The History of the Sausalito Fire Department, in existence from 1893-2012, when it became part of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District.
Updated September 28, 2016 - scroll down for new content and film in 1921.
One of the oldest organized fire departments in Marin County, Sausalito FD eventually became a part of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District, a process that was completed in 2012. Here is what we have so far on history. We will be adding more of their story over time.
Sausalito Fire Department History, 1893-2012
This history was “prepared by”, as he describes his role, retired Sausalito FD Operations Chief Fred Bunker. See the end of this page for the full list of contributors.
The Sausalito Fire Department was born following tragedy, as was the case for so many fire departments across America. Often, but not always, big fires caused an ‘outcry’ in the community for change. In the late 1800’s, this usually resulted in efforts towards in better water systems, fire hose, hose carts, and perhaps hand pumpers. Mechanized equipment was soon to arrive, first in the form of horse-drawn steam engines, or “steamers”, but those were usually out of the affordability range of small towns.
The first known human inhabitants of the area were the Coast Miwok Indians in a settlement called Liwanelowa. They called the area “Saucito”, meaning little willow, from the willows growing along streambanks. There is evidence of over 3,000 years of Coast Miwok existence there. The Spanish word for willow tree is "sauce" (pronounced in two syllables as SAU-say), and a little willow would be called "saucelito" (sau-say-LEE-to). English-speaking settlers changed the spelling from Saucelito to Sausalito, and the present town name was born.
The first European known to visit the present-day location of Sausalito was Don José de Cañizares, on August 5, 1775. The town started in the 1830's as a place where ships could pick up fresh water near San Francisco, when the area was still part of Mexico. Later, William Richardson (August 27, 1795 – April 20, 1856), was an English seaman who converted to Mexican citizenship and married the daughter of Ygnacio Martinez, Commandante of El Presidio, the Mexican Military post in San Francisco.
Richardson was influential in development of the Yerba Buena area in San Francisco. After petitioning the Mexican Governor, he was granted a 19,571-acre land grant in what is now western and southern Marin County. He built a home just north of the present downtown, and was a successful businessman until falling on hard times in the 1850’s. He died bankrupt, and Richardson Bay is named after him along with Richardson Avenue in San Francisco’s Marina District. The war with Mexico in 1846-48 and The Gold Rush in 1849 propelled California into becoming part of the United States and the flood of miners turned San Francisco into a boom town.
When California was admitted as a state in 1850, Northern California was dominated by mining and shipping interests, and the commercial elites of San Francisco. Most of Richardson’s Rancho del Sausalito was sold in 1868 to the Sausalito Land & Ferry Company. This company laid out streets and subdivided the north-central waterfront into view lots for development. A small steamer called The Princess was used to bring in potential buyers, followed later by a railway line completed in 1875 from the north into the downtown. The transportation options led to growth and an improved business climate.
After the California Gold Rush, Sausalito's bayside location was an important part of its appeal and growth. San Francisco's north-bay neighbor was less than two miles away, and could easily be seen from city streets, yet without any easy way to get there. While a boat could sail to Sausalito in under 30 minutes, wagons required a trip around the entire bay - usually more than a hundred miles. As a result, two types of people dominated the area related to boats: commercial fishermen, and affluent yachting fans.
Wealthy San Franciscans occupied summer homes in the hills, while an active working class developed in the flatlands along Water Street (later to become Bridgeway). The working class residents included Portugese boatbuilders and dairy ranchers, Italian and German merchants, boarding house operators, and Chinese railroad workers.
Then, on July 4th, 1893, the Sausalito News reported: "Most of the Business Portion of Town Consumed by Destructive Element". The July 4th fireworks was held annually at the Hunters Resort, located in southern Sausalito. This was believed to be the cause of the fire. Ten buildings were destroyed, or most of the business portion of the town. Total damage was reported at $30,000.00, a huge sum on money for its day. The San Francisco Fire Department Fire Boat “Governor Markham” fought the fire from the waterfront. This was later called the “Hunters Resort” fire.
July 4, 1893 Fire Loss Summary:
Tamalpais Stables, $3000; Tamalpais Hotel severe loss, and lives were endangered when the hotel boiler blew up during the fire; Lisbon House, $3000; Grethel Brothers, fruit store, considerable loss; Pedro, the Shoemaker, considerable loss; Uncle Joe, Bootblack, $40; Jacques Thomas, Barber Shop Building, severe loss; Frank Jukich, Restaurant, $400.
