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Reading a historical biography is to take a journey into the past. This can give us a greater understanding of how things were, and perhaps why things were done a certain way. Knowing and understanding this may lead us to a better comprehension of how things came to be today. Our biographies section is just getting started. Our hope is that many of you will join in the effort to develop these stories, do research, and help with writing. We welcome retired Tiburon Chief Rosemary Bliss to this cause, and look forward to her biography of Tiburon Chief Frank Buscher. Our new content for this week includes the start of the biography on Chief Charles R. Reilley, Marin County FD, retired in 1962. Part I covers his early life up until enlisting in the Army just prior to World War I. Read it here: http://www.marinfirehistory.org/chief-charles-r-reilley-mcfd.html We have also started the history page on the Tamalpais Valley FPD, with photo contributions from Chief Tim Exline, Sonoma County DES, retired. See the photos here: http://www.marinfirehistory.org/tamalpais-valley-fd.html Tom  Marin County FD Chief Charles R. Reilley at the time of his retirement, 1962. Photo courtesy Marin County FD historical collection. "If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that does not know it is part of a tree." - Michael Crichton This week we are starting our biography section, which is in addition to the section featuring recipients of special recognition and major awards. This is one of our most important efforts - preserving the stories of who we were and the connections to who we are today. We hope that many people will help in this effort - if you are interested in researching and writing a biography on someone who was in the Marin County Fire Service, please let us know. This week we'll start with the story of Tony Bacon of Novato FPD - his life and career and what he did with the National Park Service after retiring. Please note that all of our biographies are meant to be 'living and evolving'. This means that we hope that the first version grows and improves over time, as new information and images are found. Help us, for example, grow Tony's story.  We held an evening meeting recently for many who are working on the Marin Fire History project. One of many topics discussed was what might happen to some historical fire assets that have long been displayed at the headquarters of the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company in Novato. Specifically, none of us knew what might happen to the 1923 Ford Model T Fire Truck that was the first motorized apparatus for the old Novato Volunteer FD. We are happy to report that just a week later, the Fireman's Fund Company, a division of Allianz, a global financial services company, donated the Model T back to Novato FPD. They also donated the old Broderick hand pumper engine back to the San Francisco FD. A ceremony was held in front of their headquarters building in Novato. We are sad to report that Fireman's Fund is being absorbed and partially sold by Alianz, and will no longer exist as a company after 151 years of service. Fireman's Fund Insurance Company was founded by ship captain William Holdredge in San Francisco in 1863. The company name came from a pledge by the founders to donate 10 percent of profits to the San Francisco Fire Department Charitable Fund supporting widows and orphans of fallen firemen. In 1871, the company paid all of its claims from the Great Chicago Fire within 60 days, nearly wiping out all of the company's capital. In 1906, the great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire destroyed company headquarters and all records, but they were able to pay all policyholder claims with a combination of cash and stock. Claims were taken “on their word” as all insurance documents were destroyed. Beginning in 2004, Fireman's Fund started The Heritage Program, which would result in the donation of over $28 million dollars in grants to fire departments in America. This was a recommitment of its founding philanthropic mission to support the fire service. Grants were given to local fire departments to help purchase new equipment, tools and training. They've been a great friend to the fire service....we'll miss you Fireman's Fund! See our Historical Apparatus pages under the "More" tab on our website for more information and photos on the Model T.  1923 Ford Model T pictured in Fireman's Fund Headquarters in Novato. |
AuthorOur Blog announces new site content, and gives the context of the topic and it's relationship to fire service history. Written by Bill Lellis & Paul Smith Archives
August 2022
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