A History On

Authoring, Researching, Reporting, and Other Work

The Firefighters of the CFD

The Modern Days

A Learning On-Line Page by Howard Taylor

Along with fire horses, the firefighters of old were an interesting breed. In reading old turn-of-the century newspaper articles about the Charleston Fire Department, and having the log books from 1900-1940's, I have gotten a feel for the kind of men who "Volunteered" to pull the hose carts, the large Babcock fire wagon, ring the first (and only) alarm bell, yell for volunteers near the firehouse, "huff and puff" with the equipment to the scene to be totally frustrated at a major conflagration at many scenes, with little ability to do much good. Charleston never had a steamer or a large crew of professionals. It would be this way until the 1970's, when a new second fire house would be built and manned.

The equipment was always a handicap for the brave men. Water pressure in Charleston is still a problem in the north end (considered the other end of town by many). In 1998 a new water tower and work on lines in the north hopefully finally improved pressure (only 100 years later). Many of these problems and handicaps will be discussed during the fire log sections of this web site. This section will tell of major highlights of my book concerning interesting and colorful information. Chief Taylor collected various articles in his files including a 1961 clipping from the Chicago Tribune entitled "The Power of Faith" by Howard Brodie.

Here's this article with a picture of the Chicago Fire Department Chaplain

Rt. Rev. Msgr. William J. Gorman
Chaplain, Chicago Fire Department

Faith Americans Live by:

He has crawled through rubble below a leaning wall to speak words of comfort. He has entered blazing buildings to administer last rites. He has ordered other men off a roof before its collapse and carried an unconscious man to safety. He has broken the tragic news of death to firemen's survivors.
In trials such as these has the faith of the Rt. Rev. Msgr. William J. Gorman been tested since he became chaplain of Chicago's Fire Department in 1922. He volunteers his services, which are in addition to his regular parish duties. Receiving no pay for his work with the firemen he has, in the words of one official, "been a source of strength.:

The great courage of firemen humbles me," says the chaplain himself, "and what is humility but knowing yourself as you really are? What few things I've done were duty; the Lord put them in my way."

A fireman is a special breed. The volunteer works at a job and is willing to drop all to respond to the fire. The professional gives up whole 24 hour days away from family and regular world of running around and being free. Both will give their lives to save another life.

Charleston Fire Department has had its heroic moments. In November of 1979 little Jamie Hutson was saved from the middle of a burning house (happened to be across the street from Chief Taylor's home). The little girl was huddled in a closet hiding from the fire. Firemen Bill Dever, Danny Niles and Tom Daugherty were recognized for their heroism by the local VFW and City Council. See the picture below:

The Charleston Fire Department was first organized in 1875.

Read from a Training Manual from 1866 to get a feel of what fire brigades were like . It's interesting to compare this manual to today's firefighters

Volunteers were replaced by the second "Professional" department. This is the first Civil Service department. The third from left is then rookie fireman, Melvin Taylor.

The '38 Boyer in action hooked up to high pressure hydrant. The truck saw lots of action, and was reliable even to the end. Taylor was often engineer.

One of the volunteers of old days takes Tom & Alex on a practice run. On this day they are going by the disastrous building collapse at the corner of 6th and Jackson. A remodeling effort on a supporting wall caused the collapse of two adjoining buildings. As with all firemen, even today, the trucks should be started, refueled and run regularly.

Charleston City Fire Commissioner Wayne Lanman helps hive the new Seagrave Ladder Truck a push after making an inspection upon delivery truck. In the early days of the CFD, all city officials were required to respond on fires or be fined. The professional department from 1949 to today has eliminated such civilian involvement. CFD used volunteers into the late 60's, but now has two stations with usually plenty of help. Mutual aid from area department often occurs with great conflagrations. A Gallery of Chiefs over the years
(the professional department)


Alvie "Doc" Wright, 1941-1942	Neal Hutton 1955-1959	George Milliner 1959-1975	Melvin Taylor 1975-1984

A Line-up Photo of the CFD in 1959

CFD was required by Insurance Raters to enlarge its force. This 1961 photo displays the new men. The firehouse seems very narrow to hold three engines (38 Boyer, 53 Quad and the '59 Howe. The '28 Boyer was retired and given to the water department.

Mel Taylor's Final Crew, Station One

This photo next to the new (1985) Seagrave Aerial Truck displays one of the "last crews" Chief Taylor would work with. He was a bit tough on the men when necessary. He was totally 100% devoted to the job. After retiring as chief in 1984, he served as City Fire Inspector until finally retiring in 1985. His throat was severely damaged by smoke in a 1960's EIU dorm fire, and his patience had shortened in some instances. It seems many of the old time smoke eaters had shorter lives. The chief died April 13, 1990.

This was part of his story.

Chief Taylor winding the retired antique
Babcock Gong for the last time (1984)

Return to My "When the Gong Rings" Page