A community ‘outcry’ followed for better fire protection and other public services. Shortly afterwards, the hills and the waterfront citizens argued over whether Sausalito should incorporate as a city. On August 23, 1893, a citizens committee was appointed to prepare an address favoring incorporation. Community leaders placed a plea in the Sausalito News, Friday, August 25, 1893: "Vote for Incorporation!"
The hill dwellers, who favored the civic improvements and reforms which incorporation would bring, won in the end. Special events and dances were then created to finance a Fire Department.
Early History of the Sausalito FD, 1893-1899:
Sausalito began firefighting with Bucket Brigades, then Hose Carts pulled by volunteer firemen, with horses hauling the fire wagons.
* July 2,1894: Action: A fire watch program was established.
* June 3,1895: Purchased a small engine and pump for washing streets and fighting small fires.
* In 1897 the Sausalito Yacht Club Fire, along with a fire in Hurricane Gulch destroyed 21 homes in the south part of town.
SFD History, 1900-1909:
The history of the Sausalito Fire Department reveals that hose cart stations were scattered in various locations of Sausalito with approximately ten volunteer firefighters. The first Fire House was built next to the Yacht Club (now Ondine's Restaurant), which was originally a hose cart station. This station was eventually expanded to house a Fire Wagon and a Horse team.
* February, 1904: Mr. A.E. Wray asked the City Council to have a Fire Department started at a cost of $495.75
* June, 1904: A.A. Jewett was appointed Fire Marshal. The Jewett family were pioneers of Sausalito, the local blacksmiths of this era, and made all the hose carts and fire wagons as needed for SFD.
Fire Chief A.A. Jewett (1904-1911)
The great San Francisco Earthquake struck on April 18, 1906, at 5:04 in the morning. On April 28, 1906, the Sausalito News reported how the San Francisco earthquake affected Sausalito: "There were but few chimneys left standing ... homes were severely shaken, and, while it will take many thousands of dollars to repair the damage done, we cannot but thank fortune that our families are safe. And while many of our residents have, by the destruction of their property and places of business in the city, suffered great financial loss, a little while of work will repair the losses. Many refugees have come to Sausalito, and are being well taken care of by willing hands. The school houses and all quasi public buildings have been turned over for the shelter of the homeless and needy."
* September 13, 1909: Ordinance 187 - enacted unpaid Sausalito Fire Department.
* October 4, 1909: Permit granted to erect a fire house on San Carlos Avenue - a Hose Cart Station.
* October 11, 1909: Judge J.E. Renner, Wm. Louis Southerland, and Henry Collins were appointed as Fire Board Commissioners.
* January, 1909: Sausalito Land and Ferry Company charged $20.00 for rent of Fire House (Hose Cart Station) located on their property.
* December 13, 1909: $750.00 funds acquired for future expenditures for the Fire Department.
The development of a water system for firefighting started in 1909. The Sausalito Spring Water Co. at Valley Street, 2nd Street and Main Street and the Sausalito Land & Ferry Water Co. provided the City its water for consumers and firefighting. The first hydrants were underground. In order to hook the hose to the water, a valve and lid covering the ground needed to be removed and the connection was then made. In time standpipes were installed, and later double valve hydrants were in use.
SFD History, 1910-1920:
Fire Chief W.R. Walker served from 1911-1922.
* Oct. 10, 1910: The first Fire Wagon was purchased. The Fire Chiefs salary was suggested at $30.00 a month.
* February 1911: The Fire Commission recommended Fire House #2 on Water Street be lowered with sidewalks, and to also install a Fire Alarm System.
* February 6, 1911: 50 feet of hose was purchased for Hose Cart #4.
* March 15, 1911: Fire Chiefs salary was "fixed" at $20.00 a month. A team of horses for wagon #2 was purchased. The Fire Commission recommended "Gamewell Fire Alarms" to be installed throughout Sausalito.
* June 12,1911: Installed single valve fire hydrants.
* October 16, 1911: Requested city jail cells to be installed in the Fire House on Water Street.
* November 15, 1911: Several double valve hydrants ("Steamers") were installed.
* December 11, 1911: Fire Chief A.A. Jewett resigned, and W.R. Walker was appointed as Fire Marshal and Chief.
* April 1, 1912: Hose Cart and House #5 was built at Santa Rosa Avenue, in the central part of town.
* May 6,1912: Hose Cart and House #6 erected at West and Main Street, in the south part of Town.
* December 2, 1912: Purchased a building for storing fire shirts and caps at Pine Street.
* August 4, 1913: The Fire Chief was appointed to also serve as the dog catcher and pound master. All fines collected were used for fire equipment.
