The History of
the Norfolk Fire Department
and Paramedical Services


[Click on each image to see a larger view.]


[IMAGE: Fire engine]

Norfolk's first fire engine for the United Fire Company, built in 1867 (picture taken c1874).


[IMAGE: Fire engine]

A new fire engine in 1939.


[IMAGE: Fire house and engine]

Chemical Company #7. c1915.


[IMAGE: Captain, boy, and dog]

Captain Early and mascot greet a visitor to the Tanners Creek Station in 1953.


[IMAGE: Christmas toys]

It's not just fighting fires -- Norfolk firemen participate in the Toys for Tots program for needy children at Christmas in 1933.


[IMAGE: Horse-drawn fire engines]

Fire Station #5 on East Main Street near Church in 1912.


[IMAGE: Burned buildings]

A scene of devastation after the Norfolk waterfront fire in 1931.


[IMAGE: Firemen]

Norfolk firefighters in 1914.


[IMAGE: Volunteers]

Members of the East Ocean View and Little Creek volunteer fire department in 1953.


[IMAGE: Horse-drawn fire engine]

Photo taken in 1911 on Plume Street near the Arcade building. The last horse-drawn equipment was taken out of service in Norfolk in 1921.


[IMAGE: Toy houses]

The Norfolk Fire Prevention Bureau was created in 1920. Here, a Norfolk firefighter helps to promote Fire Prevention Week in 1948.


[IMAGE: Icy fire engine]

When the Monticello Hotel and nearby buildings burned on New Year's Day in 1918, the weather was so cold that water from the firefighting equipment froze before it could reach the fire. The hotel was later rebuilt.


[IMAGE: Fire station]

Fire Station #6 on Princess Anne Road & Monticello Avenue was built in 1911. It included a 70-foot tower, used for fire drills and for drying out the fire hose after use.

For more information, go directly to the official Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services website history.

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