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Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (DFRD) is the agency that provides fire prevention, education, suppression and emergency medical services for the city of Dallas, Texas, United States, the third largest city in the State of Texas. As of 2012 the Department was made up of 57 fire stations spread out over the City of Dallas' 385 square miles while protecting more than 1.3 million citizens. Its fleet consists of 56 engines, 22 trucks, 34 frontline rescues, 11 peak demand rescues, 2 USAR vehicles, 1 HazMat unit, 4 ARFF trucks, 12 boats (1 w/ firefighting capabilities) and 9 boosters all divided amongst 10 Battalion Districts.

History
The Dallas Fire Department was created in response to an unnamed fire in 1860 that alerted the community to the dangers of fire and the need for protection. The constitution and bylaws of Dallas' first firefighting unit, "Company Number One", was adopted on July 4, 1872. Two Gardner Village hand engines and ten small fire extinguishers which were carried on the members' backs were the first equipment used. W.C. "Bud" Connor was elected chief of the 14 member fire department and for a little while, the organization was little more than a bucket brigade.

A horse-drawn steam pumper made by the Silsby Manufacturing Company was purchased in July of 1873. The apparatus became affectionately known as "Old Silsby". The Dallas Hook and Ladder Company became the city's second fire company shortly after the purchase of Old Silsby. In the early months of 1875, "Hook and Ladder Company Number Two" was formed, but the truck was burned beyond repair one month after it was purchased.



In 1883, the reins of the department were put in the hands of a prominent citizen named Charles Kahn(1883-1887) Under Chief Kahn Dallas Fire and the citizens of Dallas approved the purchase of a new steam pumper from the Ahrens Manufacturing Company. This new apparatus was delivered and placed into service on February 19, 1884, and it was nicknamed "Old Tige" in honor of Mayor Ben E. Cabell. Old Tige is still on display today in the Dallas Fire Department Museum which is located in old Number 5 Fire Station on the corner of Commerce and Parry near Fair Park.



Another change occurring under the direction of Chief Kahn was a complete reorganization of DFD on July 25, 1885 which resulted in every one of the 28 members of the department would begin receiving a salary.

In 1897, in order to keep up with the times Fire Chief H.F. Magee began to phase out the older horse-drawn apparatus in favor of motorized vehicles, a process that took from 1910 until 1921. The first motorized fire apparatus was purchased in 1910. It was made by Webb and it was powered by a 68 horse power engine.

In 1919, T.A. Myers was appointed Chief of the Department. At this point in his career, he had served 40 years on the department. He was one of the very first men to be paid a salary when he was made a driver in 1879. Much was accomplished under his leadership. Modern equipment totaling $110,000 was purchased, nine fire stations were built, and salaries were increased by $30.00 to $90.00 per month. Perhaps most notable among his accomplishments was the inauguration of the two-platoon system of 12 hours on duty, and 12 hours off duty. Before this firefighters would work 24 hour shifts only going home for the 3 meals a day.

As both the city of Dallas grew in population and diversity so did it's fire department. In November 1969, the first African-Americans were hired as uniformed officers – Kenneth Parker in Fire Control and Rescue, and Milton Washington in Fire Prevention. In 1973, The Department hired its first uniformed female members as Fire Prevention officers, in Donna Cooper (Bone), Maria Baker (Fortunato), Glenda Roberts, Patricia Rozell, and Kay Williams.

Along with DFD now taking control of the EMS duties in the city in 1974, the first diesel powered fire engine was purchased and was the trend setter for all fire equipment to be purchased in the future.

In May of 1978, the City of Dallas hired the first female Fire and Rescue Officer in Emergency Response as Sherrie Clark (Wilson) joined the ranks.

Technological advancement, along with personnel issues marked the 1980s for the Dallas Fire Department. Turnout gear improved safety for firefighters and a physical fitness program was implemented at all fire stations, which is still in use today. Specialized teams were also formed, including High Angle Rescue and HazMat (hazardous materials). The Command Van began responding to all major incidents with maps, plans and supplies. Dallas implemented the Mobile Data Terminal system, and, after much testing, trial and error, 9-1-1 went operational to enhance the way the city responds to emergencies.

The 90s saw a changing role for firefighters as the focus on safety in the department moved out into the community. In addition to increasing the size of the Investigation division, the Department introduced safety initiatives: minimum staffing requirements and Personnel Accountability Procedures. In the community, the Department expanded a smoke detector program to focus on low-income residents and began an annual Health Fair to provide free or low-cost health screenings.

The name change from ‘Dallas Fire Department’ to ‘Dallas Fire-Rescue Department’ in 2000 indicated the Department’s goal to be a progressive and comprehensive team that benefits the residents and businesses of Dallas. Reflective clothing and location-specific proceduresincreased the safety of Department members. Other improvements were added such as multiple-image status boards and the arson division’s canine program and 24-hour shift work that increased investigation capability.

The department also operates the Dallas Firefighter's Museum built in 1907 along Parry Avenue near Fair Park. Dallas's oldest remaining fire station building still stands at the corner of McKinney Ave. and Leonard and was built in 1892. It was the home of Engine Co. Number 1, and is now a picture framing shop.

Emergency Medical Services
Beginning in 1974, Dallas Fire-Rescue EMT's began to train as paramedics. That Year 119 EMTs received 400 hours of additional training to become paramedics. On December 16, 1974, the paramedic program went live. The "Rescue" in Dallas Fire-Rescue stands for our fleet of 40 front line Rescues, 3 peak demand Rescues and 3 paramedic engines. Dallas Rescues (EMS Units) are staffed with 2 firefighter/paramedics 24 hours per day. These firefighter/paramedics respond to medical emergencies, heart attacks, major accidents and all other types of emergency medical calls. They also respond to structure fires to assist with medical help for victims and/or firefighters.

Peak Demand Rescues are staffed with 2 firefighter/paramedics and operate between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. on weekends. These units are strategically placed in the busiest areas.

Paramedic Engines are Fire Engines staffed with firefighter/paramedics. They carry the same advanced life support equipment as the rescues.