* 1914: Two jail cells were added to the Fire House.
* January 16,1914: A contract was signed for the creation of the first Fire House. Total cost for the building was $1,525.10.
A large wildland fire in September, 1919 destroyed property valued at over $75,000 in south Sausalito on the hillside near the residence of E. Chalopin, see the Major Fires and Incidents section of this site. The story of this fire and photos are posted under the More menu>Major Fires, Incidents>Wildland Urban Interface Fires>1919 Sausalito Hills
SFD History, 1920-1929:
Sausalito Fire Department History, 1893-2012
This history was “prepared by”, as he describes his role, retired Sausalito FD Operations Chief Fred Bunker. See the end of this page for the full list of contributors.
The Sausalito Fire Department was born following tragedy, as was the case for so many fire departments across America. Often, but not always, big fires caused an ‘outcry’ in the community for change. In the late 1800’s, this usually resulted in efforts towards in better water systems, fire hose, hose carts, and perhaps hand pumpers. Mechanized equipment was soon to arrive, first in the form of horse-drawn steam engines, or “steamers”, but those were usually out of the affordability range of small towns.
The first known human inhabitants of the area were the Coast Miwok Indians in a settlement called Liwanelowa. They called the area “Saucito”, meaning little willow, from the willows growing along streambanks. There is evidence of over 3,000 years of Coast Miwok existence there. The Spanish word for willow tree is "sauce" (pronounced in two syllables as SAU-say), and a little willow would be called "saucelito" (sau-say-LEE-to). English-speaking settlers changed the spelling from Saucelito to Sausalito, and the present town name was born.
The first European known to visit the present-day location of Sausalito was Don José de Cañizares, on August 5, 1775. The town started in the 1830's as a place where ships could pick up fresh water near San Francisco, when the area was still part of Mexico. Later, William Richardson (August 27, 1795 – April 20, 1856), was an English seaman who converted to Mexican citizenship and married the daughter of Ygnacio Martinez, Commandante of El Presidio, the Mexican Military post in San Francisco.
Richardson was influential in development of the Yerba Buena area in San Francisco. After petitioning the Mexican Governor, he was granted a 19,571-acre land grant in what is now western and southern Marin County. He built a home just north of the present downtown, and was a successful businessman until falling on hard times in the 1850’s. He died bankrupt, and Richardson Bay is named after him along with Richardson Avenue in San Francisco’s Marina District. The war with Mexico in 1846-48 and The Gold Rush in 1849 propelled California into becoming part of the United States and the flood of miners turned San Francisco into a boom town.
When California was admitted as a state in 1850, Northern California was dominated by mining and shipping interests, and the commercial elites of San Francisco. Most of Richardson’s Rancho del Sausalito was sold in 1868 to the Sausalito Land & Ferry Company. This company laid out streets and subdivided the north-central waterfront into view lots for development. A small steamer called The Princess was used to bring in potential buyers, followed later by a railway line completed in 1875 from the north into the downtown. The transportation options led to growth and an improved business climate.
After the California Gold Rush, Sausalito's bayside location was an important part of its appeal and growth. San Francisco's north-bay neighbor was less than two miles away, and could easily be seen from city streets, yet without any easy way to get there. While a boat could sail to Sausalito in under 30 minutes, wagons required a trip around the entire bay - usually more than a hundred miles. As a result, two types of people dominated the area related to boats: commercial fishermen, and affluent yachting fans.
Wealthy San Franciscans occupied summer homes in the hills, while an active working class developed in the flatlands along Water Street (later to become Bridgeway). The working class residents included Portugese boatbuilders and dairy ranchers, Italian and German merchants, boarding house operators, and Chinese railroad workers.
Then, on July 4th, 1893, the Sausalito News reported: "Most of the Business Portion of Town Consumed by Destructive Element". The July 4th fireworks was held annually at the Hunters Resort, located in southern Sausalito. This was believed to be the cause of the fire. Ten buildings were destroyed, or most of the business portion of the town. Total damage was reported at $30,000.00, a huge sum on money for its day. The San Francisco Fire Department Fire Boat “Governor Markham” fought the fire from the waterfront. This was later called the “Hunters Resort” fire.
July 4, 1893 Fire Loss Summary:
Tamalpais Stables, $3000; Tamalpais Hotel severe loss, and lives were endangered when the hotel boiler blew up during the fire; Lisbon House, $3000; Grethel Brothers, fruit store, considerable loss; Pedro, the Shoemaker, considerable loss; Uncle Joe, Bootblack, $40; Jacques Thomas, Barber Shop Building, severe loss; Frank Jukich, Restaurant, $400.
