be an inclusive work environment for all members. an extra image on your badge to signal your promotion. Name, rank, and the Phoenix Fire Department insignia shall be sewn or silk-screened on the jacket. Two-way radios are a part of every fire truck to gain It is also one of the oldest major organized fire departments in the nation. The CFD's Air Sea Rescue Heliport is located at 3954 E. Foreman Dr. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has nominated Annette Nance-Holt to serve as the first Black woman to run the Chicago Fire Department. significance. The Black Fire Brigade prepares students that have never been exposed to this type of opportunity and Im going to keep talking about that word, because thats all it is. Carl Grissom (Commissioner)[1]Gloria Hill (Deputy Commissioner). You see, firefighters dont historically have any need for a Fire Department Tie: Dark Navy Blue clip-on, rear Velcro or regular V-end. Engine Co. 127 (Midway International Airport), Auxiliary Gas Detection Service Unit 6-4-15, South Division Air Mask Bottle Truck 6-4-4, Central Division Air Mask Bottle Truck 6-4-5, North Division Air Mask Bottle Truck 6-4-6, Breathing Apparatus Technician Unit 6-4-9, Logistics Support / Multi-Purpose Utility Vehicle 6-4-21, Public Education Survive Alive House 4-9-7A, Chicago Fire Department Retired Apparatus, Apparatus of the CFD organized by shop numbers, Departments operating Boston Whaler boats, Illinois departments operating E-One apparatus, Departments operating LDV Specialty apparatus, Illinois departments operating Luverne apparatus, Illinois departments operating Pierce apparatus, Illinois departments operating Spartan ER / Crimson apparatus, Former operators of American LaFrance apparatus, Former operators of Central States apparatus, Former operators of Foamite-Childs apparatus, Former operators of Timpco Seagrave apparatus, Former operators of Ward LaFrance apparatus. CFD is the largest fire department in the midwest, and one of the nation's largest departments throughout the United States. Orland Central Fire Alarm Office (South) 4-7-12. Raised in Cabrini-Green, Curtis runs the fire brigade, his own not-for-profit that trains young people and minorities in firefighting techniques so they can earn professional licenses. the lieutenant is perhaps the most significant as it best reflects the original This is better for those on-scene that might not be familiar First of all, I need to point out that some people do have a But, this isnt The graduates include 130 single mothers and 13 homeless people. Bottom line.. instructions enroute to an incident and to make sure that all units are on the CHICAGO On Sept. 4, 1979, three young men joined the Chicago Fire Department ranks without having any idea that each of them in their own way would leave indelible marks on the job they loved. The spike in fire deaths has retiring Chicago Fire Commissioner Richard C. Ford II sounding the alarm about how many homes lack working smoke detectors. I hope you find what you're looking for. 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. There's information on fitness, gear, interviews, tests and more. Sometimes you need to be isolated to focus.. In the past, response times did not account . Chicago Fire Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. are, used in military settings. The Fire Commissioner (known as Chief of the Department in other cities) is appointed by the Mayor of the city of Chicago and is Confirmed by the City Council. Quartered with Engine 110, disbanded 11/16/1971. and signal in distress. However, you have to remember that there wasnt much else The 4th Fire District is commanded by a District Chief (2-1-24). Though three African Americans have led theFire Department, including current CommissionerAnnette Nance-Holt, the departments first Black woman leader, the upper ranks are still mostly male and white. Mass Decontamination (Decon.) Although he has not been seen since Season 7, it is never addressed or confirmed that there is a new Commissioner so is it assumed it is still him. Commissioner Nance-Holt has steadily progressed through the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy District Chief, and First Deputy Fire Commissioner. I hope you find what you're looking for. The test was last given in 2014. The " truckie ," as a firefighter assigned to the truck company is called, is made out to be a knuckle-dragging lout . . $ 5.60 Add to cart. Add to Wishlist. The Bureau of Logistics commands the following Divisions: Support Services, Support & Logistics (EMS), Equipment & Supply, Building & Property Management, Record, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Staff/Human Relations, the Pension Board, the Regulatory Compliance, and Management Information Systems/Technology. The Bureau of Operations consists of four divisions: Fire Suppression and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Special Operations and the Office of Fire Investigations (OFI). were actually speaking trumpets. Armando L. Sanchez TNS/Chicago Tribune/TNS, President Biden to Headline IAFF Legislative Conference, Blackline Safety Announces Key Promotions and Leadership