Firefighter - This is not a drill 1943

by Mike Savad

Title

Firefighter - This is not a drill 1943

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colorized Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1943
Original title: Firehouse station number four. Washington, D.C. Engines returning from a fir
Photographer: Gordon Parks
Location: 6th and R Street NW

Firefighters rush to action, sliding down poles with precision, boots thudding against the floor as they gear up. Heavy coats and helmets are grabbed from neatly arranged racks, and the air hums with the sound of shouted orders and the distant clang of bells. Some leap onto the tailboard of their engine, holding tightly to railings in preparation for the ride ahead. Others secure hoses and tools with practiced efficiency before climbing aboard.

As they pull out of the station, the company embodies resilience and courage, their legacy a reminder of the barriers they overcame in service to their community.

This is Engine Company No. 4, founded on February 21, 1870, was Washington, D.C.'s first all-Black firefighting company, officially recognized in 1919. Originally known as "S. J. Bowen Engine 4," the company operated out of 931 R Street NW beginning in 1940. The image captures a pivotal moment as the crew prepares to respond to an alarm, a scene charged with energy and determination.

The truck's second-hand Seagrave or American LaFrance engine roars to life, carrying the weight of history and duty. Engine 4 endured years of segregation, limited resources, and outdated equipment, often receiving hand-me-downs from white companies. Yet, these firefighters met every challenge with skill and pride, cementing their place as pioneers in the city's firefighting legacy.

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November 25th, 2024

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