A Brief History of the Phoenix Fire Department

Several fiery conflagrations struck the western town of Phoenix before the citizens took any measures to create a fire department. Finally, on Aug. 17, 1886, a special bond issue was passed that raised $10,000 to improve the water supply, purchase modern firefighting equipment and form Phoenix Engine Company #1. It was strictly a volunteer fire company with a charter membership of 25 men.

A Knott steam fire engine, a hook and ladder wagon, two hose carts and 1,000 feet of fire hose were purchased for $5,000. Prior to delivery of the new equipment in the spring of 1887, other volunteer companies were organized. On Feb. 12, 1887, the Aztec Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was formed. There was also a Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 and a mostly Hispanic group that became known as Yucatec Hose Company No. 2.

Bitter rivalry between the different volunteer companies led Frank Czarnowski to unite the companies and, on April 13, 1888, he became the first chief of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department.

Click here to read the rest of a brief history of the Phoenix Fire Department.

Do You Remember The Palms Theater?

If you've ever wondered what happened to some of the walk-in and drive-in movie theaters of old Phoenix and its surrounding cities, this interesting site will answer your questions while evoking many memories.

A Brief History of Phoenix's Police Department

Phoenix was incorporated as a city on February 25, 1881. Law enforcement was handled by Phoenix city marshals and later by Phoenix police officers.

Henry Garfias, the first city marshal, was elected by residents in 1881 in the first elections of the newly incorporated city. For six years, he served as the primary law enforcement officer.

In the early 1900's, the Phoenix Police Department used Old Nelly, the horse, to pull the patrol wagon for officers. Most patrolling, however, was done on foot. The city at this time was only 3.1 square miles with a population of 11,134 people.

Read the rest of the history of the Phoenix Police Department here.

Hear the Story of The Trunk Murderess: April 24, 2010

Jana Bommersbach, author of The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd, will be speaking at the Arizona Historical Society Museum [1300 N. College Avenue in Tempe) on Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Those of you with some roots in Arizona history probably remember this notorious case. Winnie Ruth Judd was accused of murdering her two girlfriends, stuffing them into a trunk, and taking them by train to Los Angeles. Jana Bommersbach's account takes us back to the Phoenix of 1931, the trial, and her view of what really happened that night.

Admission is free. A free copy of the book will be given to the first 25 guests.

For additional information, contact Megan Gately at 480-929-0292, ex.137 or email mgately@azhs.gov.

Saturday, March 20, 2010: Come to the Fair

The third annual Arizona Historical Photographs Fair will be held from 11:00 to 3:00 this Saturday (March 20) at the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park at 1300 N. College Avenue in Tempe.

There will be interesting speakers, scads of historical photos, much fun for one and all and it is free to the public! See you there!