San Jose Fire Museum

04/19/2026

“Motor trucks can’t love you—and they can’t love you back.”
In 1915, San José firefighters faced the end of an era as their beloved firehorses were retired and replaced with motorized engines. These weren’t just animals—they were trusted partners. They knew the difference between a drill and a real fire, “knew their places,” and would be ready to run in seconds, eager and steady on the streets.

Firefighters welcomed the speed and efficiency of the new engines, but the loss was deeply personal. One driver put it simply: “They’re good machines, alright, but you can’t love ’em… It gets mighty lonesome around here without Blutcher and Frank and Dick.”

Another reflected on the quiet emptiness left behind—stalls gone, replaced by polished red trucks. Progress had arrived, but so had a sense of loss.

Even then, the fire service balanced innovation with heart—a reminder that behind every advance, there are traditions, bonds, and partners that shaped the job we know today.

04/12/2026

Reposted from
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Why firefighters are the biggest fans of sliding poles

(please read the full question I was given before you worry that I’m erasing the heroic legacy of pole-based dance performance)

03/05/2026

repost - Today we honor the life and legacy of Retired San José Fire Captain Joseph “Joe” Roberts, who passed away on February 25, 2026.

Captain Roberts dedicated over 32 years of service to the San José Fire Department and left a lasting impact on generations of firefighters across California. Known by many as an instructor, mentor, and leader, Joe helped shape the future of rescue training and emergency medical care in the fire service.

Joe began teaching CPR and First Aid for firefighters in 1974, later introducing rescue practices to the San José Fire Department in 1979 and launching EMT training for the department in 1984. His commitment to innovation continued when he helped establish Urban Search and Rescue techniques and programs in San José in 1992, including the creation of the USAR apparatus assigned to USAR 5.

Beyond his operational contributions, Joe helped preserve the traditions and pride of the fire service. He was a founding member of the San José Fire Department Honor Guard and played the bagpipes across the US as part of the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums, honoring fallen firefighters and commemorating important moments in our profession.

Before joining the fire service, Joe served our country in the U.S. Army 91st Division and later as an Army Honor Guard.

With badge number 5, Joe represented one of the earliest generations of San José firefighters and helped build the traditions and professionalism that continue today.

Captain Roberts’ dedication to service, training, and the fire service brotherhood will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Captain.
We have the watch from here.

NeverForgotten RestEasyCaptain

01/27/2026

🔥 172 Years of Service. Sacrifice. Tradition. 🔥

On January 27, 1854, the San José Common Council passed Ordinance No. 239, formally recognizing San Jose Hook and Ladder No. 1—the moment that marked the founding of what would become the San José Fire Department.

The first firehouse stood on Lightston Street, staffed by citizens answering the call to protect a growing community. From those humble beginnings grew a department defined by courage, innovation, and an unbroken commitment to service.

Today, we honor 172 years of the brave men and women who have stood watch, rung the bells, pulled the lines, and protected the Garden City—yesterday, today, and into the future.

01/07/2026

A memorial was held Tuesday at the San Jose Fire Museum for the retired fire captain who died Nov. 30 at age 106.

12/17/2025

The fire service community lost a legend when Samuel Seibert, a retired member of San Jose, CA, Local 230, died on Nov. 30. 

12/02/2025

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Retired Fire Captain Sam Seibert

Today, we mourn the passing, Retired Fire Captain Sam Seibert, who left us at the extraordinary age of 106. Captain Seibert was more than a firefighter—he was a living piece of San José’s history, a mentor, a preservationist of our shared heritage, and a beloved member of our fire family.

Sam proudly served the San José Fire Department from 1946 to 1976, dedicating three decades of his life to protecting the City of San Jose. His impact didn’t end with retirement. As the Founder Emeritus of the San Jose Fire Museum, Sam played an irreplaceable role in preserving our department’s story. His dedication, passion, and countless volunteer hours built the foundation of what the Fire Museum is today.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May we carry forward his stories, his spirit, and his devotion to the San José Fire Department.

09/05/2025

The is saddened to hear of the passing of Retired FE Lawrence Summers (pictured left with Sam Seibert and Jim Carter) …… When Fire Station 2 at 6th & Julian closed in the 1970s, and moved to East San Jose, it was tradition for the crews to cut up the fire pole and keep pieces as mementos. But Lawrence—true to his role as a guardian of history, much like his former Captain Sam Seibert (pictured middle) —chose instead to preserve the pole. He tied one end to the front bumper and ran it along the drive train to the rear bumper, hauling it away to save it.

Forty years later, that same pole now stands proudly at the new Station 2 on Alum Rock, a lasting tribute to Lawrence’s “forever station.”

08/31/2025

Great pancake breakfast with friends at the Museum this morning

Thank you to all of our amazing Fire Fighters and volunteers who came out to support the pancake breakfast at for the Silicon Valley Pride Parade. 🌈🥞

Local 230 is proud to celebrate our community and our members — it’s been a great weekend honoring unity, pride, and service.