Firefighting in Roanoke (VA) (Images of America)

Fleitz, Rhett; Roanoke Fire Fighters Association

ISBN 10: 073854356X / ISBN 13: 9780738543567

Published by Arcadia Publishing (edition Illustrated), 2006

About this Item

It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.

Seller Inventory # 073854356X-11-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Firefighting in Roanoke (VA) (Images of America)
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (edition Illustrated)
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 073854356X
• ISBN 13: 9780738543567
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: Illustrated.
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

The Roanoke Fire Department's history began in 1882 when the first firefighters were organized by the newly chartered City of Roanoke. The volunteer fire companies such as the Vigilants, Juniors, Friendship, and Alerts provided protection against fire for the city. Roanoke began paying firefighters in about 1903; they were usually drivers to get the horses and steam engines ready for when the volunteers showed up. In 1907, the last of the volunteers disbanded in a show of solidarity to the city, and the Roanoke Fire Department became fully paid. The department doubled in size in 1936 when a second platoon was added and grew again in 1972 when the third platoon was added. The Roanoke Fire Department continued to protect the citizens and visitors of Roanoke City up until 1995 when it merged with Roanoke City EMS to form the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department. In Firefighting in Roanoke, the history of this 125-year-old local service tradition is told.

About the Author

Author Rhett Fleitz is a lieutenant with the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department and currently the secretary-treasurer of the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association. Rhett was hired in 1999 and moved to Roanoke from Richmond, Virginia, to work for the department. His inspiration to write this book came from the compassion and dedication of the late Roanoke Fire Department historian Capt. Maurice Wiseman. Rhett lives in Roanoke with his wife, Becky, and their two children.