San Diego Firehouse Museum

01/01/2023

Happy New Year to all of our friends.

12/29/2022

San Diego Firehouse Museum | Little Italy San Diego

San Diego Firehouse Museum | Little Italy San Diego

12/21/2022

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) mourns the loss of Chief Bobby Halton, who passed away suddenly on December 19, 2022. Bobby was editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine and Vice President of Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue.

As NFFF Chairman Troy Markel reflected, Bobby was passionate about helping firefighters, especially those suffering from occupational cancer and behavioral health problems. “He was a valuable contributor to many of our conferences, including the keynote address at the 2016 Fire Service Technology Summit. It is almost impossible to imagine the FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb without Bobby’s motivating pre-climb speech about the importance of remembering the firefighters lost on September 11th.”

Bobby began his career as a structural firefighter with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department (AFD) and rose through the ranks to become chief of training and chief of operations. He retired from AFD in 2004 and became chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. From there, Bobby was named editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine.

“Bobby was a close friend and confidante, on both a personal and professional level. His lasting legacy will be the volumes he has written about firefighter health and safety,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, NFFF Executive Director. “The NFFF extends our deepest sympathies to those impacted the most by his loss, his family and friends. We hope they find comfort in knowing Bobby’s legacy will continue to impact the fire service for many years to come.”

12/19/2022

A blessed Hanukkah to all those who celebrate. Chag Sameach.

Please remember to be safe with candles. We'd like this to be a season of light, not tragedy.

As we do every year, we'd like to take a quick moment to remember long-time SDFD chaplain Rabbi Aaron Gottesman -- a man who brought light into our lives and a long-time friend of the museum.

12/17/2022

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department mourns the loss of firefighter Chet Bertell. Firefighter Bertell was hired in 1997, serving the residents and visitors of San Diego for 25 years. He was trained in several specialties including arson investigation, bomb technician and as a paramedic. His most recent assignment was at the SD International Airport Fire Station. Firefighter Bertell was known for his keen intellect and dedication to his work and fellow firefighters.

Firefighter Bertell also proudly served his country in the US Navy. He passed away on Dec. 13, 2022. His family requests privacy in their time of mourning.

12/17/2022

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department mourns the loss of firefighter Chet Bertell. Firefighter Bertell was hired in 1997, serving the residents and visitors of San Diego for 25 years. He was trained in several specialties including arson investigation, bomb technician and as a paramedic. His most recent assignment was at the SD International Airport Fire Station. Firefighter Bertell was known for his keen intellect and dedication to his work and fellow firefighters.

Firefighter Bertell also proudly served his country in the US Navy. He passed away on Dec. 13, 2022. His family requests privacy in their time of mourning.

12/16/2022

We're 61% of the way towards our End of Year Giving fundraising goal! With 2.5 weeks left of 2022, we know we can beat this year's goal and start 2023 strong.

Want to help? Visit https://www.classy.org/manage/event/434391/landing/design/633c63013829a232ac0534f8 to donate or share our link!

12/16/2022

Attention: this is a call to action! Bomberos de San Diego will be hosting our Annual Christmas Dinner giveaway. 300 families will receive holiday dinners and we need your help to make this possible. Sign up to volunteer at one of our San Diego Fire stations on the flyer. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. This event will run on the morning of December 17th. DM us to get involved!

12/16/2022

Welcome to the 61 new cadets who joined the program last night! Good luck. Visit sdfdcadets.com

12/07/2022

A Day That Will Live In Infamy...

Three Honolulu firefighters were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Here's a picture of one of the rigs they rode. For more information, check out this article in Firehouse Magazine. https://www.firehouse.com/operations-training/article/10447100/fire-history-dec-7-1941-a-day-of-infamy-and-fire

12/05/2022

If you’re a member, come join us for our annual Christmas Family Day! Just bring an unwrapped toy to support San Diego Firefighter’s Toys for Tots Drive.

If you’re not a member, reach out to us to join today!

11/28/2022

Great old shot from 56 years ago!

Old Saint Nick with his bag of gifts getting a lift from San Diego firefighters. This 1966 photo was taken during an annual holiday toy drive where Santa Claus would deliver items donated through the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Unified School District and corporate sponsors. 🎅🚒

11/22/2022

Over 30 wildland firefighters have been killed fighting fires in San Diego County. Your museum has recently obtained some rare press photos of one of those fires.

The Inaja Fire was set on Thanksgiving. November 24, 1956 in the vicinity of Santa Ysabel and Julian.

The next day, 11 firefighters were killed in the steep San Diego River drainage. Knowledge of the Inaja Fire helped guide strategic decisions during the early hours of the Cedar Fire, but unfortunately one firefighter was still lost. Ironically, if you stand at the memorial you can see where Novato Fire Engineer Steve Rucker was killed in 2003.

The Inaja Fire led to the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders still used by firefighters today.

As share Thanksgiving with our families.... and have another Santa Ana event, let's take a moment to remember those lost in 1956.

11/22/2022

Photos from San Diego Firehouse Museum's post

11/16/2022

Photos from San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program's post

11/11/2022

Happy Veterans Day from The National EMS Museum.

