(The Cleveland Firefighters Association Became IAFF Local 93 on July 17, 1918)

150 years of tradition

The date April 19, 1863 is the official date that CFD was established by City Council in an Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance to Provide for the Reorganization of the Fire Department." That legislation replaced the Ordinance that had governed the volunteer department. There were four companies in service on April 9, 1863, the first at No. 1 having gone in service on December 17, 1862. 

The official anniversary of The Cleveland Fire Department is April 9th of 1863.

1900 Cleveland Fire Dept. Movie:Click Here The movie was filmed on October 18, 1900 Collinwood Fire Video From Cleveland Public Library 100 year anniversary March 4th, 1908
Life of an American Fireman 1903 Good Video of Horse Drawn Fire Trucks

The big day finally arrived. On December 16, 1862, City Council took several actions. Phoenix Hand Engine Co. No. 4 (volunteers) was disbanded, severing all its connections with the Fire Department and ending a span of service which started in 1834. Their house on Frankfort St. was designated for the exclusive use of the new steam fire engine. The Fire & Water Committee was directed to equip and man the new steam fire engine for immediate use and make all necessary alterations in the engine house to adapt it for use by the steam fire engine. Ten men were quickly hired, apparently waiting in the wings, and Steamer #1 began service in the Cleveland Steam Fire Department.

Over 140 Years of Service

Cleveland Fire Department Chiefs

2004-Present            Paul Stubbs