A community ‘outcry’ followed for better fire protection and other public services. Shortly afterwards, the hills and the waterfront citizens argued over whether Sausalito should incorporate as a city. On August 23, 1893, a citizens committee was appointed to prepare an address favoring incorporation. Community leaders placed a plea in the Sausalito News, Friday, August 25, 1893: "Vote for Incorporation!"
The hill dwellers, who favored the civic improvements and reforms which incorporation would bring, won in the end. Special events and dances were then created to finance a Fire Department.
Early History of the Sausalito FD, 1893-1899:
Sausalito began firefighting with Bucket Brigades, then Hose Carts pulled by volunteer firemen, with horses hauling the fire wagons.
* July 2,1894: Action: A fire watch program was established.
* June 3,1895: Purchased a small engine and pump for washing streets and fighting small fires.
* In 1897 the Sausalito Yacht Club Fire, along with a fire in Hurricane Gulch destroyed 21 homes in the south part of town.
SFD History, 1900-1909:
The history of the Sausalito Fire Department reveals that hose cart stations were scattered in various locations of Sausalito with approximately ten volunteer firefighters. The first Fire House was built next to the Yacht Club (now Ondine's Restaurant), which was originally a hose cart station. This station was eventually expanded to house a Fire Wagon and a Horse team.
* February, 1904: Mr. A.E. Wray asked the City Council to have a Fire Department started at a cost of $495.75
* June, 1904: A.A. Jewett was appointed Fire Marshal. The Jewett family were pioneers of Sausalito, the local blacksmiths of this era, and made all the hose carts and fire wagons as needed for SFD.
Fire Chief A.A. Jewett (1904-1911)
The great San Francisco Earthquake struck on April 18, 1906, at 5:04 in the morning. On April 28, 1906, the Sausalito News reported how the San Francisco earthquake affected Sausalito: "There were but few chimneys left standing ... homes were severely shaken, and, while it will take many thousands of dollars to repair the damage done, we cannot but thank fortune that our families are safe. And while many of our residents have, by the destruction of their property and places of business in the city, suffered great financial loss, a little while of work will repair the losses. Many refugees have come to Sausalito, and are being well taken care of by willing hands. The school houses and all quasi public buildings have been turned over for the shelter of the homeless and needy."
* September 13, 1909: Ordinance 187 - enacted unpaid Sausalito Fire Department.
* October 4, 1909: Permit granted to erect a fire house on San Carlos Avenue - a Hose Cart Station.
* October 11, 1909: Judge J.E. Renner, Wm. Louis Southerland, and Henry Collins were appointed as Fire Board Commissioners.
* January, 1909: Sausalito Land and Ferry Company charged $20.00 for rent of Fire House (Hose Cart Station) located on their property.
* December 13, 1909: $750.00 funds acquired for future expenditures for the Fire Department.
The development of a water system for firefighting started in 1909. The Sausalito Spring Water Co. at Valley Street, 2nd Street and Main Street and the Sausalito Land & Ferry Water Co. provided the City its water for consumers and firefighting. The first hydrants were underground. In order to hook the hose to the water, a valve and lid covering the ground needed to be removed and the connection was then made. In time standpipes were installed, and later double valve hydrants were in use.
SFD History, 1910-1920:
Fire Chief W.R. Walker served from 1911-1922.
* Oct. 10, 1910: The first Fire Wagon was purchased. The Fire Chiefs salary was suggested at $30.00 a month.
* February 1911: The Fire Commission recommended Fire House #2 on Water Street be lowered with sidewalks, and to also install a Fire Alarm System.
* February 6, 1911: 50 feet of hose was purchased for Hose Cart #4.
* March 15, 1911: Fire Chiefs salary was "fixed" at $20.00 a month. A team of horses for wagon #2 was purchased. The Fire Commission recommended "Gamewell Fire Alarms" to be installed throughout Sausalito.
* June 12,1911: Installed single valve fire hydrants.
* October 16, 1911: Requested city jail cells to be installed in the Fire House on Water Street.
* November 15, 1911: Several double valve hydrants ("Steamers") were installed.
* December 11, 1911: Fire Chief A.A. Jewett resigned, and W.R. Walker was appointed as Fire Marshal and Chief.
* April 1, 1912: Hose Cart and House #5 was built at Santa Rosa Avenue, in the central part of town.
