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| Why is the Dalmatian the official firehouse dog? Who was the first volunteer fire chief in America? |
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| Why is the Dalmatian the official firehouse dog? |  |
| How did the Dalmatian become the number one firefighting mascot in the United States and England? Well, the Dalmatian has a strong muscular body and is able to run great distances without tiring. During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries most people traveled by horse or by carriage. The Dalmatians became a society dog, and trained to run alongside women's carriages. They became known as Coach dogs or Ladies dogs. In fact, the term "coaching" refers to how the Dalmatian will take up position just off the side and toward the rear of a horse and run with them. Through the years, Dalmatians worked closely with horses and their owners, sometimes even sleeping with the horses at night to protect them against theft. It is during the era of horse drawn fire apparatus that the Dalmatian became forever tied with the Fire Service. Firehouse horses were required to spend many hours at a time at a fire scene or inside the firehouse waiting for a call. The Dalmatians became the horses pets, and helped to keep them calm. The Dalmatian also became a guard dog, insuring that nothing was stolen from the apparatus during fire calls. Today, in many large cities, the Dalmatian guards the fire truck while at the scene of fires and rescues, and has even been known to rescue trapped firefighters and victims. Overall, the Dalmatian is a brave and valiant dog. These traits make it an excellent mascot for the Fire Service. | |
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Visit the website of Local 1259 at www.local1259iaff.org for more Dalmatian history. |
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| Who was the first Volunteer Fire Chief in America? |
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| Along with founding a newspaper, signing the
Declaration of Independence and flying famous kites, Benjamin Franklin
is also known for forming the first volunteer fire company in America.
That's right! In 1736, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin
formed the first volunteer fire company, called the Union Fire Company.
Of course, its only fitting that he be Fire Chief of the new fire
company ... and so he was!
A Firehat's off to you, Mr. Franklin! |
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