Above + below: An American flag hangs between the aerial ladders of trucks of two local fire trucks.
On Wednesday, March 14, 2018, the Kansas City Fire Department celebrated its 150th anniversary in the River District.
The location holds significance as it is on the site where Francis Foster became the City’s first Fire Chief by taking ownership of the John Campbell Steamer No. 1 on March 14, 1868.
Above: A vintage fire suppression vehicle
A mix of new and old trucks lined the streets.
Kansas City's first engines had large tubes that emitted steam. A separate truck had the hoses and both trucks were pulled by a team of horses which then had to be safely removed from the scene of the fire.
Above: Vintage fire apparatus' were accented with an ornate gold leaf application.
Left: An original fire bucket arranged behind a 2018 anniversary hand painted crest. Middle, right: Members of the KCFD Honor Guard gather for a photo.
During the anniversary ceremony, City Manager Troy Schulte announced Kansas City's new fire chief, Chief Gary A Reese, who has been serving the fire department in various roles since 1995.
Custom event signage was created for the event. The design unites the City's moniker and KCFD's word mark, along with a ribbon celebrating 150 years of long-standing service.
For more information about the Kansas City Fire Department, visit kcmo.gov/fire.
Full photo album here.
