Today in Wheeling History: December 21--William Winder, a former member of the "Atlantic Engine Company," was appointed as the Fire Chief of Wheeling, with Andrew J. Sweeney and William H. Harrison serving as assistant Fire Chiefs, collectively forming the Board of Control for the Fire Department (1869).
In 1869, Wheeling, West Virginia established a paid fire department led by William Winder as the first Fire Chief; over the next 150+ years, the fire department modernized from bucket brigades to steam engines to motorized vehicles and expanded to a 95-person, 7-station department providing fire protection, rescue, hazmat response and paramedic services across Wheeling. Sixteen fire chiefs have led the department, with Edward T. Rose serving two separate terms and William S. McFadden holding the longest tenure from 1946-1971.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/5ewnkzs6) (https://tinyurl.com/mr29fuez)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
In 1869, Wheeling, West Virginia established a paid fire department led by William Winder as the first Fire Chief; over the next 150+ years, the fire department modernized from bucket brigades to steam engines to motorized vehicles and expanded to a 95-person, 7-station department providing fire protection, rescue, hazmat response and paramedic services across Wheeling. Sixteen fire chiefs have led the department, with Edward T. Rose serving two separate terms and William S. McFadden holding the longest tenure from 1946-1971.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/5ewnkzs6) (https://tinyurl.com/mr29fuez)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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