11/11/2022

It's no secret that many firefighters are also veterans. Military service is part of what shaped the fire service.

Today we recognize those brave men and women and thank them for their sacrifices!

Firefighter veterans, feel free to post a military picture of you below. We'd all like to give you a round of applause.

11/11/2022

Congratulations to all the newly promoted chiefs!

Good news!
🚒👏🏽🔥👩🏽‍🚒
On Wednesday, SD Fire-Rescue executives, along with family and friends, gathered to recognize recent promotions. Newly promoted battalion chiefs Aaron Bothwell and Oscar Rodriguez along with newly promoted deputy chiefs Bobby Allen and Brian Raines are pictured with Assistant Chief Gerboth, Fire Chief Stowell and Assistant Chief Wood.
👍🏽👨🏼‍🚒🚒
Please join us in congratulating these leaders!

11/11/2022

A great tradition continues!

11/07/2022

The Incredible Origin of the Firefighter's Halligan Bar

https://youtu.be/Fi8r6iRZygs

Earlier this year, Adam shared a list of his favorite pry bars, including a firefighter Pro-Bar. However, he neglected to describe the incredible origins of ...

10/28/2022

As first responders, we show up for our communities and each other every day.

10/28/2022

It's National First Responders Day. So for all of the active, retired and future firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and dispatchers out there...... THANK YOU!!

10/27/2022

Home | Vsdphotoalbums

Part of being a good firefighter is knowing your buildings. There's some great history here. Take a peek!

South East San Diego SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION AND COUNTY FAIR 1963 PROGRAM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION AND COUNTY FAIR 1966 PROGRAM

10/26/2022

The Fire Explorer Post is a youth oriented program directed at helping young adults who have an interest in the Fire service. Young people ages 15-20 are invited to apply! The deadline is quickly approaching so apply now!

10/25/2022

Many of our museum volunteers double up as cadets. Both great ways to learn about the fire service.

10/21/2022

Please be safe as Halloween approaches!

Decorating for Halloween this weekend🎃? Instead of burning candles, consider using battery operated candles or glowsticks in your spooky jack-o-lanterns for a frighteningly good display.

Candles can cause home fires and can be especially dangerous around Halloween and holidays when kids are running around. Costumes and decorations can catch fire - and you can easily reduce the risk of home fire by using battery operated candles or glow sticks!

10/20/2022

Photos from San Diego Firehouse Museum's post

09/28/2022

Countdown to calamity

The Siege of 1970 was occurring during this week. The Laguna Fire swept from Pine Valley all the way to the outskirts of El Cajon and Chula Vista. Here's a movie that covers the fires across SoCal. Were you there? We'd love to hear your story!

1971 ARC Identifier 13352 / Local Identifier 95.56. A documentary film of one of California's greatest fire disasters which occurred in 1970. :Department of ...

07/20/2022

Long-forgotten California massacre remembered 38 years later

A sad memory for many San Diego first responders. 38 years ago.

“He laid there and pretended to be dead,” said Albritton. “When the Uvalde shooting happened, it was like the little girl who covered herself in blood and pretended to be dead, it…

07/15/2022

33 years ago, San Diego Fire was celebrating 100 years of service to the citizens and visitors in the City of San Diego. Being on the job for the Centennial was a proud memory.

Think about that; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 133 years, SDFD has been professionally staffed and ready to respond to any emergency.

I just came across my shirt and flat badges and thought to share. We also had commemorative belt buckles, but that’s in another box somewhere…

07/02/2022

It's the first ever annual wildland firefighters day. July 2nd was chosen because it's in the week of remembrance as we think about those lost at Dude, Yarnell and South Canyon.

Some of the hardest and most dangerous work you'll ever do.

05/21/2022

1987ish, E18. Myself, at-the-time Engineer Frank Alfano and Sal Castro in the background when he photographed incidents. Maybe XR1 in the ‘bread truck’ when they were at 10’s. Can’t remember the fire but at least I remember it was me!

05/15/2022

From the 1956 yearbook, four new Kenworth Van Pelt fire engines go into service. This was taken in front of old Station 17, Chamoune and Orange. The station was torn down and rebuilt a few years ago.

05/05/2022

Firehouse Museum

Great interview with museum director Mike Colafrancesco.

https://youtu.be/iC3vbsOU3yM

A tour of the San Diego Firehouse Museum

03/18/2022

Fire Station 10 on College Avenue - 1947
Left to right: Captain Harry B. Clarke, Engineer F. Nevin Hunter, Fireman John E. Bilbrey, Fireman Willaim K. Finch

Photo courtesy of SDFD BC Terrance Finch (ret.), son of William Finch. William's two grandsons are both currently SDFD captains.

01/29/2022

Remembering former firefighter Dennis Smith

FDNY Firefighter Dennis Smith told the story of firefighters like few ever have. Then he went on to found Firehouse Magazine, thus helping millions of firefighters be safer. May he RIP.

12/26/2021

Your Firehouse Museum board and volunteers would like to wish you a merry and safe Christmas. Be careful in the rain tonight!