Changes, Bryant's Widow Reaches $28.5M Settlement over Leaked Crash Photos, Idea of Training Cops as Firefighters Drawing Ire from MA Union, claims of rampant racial bias and ill treatment within the department, according to the Los Angeles Times, Chicagocreated Engine 21, the citys first Black fire company, International Association of Fire Fighters - IAFF. His primary responsibilities include the efficient management of the $6.5 million operating budget, the establishment of all Departmental policies and procedures, financial and fiscal . DC /500 lbs. For a full list of known members, see: Chicago Fire Department/Known members. This also left no way of communicating between firefighters Today the 4,314 firefighters and 619 paramedics of the Fire Department rank among the world's best. It takes an average of 12-15 years to reach the rank of Fire Inspector. Crime. Unit 5-1-1, Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 04:32, Organization of the Chicago Fire Department, "Request for Information from Annual Budget Committee Hearing", "Firehouse Run Report 2019: The Country's Busiest Departments and Ambulances", "City of Chicago:: Administrative Services", "Chicago Fire Department Organizational Chart", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chicago_Fire_Department&oldid=1140243731, Advanced Life Support (ALS) & Basic Life Support (BLS), 25 Battalions (24 Firefighting Battalions and 1 Special Operations Battalion), 61 Ladder Companies (50 Truck Companies, 10 Tower Ladder Companies and 1 Aerial Tower Company), 80 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 04:32. and the Englewood Fire Alarm Office (Englewood F.A.O.) You dont actually get to wear a bugle on your uniform until instructions as they develop at the scene. Along with creating the culture, traditions and character of the modern urban fire department, experts and historians say an Irish chain of command maintained an insular social hierarchy that opposed any advancement of Black firefighters across the country. Every fire crew member has a defined place within the According to national standards, fires should be responded to within 5 minutes and 20 seconds. Previously, those in command had no choice but to shout different symbols. 0000000776 00000 n Not only does everyone on scene need their initial stations to alert them about fires and call for assistance. The four Bureaus are commanded by the 1st Deputy Fire Commissioner, who in turn reports to the Fire Commissioner. Rank-and-file officers in hundreds of police departments are considerably more white than the communities they serve, according to a New York Times analysis of new federal data. Huge selection of Chicago Fire Department Apparel at Fire Store Online. Chicago Fire Department The Bureau of Operations is the largest Bureau within the Chicago Fire Department. Building still stands. CFD promotes fire safety, provides emergency care, and extinguishes fires, An official website of the City of Chicago, Permit for Business ID and Advertising Signs, Vital Records from the Cook County Clerk's Office, AIC (Annual Inspection Certification) Inspections, Economic Disclosure, Affidavit, Online EDS, City Council Office of Financial Analysis, Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability. Representations and descriptions of the Stars & Shields of the Chicago Police Department. startxref All are available through Uniform Supply. The development of the iconic bugle for firefighters. This will all make sense within a department but can look Incident Team (H.I.T.) Spartacus: Directed by Michael Brandt. These were 'Chicago Fire' | Parrish Lewis/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Fans can find Engine 18 at 1360 South. In cities such asChicago,New YorkandBoston, Black progress on fire departments was often met with outright hostility,Wayne State UniversityprofessorDavid Goldbergwrote in his book Black Firefighters and theFDNY: The Struggle for Jobs, Justice and Equity in New York City, which made comparisons among racially segregated departments. Curtis said he believes problems with Black hiring will end when the city makes it a priority. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is the municipal law enforcement agency of the city of Chicago, Illinois, United States, under the jurisdiction of the Chicago City Council.It is the second-largest municipal police department in the United States, behind the New York City Police Department. The Office of Fire Investigation is a Division in the Bureau of Operations with the Chicago Fire Department that investigators the causes of suspicious fires in Chicago. Contributed through public service to the community and created a favorable impression on the department. If the administrations turned a blind eye, thats your problem.. Menu; Rank Insignia. you reach the role of lieutenant. There are some engines and trucks that are either Advanced Life Support or Basic Life Support staffed units. Built 1927, closed 1959. In many ways, it was a symbol of his superior rank. Firehouse 51 proudly protects their great neighbors of the Near West Side, Pilsen, and the legendary Taylor Street. Famous quotes containing