Happy Birthday, AFD!

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Austin Fire Department, which was started on Sept. 25, 1857 by ex-New York fireman and Austin grocer John Bremond Sr.*

What began as the volunteer-based Hook and Ladder Fire Company No. 1—operating under the motto of "Always Ready!"—eventually blossomed into one of the largest departments in the country. AFD now employes over 1,000 people, with 44 fire stations throughout the city.

To mark this special occasion, AFD is hosting a free party at the Central Fire Station on Saturday, from 10am-2pm. Tours of the station, as well as the Austin Fire Museum next door, will be given; proceeds from refreshment sales will benefit the museum.

Related:
History - Austin Fire Museum

*Well, "technically" ... According to the Austin Fire Museum:

There are other dates mentioned, most notably August of 1858, as the “birth” of the Austin Fire Department. The year 1861 is also recorded on some fire department artifacts as the date of Hook and Ladder 1’s date of organization. There is no specific reason why September 25, 1857 is officially considered except for the fact that the 25th is mentioned the most times in known fire department records. The Austin Fire Museum is interested in any information leading to a definitive answer on this question.

Photo: Hook and Ladder Fire Co. No. 1, from Austin History Center