On This Day in 1736
On December 7, 1736, history was made with the drafting of the Articles of the Union Fire Company, marking the establishment of one of the nation’s first volunteer fire departments. This pioneering effort was spearheaded with the help of founding father Benjamin Franklin, a visionary who understood the importance of organized community action.
The Union Fire Company, affectionately nicknamed the “Bucket Brigade,” served the people of Philadelphia with distinction, remaining active for nearly a century until 1820.
Modeled after the Mutual Fire Societies in Franklin’s hometown of Boston, the Union Fire Company was a testament to civic responsibility and the power of teamwork. Franklin’s initiative set the stage for the development of modern volunteer fire departments, a tradition that continues to thrive today.
Let us take a moment to honor the legacy of those who first answered the call to protect their neighbors and their communities.
