San Jose Fire Museum

08/31/2026

East San Jose Fire Department, 1910

This frontal view of the East San Jose Fire Department is a photograph I had never seen before. The original image is from History San José and was colorized by Juan Diaz.

The third image is a more familiar photograph of the department from the same era.

According to History San José:

“Members of the East San Jose Fire Department pose outside the fire station with hose reels and ladders. From left to right: M. H. Conklin, Town Marshal of East San Jose; Joe Cunan, Fire Chief; William Lowe, member; Paul A. Ganshirt, Third Assistant Fire Chief; William R. Biaggi, Secretary; William Farrar (Oregon Bill); and George Landers, members.”

The East San Jose Fire Department served the community east of Coyote Creek near Alum Rock Avenue. East San Jose was annexed into the City of San José in 1911, bringing the area and its fire protection into the growing city.

A great glimpse into San José’s early fire service history.

08/28/2026

Repost San José Fire Department
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🚒 A new chapter for Fire Station 8!

On Thursday morning, the San José Fire Department celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Fire Station 8 at the corner of E. Santa Clara St. and 13th St. in Downtown San José. The new station officially replaces the former Station 8, which proudly served the City for 113 years.

City and Fire Department officials shared remarks before guests enjoyed photo opportunities and a guided tour of the new facility. We were grateful for the incredible support from the local community and the pride residents have for their neighborhood fire station. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone together!

A special thank you to Con Azucar Café for their generous donation of delicious pastries and coffee for our guests. ☕🥐

Watch the full recording of the event at: https://youtu.be/LNtbR6iJTMc
Councilmember Bien Doan Councilmember Anthony Tordillos Mayor Matt Mahan City Of San José Con Azucar Café

08/28/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1380148924252168&id=100067712200504&mibextid=wwXIfr

08/19/2026

Join the San José Fire Department as they celebrate the opening of the San José Fire Department’s brand-new Fire Station 8!

Come celebrate this exciting new chapter in fire service for Downtown San José. Replacing the station that proudly served the community since 1949, the new Fire Station 8 will continue serving the heart of Downtown, including City Hall and San José State University.

► Thursday, August 27, 2026
► 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
► 601 E. Santa Clara St., San José, CA 95112
► Please utilize street parking.

This is a public event, and all are welcome!
City Of San José Councilmember Anthony Tordillos

08/12/2026

🇺🇸 Save the Date

Join the San José Fire Department and partner agencies for a Patriot Day Commemorative Ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, in Downtown San José.

The event begins with a procession at 10:45 a.m. on 9/11/26, followed by a ceremony and reception. All are welcome!

Learn more:

The San José Fire Department is hosting a commemorative ceremony to honor the 25th anniversary of Patriot Day on Friday, September 11, 2026. Join us as we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage, sacrifice, and service of first responders and community members. This fr...

08/07/2026

It is with sadness that we share news of the loss of Retired Deputy Fire Chief Lacy Atkinson, who passed away on July 28, 2026, at the age of 79.

RIP, Lacy.

08/07/2026

It is with sadness that we share news of the loss of Retired Fire Chief Robert Osby, who passed away on July 30, 2026.

RIP Chief Osby

07/22/2026

Every fire department has its legends. Ours happened to walk on four legs. 🐾🚒

In 1954, the San Jose Mercury News said goodbye to Brownie, the beloved mascot of the old Market Street Fire Station. Brownie answered fire calls, rode proudly on the fire trucks, and became part of the San Jose Fire Department family.

His most famous act came during the San Carlos Pharmacy fire in April 1945. While firefighters struggled to rescue a terrified kitten trapped beneath an ice cream refrigerator, Brownie calmly crawled underneath, gently picked up the kitten, and carried it safely to freedom.

When the old Market Street Fire Station closed, Brownie refused to leave the place he called home. Even after the station was demolished, firefighters continued visiting their faithful companion until his passing. He was honored with a fire department cremation and remembered as one of SJFD's own.

A special thank you to Peter at PlotterPros Printing in San Jose on the Alaneda for helping us preserve this piece of San José Fire Department history. Peter generously scanned and digitally retouched this fragile photo and 1954 newspaper article, ensuring Brownie's story can be shared with future generations.

Some heroes wear helmets. Others wear collars.

Never forgotten, Brownie. ❤️🐶🚒

07/09/2026

The July Edition of the Museum Trumpet.

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.