The Chesapeake Fire Department started out as the South Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department in 1892, and the newly organized department purchased a hose reel and 400 feet of hose. The station was at Liberty and Seaboard Streets, and (Like all of South Norfolk’s old stations) is long gone. The department became inactive, and was again reorganized in 1909, with the new station at 22nd and ‘B’ streets. In 1915 a two story station was built directly across from the old station, which was sold to pay the debt on the new building (Local legend has it that the sale was actually to pay off the debt on the feed bill for the department’s horse, which was also sold!)
In 1917 the department was motorized and shortly after, the station was moved to the 700 block of Liberty Street in a converted blacksmith’s shop. This station was replaced by another, also on Liberty Street. The new station was built about 1930, and was a classic two story brick storefront with the fire station on the first floor and City Hall on the second. (While I have access to a picture it’s not available for use do to copyright issues). South Norfolk was a volunteer/Paid On Call department at the time, and was considered to be one of the best equipped volunteer departments in the state. Interestingly enough, one of the innovations pioneered by South Norfolk was A primitive version of EMS, with a fire department staffed ambulance.
The first Chesapeake (And last South Norfolk) Station 1. Picture taken in the early to mid '50s when thi was still South Norfolk Station 1
Used with Permission of CFD Capt Sam Gulisano
This station lasted until the early 50s when the first salaried firefighters were hired and a new station was built in the 600 block of Liberty Street (I have a feeling it was on the site of the old fire station/City Hall) This station became he first Chesapeake Station 1, and while Google maps actually lists it as an existing building, it too is, sadly, long gone. This station was, of course, replaced by the current Station 1
In 1917 the department was motorized and shortly after, the station was moved to the 700 block of Liberty Street in a converted blacksmith’s shop. This station was replaced by another, also on Liberty Street. The new station was built about 1930, and was a classic two story brick storefront with the fire station on the first floor and City Hall on the second. (While I have access to a picture it’s not available for use do to copyright issues). South Norfolk was a volunteer/Paid On Call department at the time, and was considered to be one of the best equipped volunteer departments in the state. Interestingly enough, one of the innovations pioneered by South Norfolk was A primitive version of EMS, with a fire department staffed ambulance.
The first Chesapeake (And last South Norfolk) Station 1. Picture taken in the early to mid '50s when thi was still South Norfolk Station 1
Used with Permission of CFD Capt Sam Gulisano
This station lasted until the early 50s when the first salaried firefighters were hired and a new station was built in the 600 block of Liberty Street (I have a feeling it was on the site of the old fire station/City Hall) This station became he first Chesapeake Station 1, and while Google maps actually lists it as an existing building, it too is, sadly, long gone. This station was, of course, replaced by the current Station 1
Engine 1 to all units, we've got a glow in the sky!
If God's not a Hokie, Then why do the leaves turn Maroon and Orange in the Fall?
My [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotowun/"]Flickr Account[/url]
If God's not a Hokie, Then why do the leaves turn Maroon and Orange in the Fall?
My [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotowun/"]Flickr Account[/url]
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