On October 1, 1987, the hospital transferred to the District of Columbia government and, for a brief time (1987 – 1988), its fire department assimilated into the DCFD as Engine Company 34 and Ambulance 22. Under city management, the Hospital quickly deteriorated into 300 acres of vacant, deteriorating structures. The D.C. Commission on Mental Health Services took over fire protection responsibilities, then soon gave up the responsibility and closed the firehouse.
This rare 1988 photo is DCFD Engine Co. 34 working an incident on the hospital grounds.
Kevin Byrne