Gazette Packet

Friendship Fire company 250th years

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association will host events Sept. 14 and 15 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of organized firefighting in Alexandria.

A muster of antique fire fighting apparatus will be on display at the Friendship Firehouse Museum on South Alfred Street Sept. 14 followed by a symposium Sept. 15 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

“We invite everyone to come and learn about firefighting in Alexandria,” said Friendship Veterans Fire Association president Jimmie McClellan. “Our muster of antique fire fighting apparatuses will be on display on Alfred Street in front of the Firehouse on Saturday. On Sunday, scholars and veteran first responders will present a symposium tracing the history of some dark moments in our city’s history: The Great Fire of 1827, the Fire of 1855 that took the lives of seven firefighters, the Fire of 1871, the response to the terror attacks of 2001, and others.”

Both days are free and open to the public and lunch will be provided to symposium attendees.

The display of antique firefighting equipment will take place Sept. 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The symposium will be held Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We invite everyone to come and learn about firefighting in Alexandria.”

— Friendship Veterans Fire Association president Jimmie McClellan

The 250th anniversary symposium will consist of three panels, each of which will have two or more presenters offering presentations on topics related to the history of firefighting in Alexandria and environs, historical or notable emergencies to which first responders were called to action, and the evolution of best firefighting practices over the past 250 years. Each panel will conclude with questions and comments from the audience.

Prior registration is requested. To register, contact Jim McClellan at jimmiermcclellan@gmail.com as soon as possible.