There was a flat chain-of-command for the new Metropolitan Fire Department,
A Chief Engineer and 11 Engineers supervised 35 steam engine companies and 12 hook-and-ladder companies. From the start, the Engineers received white helmets with gilt front.
As mentioned last week, each MFD fire company has a foreman and assistant foreman.
The 1866 fires created $6,428,000 in losses.
New Fire Commissioner
The significant increase in fire losses resulted in reorganization of Metropolitan Fire Department field operations. Union General Alexander Shaler, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions at the Second Battle of Fredricksburg, became the fire commissioner president in 1867 and re-organized the department.
General Shaler organized the field forces into battalions and brigades:
- The companies were organized into nine battalions, geographic areas with 3 to 5 engine companies and 1 to 3 hook-and-ladder companies. Supervised by a District Engineer. By January 1870 the titles were changed to “Chiefs of Battalions”
- The nine battalions were organized by brigade, three battalions to a brigade. By January 1870 three “Chief of Brigades” positions were established.
In addition, a school of Instruction was created under the direct supervision on General Shaler.
A library was established and a District Engineer took a position of Department Inspector.
Bureau of Combustibles
A new section, the Bureau of Combustibles, was established to inspect properties for the purpose of reducing explosions and fires. Under the supervision of Commissioner Wilson, the office has four assistant commissioners and an “expert inspector of fluids” and clerk.
One of the Bureau of Combustibles assistant commissioners is John A. Creiger, a Major when the Zouvares organized in April 1861, wounded as their Lieutenant-Colonel in the Battle of Bull Run. He is the lone surviving command officer from the original regiment.
Significant Fire Department Improvement
From 1866 to 1869 the Metropolitan Fire Department handled between 750 and 850 structure fires a year with 45 to 54 buildings suffering a complete loss. There was a steady and significant reduction in fire loss in each subsequent year after Shaler’s reorganization, indicating the magnitude of loss from each fire was lower.
1869, the last year for the state-run Metropolitan Fire Department, the total fire loss fell to $2,626,393.
Ladder Company 1
From nyfd.com: Hook and Ladder Company 1 formed on July 10, 1772.
1869 FDNY 65' ladder - 1876 picture
Hook and Ladder Company 1 reorganized into the Mutual Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in 1784.
This company never lost their organization for a single day during the existence of the volunteer fire department, and on the organization of the Metropolitan Fire Department.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 created September 8, 1865. Using the same building, the same truck and the same red cap fronts as Mutual Hook and Ladder No.1.
Nine of her twelve MPD members had served in the volunteer company. It was the only company that was continued with the same number and location.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 has had a continuous existence since June 16, 1784.
next week: Lasting legacies
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Mike worked on a project about Reconstruction after the Civil War
This is one in a series of articles about the Metropolitan Fire Department established in Manhattan in 1865.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
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