the words ranks of the, ranks of and/or ranks: " By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver, Asleep are the ranks of the dead: " Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907) " It is among the ranks of school-age children, those six- to twelve-year-olds who once avidly filled their free moments with . The chief will have five bugles, and this is the absolute %%EOF Attitude starts with evaluating whether you are meeting the mission statement of the fire service. The following is a list of ranks within MFD by order of lowest-level employee to senior command staff: Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services Firefighter HEO (Heavy Equipment Operator) Paramedic Fire/EMS Lieutenant Fire/EMS Captain Positions appointed by Fire Chief Assistant Chief Deputy Chief Battalion Chief Our radio allows us to warn others about dangers in a building, talk strategy Only about 9% of CFD is female, according to city statistics. Fire Engineering. Two-way radios only made their way into all stations across the country in the 1950s. These are positioned side by side, similar to military bars. The department of nearly 4,800 uniformed members currently has 721 Black employees, which represents 15%. Because of years of litigation and large applicant pools, tests have been offered infrequently. potential violent firefighters from competing stations in some cases. service. The 2nd Fire District has a Deputy District Chief (2-2-2), who reports to the District Chief of the District. With members of truck and squad at odds over Rice actions in the field, Chief Boden is left to figure out how to create unity in a divided house, while Severide comes to question his own judgment. Leaders need to develop the right attitude about instructing. The 5th Fire District has a Deputy District Chief (2-2-5), who reports to the District Chief of the District. Fire Engineering Books & Video. Finally, the significance of the fire department bugle for you as a firefighter or hopeful will depend on your aspirations within the fire service and the approach of the department you work for. Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY) Malcolm X College (Chicago, IL) Loyola Hospital (Maywood, IL) Christ Hospital/Moraine Valley (Oak Lawn, IL) Edward Hospital/College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn, IL) Triton College (River Grove, IL) Paramedic Malcolm X College (Chicago, IL) The Fire Suppression and Rescue Division is organized into 5 Districts which command a total of 24 Battalions and 1 Special Operations Battalion. Applied Panel . The assistant sheriff or under-sheriff is the next in line of police ranks in the department, followed by division chief, captain, lieutenant, sergeant, corporal and deputy. Safety. The Chicago Fire Department cooperated with film director Ron Howard on making the 1991 film Backdraft, starring Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, and Robert De Niro. Even with a recruitment push byFire Departmentbrass, the number of Black firefighters and paramedics has fallen to third behind Hispanics and whites of the same rank. Currently (10/22), there is no Deputy District Chief or District Chief assigned to Airport Operations. 100's of stock titles to choose from! The following indicates the ranks that a firefighter or paramedic will assume through the promotional testing process developed by the Department of Personnel of the City of Chicago and adopted as a career ladder by the Chicago Fire Department: Fire Suppression and Rescue Battalion Chief (by examination) Captain (by examination) The fire station, Engine 18, is located on the Near West Side of Chicago. [4], The volunteer fire department was disestablished on August 2, 1858, when the city council passed the ordinance organizing the paid City of Chicago Fire Department.[1]. onto the sleeve of your class A uniform and each star indicates 5 years of 0000007939 00000 n The Special Operations Division and the EMS Division are also commanded by an Assistant Deputy Commissioner. (Ex-, (E310) - 2002 Pierce Dash 2000 aerial (-/-/100' rear-mount ladder) (SN#12838-??) The use of stars means is that you may not get to wear a The headquarters of the Chicago Fire Department is located at 3510 S. Michigan Ave. 8-8-16 (Mass Casualty Unit) Today, there is a similar chain of command. Members who voluntarily participated in the planning and response during the Chicago NATO Summit. All CFD Engine companies and Truck companies are Basic Life Support ( Emergency Medical Technician staffed) units at a minimum. The "Washington Volunteers," the first fire company, was established in 1832. As you rise through the ranks as a firefighter, you gain is located at 1411 W. Madison St. All images shown are of actual Department issued stars of every rank that existed in the 1861 series. The whole racist adage is almost over everybodys (racially) mixed today, and white kids grow up with Black kids, he said. badge that is a more formal pin. It's also one of the oldest major organized fire departments, established before 1833. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and are an important tool for ending the global pandemic.