Across the country, there are thousands of collections of fire memorabilia such as buckets, badges, helmets and call boxes. But, there is no repository for the written word or photographs.
But, that is about to change.
A group of national fire service leaders have taken steps to initiate a Heritage Hall to preserve records and documents.
The concept was suggested in a 2003 FEMA report. But until recently, no action had occurred.
"We're trying to find a means to save and preserve documents and papers relating to the fire service and fire protection," said Ronny J. Coleman, president of the Heritage Hall Legacy Project. "We're hopefully going to save more cardboard boxes full of firefighters' works from ending up in the dump."
Coleman said the project organizers are excited about uncovering records that will share stories about the fire service, and the critical thinking behind various concepts. "Everyone else collects hardware. We'te not going to do that. We want documents..."
While there are rumors that George Washington was a volunteer firefighter, no one has ever produced a membership roster or any other documentation to verify it. However, historians have uncovered an order that he issued: "All officers and soldiers are requested to use their endeavors to prevent fires from spreading over the country."
That's the type of documentation that would be included in the fire service Heritage Hall. Donors will be recognized appropriately.
The group recently toured the U.S. Army's Heritage Hall in Pennsylvania to get an idea what's involved in such an undertaking.
Coleman said the project is long overdue. However, he is pleased by the progress now taking place. The group has applied to become a non-profit organization. Other officers include Dr. Harry E. Hickey, vice president; James C. "Robbie" Robertson, secretary; and Wayne Powell, treasurer.
They also are actively looking to house the collection in Emmitsburg, Md., the home of the National Fire Academy. An off-campus site is being pursued because it will be easier for the public to visit.
Emmitsburg Mayor Jim Hoover said he is excited about the project, and is offering any support needed. "I think this would be a nice addition to our town. It's only fitting since the fire academy and National Firefighter Memorial are here too."
Dr. Burt Clark, a Heritage Hall board member, said the fire service has been great about collecting the "things" of the business, but not the knowledge. "We need to store and preserve the intellectual properties..."
Insight will be obtained when people learn what issues led to the decisions. Desk journals, kept by fire departments that include the names of the responding personnel and apparatus, often provide historic tidbits that may otherwise be overlooked.
"Did you know that the first engine and truck to both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were Engine 10, and Truck 10?"
"We have to be the protectors of our history. We can't afford to lose one more paper. We can't allow it to be thrown away."
Clark said he managed to track down a copy of the desk journal from the department that responded to Pearl Harbor. He then learned that a firefighter who responded was awarded a purple heart. "I found that just incredible..."
USFA Acting Director Charlie Dickinson said Heritage Hall is a project that "absolutely" has to be done. He said it's past time that historic documents get out of dusty attics and are preserved.
"I'm confident that the right people are working on it, and our history will be saved."
