The earliest reference to fire protection as an officially funded part of the city dates back to 1799. The minutes from the annual meeting note the first company of fireman were appointed by the selectmen. They were:
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Elias Craig |
Theophilus Hamlen |
Amos Bond |
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Lewis Hamlen |
Daniel Hartford |
Barnabas Lambard |
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Shubael Pitts |
John Brooks |
James Child |
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Perez Hamlen |
Charles Gill |
Joseph North Jr. |
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Samuel Page |
Church Williams |
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(Presented as originally appeared)
An Engine was purchased for the purpose of extinguishing fires. To manage the selectman by authority of law appointed a number of “engine men” who were directed to choose such officers and make such regulations not repugnant to the constitution of the Commonwealth as should be necessary for their government.
Some years previous to 1799 it should be noted that there were private fire companies formed by insurance companies for the protection of its members. They had printed articles of association which required each member to keep ready for use two leathern fire buckets and a canvas bag for removal of goods at fires; and the members at fires were first to render assistance to those of their associates who might need it. The principal citizens were members of this association and provided themselves with the bag and from two to four leathern fire buckets, which were numbered and marked with their owner’s names. They were of oblong shape with leathern handles, and were very durable and convenient to pass water.