* May 6,1912: Hose Cart and House #6 erected at West and Main Street, in the south part of Town.
* December 2, 1912: Purchased a building for storing fire shirts and caps at Pine Street.
* August 4, 1913: The Fire Chief was appointed to also serve as the dog catcher and pound master. All fines collected were used for fire equipment.
* 1914: Two jail cells were added to the Fire House.
* January 16,1914: A contract was signed for the creation of the first Fire House. Total cost for the building was $1,525.10.
A large wildland fire in September, 1919 destroyed property valued at over $75,000 in south Sausalito on the hillside near the residence of E. Chalopin, see the Major Fires and Incidents section of this site. The story of this fire and photos are posted under the More menu>Major Fires, Incidents>Wildland Urban Interface Fires>1919 Sausalito Hills
SFD History, 1920-1929:
Sausalito goes to the Movies
Less than two years after the major fire in the Sausalito Hills, two national fire service leaders visited the town to speak to the citizens and to play several fire movies. We are sharing public domain footage from one of the films featuring comedian Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, titled "The Garage." Note in the story below that the film "Fatty's Tintype Triangle" was also played. This film was shot in 1915, and, in 1995, was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
"A man, tired of his mother-in-law's henpecking, leaves home in anger and sits on a park bench, where a photographer takes a picture of him sitting next to a married woman, whose husband is not pleased."
The movie stars Arbuckle, Louise Fazenda, Edgar Kennedy, Minta Duree, and Frank Hayes.The film was directed by Arbuckle and features a spectacular sequence of Arbuckle walking on power lines. We are choosing to share the film "The Garage" below since it includes scenes of Fatty playing a local fire Chief, sliding down the pole to respond to a fire, and pulling a hose cart.
From the Sausalito News, Volume 37, Number 11, 12 March 1921:
FIRE CHIEF MURPHY AND FIRE MOVIES AT PRINCESS NEXT THURSDAY EVENING
"Through the courtesy of T.R. Murphy, chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, and one of the leading and progressive fire chiefs in the United States, and with the aid of one our town trustees, the grown up residents of Sausalito and vicinity will have an opportunity of seeing six reels or fire pictures and in hearing able talks upon fires by Fire Chief T. R. Murphy and J. W. Stevens of the Pacific Coast Fire Protection Association at the Princess theatre on Thursday evening, March 17th.
There will be only one performance and on account of limited seating capacity or the theatre no children will be permitted to attend. There will be no admission fee. The performance will open at 7:30 p.m. with a two-reel comedy entitled "Tintype" and it will be followed by six reels of fire pictures. The first three reels will be on fire prevention, followed by a fire inspection of large manufacturing plants employing a large number or girls, recent big eastern and local fires and will wind up with a reel showing Fatty Arbuckle as a firefighter.
There will be several slide or fire scenes also shown. Fire Chief Murphy to whom the people feel gratetul for the good work he, his firemen and the fire tugs had done in extinguishing the big fire of September, 1919, that threatened to destroy Sausalito, will deliver an interesting address upon the dangers of fires, prevention of fires and of the value of having fire tugs in service again.
J. W. Stevens of the Fire Prevention Association or the Pacific Coast will also make a few remarks. Every grown person is welcome and urged to attend as it will be a very instructive show. Chief Murphy expects that the pictures will be over about 10:15."
Marin Fire History Editors note: Thomas R. Murphy was the Fire Chief of San Francisco from February 8, 1910 through November 4, 1929. He was placed on medical leave in October, 1928 and died in office on November 4, 1929. He was the fire chief who helped save Sausalito in 1919 by sending firefighting forces including tugboats to help extinguish the blaze. He was a leader in the fire service on a national level. We will be published his biography soon.
J.R. Stevens was a fascinating fire service leader who made numerous visits to the Marin County fire service. Among many other roles in his career, he served as California State Fire Marshal, and was known by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) as "Mr. Fire Prevention." We will also be publishing his biography soon.
"A man, tired of his mother-in-law's henpecking, leaves home in anger and sits on a park bench, where a photographer takes a picture of him sitting next to a married woman, whose husband is not pleased."
The movie stars Arbuckle, Louise Fazenda, Edgar Kennedy, Minta Duree, and Frank Hayes.The film was directed by Arbuckle and features a spectacular sequence of Arbuckle walking on power lines. We are choosing to share the film "The Garage" below since it includes scenes of Fatty playing a local fire Chief, sliding down the pole to respond to a fire, and pulling a hose cart.
From the Sausalito News, Volume 37, Number 11, 12 March 1921:
FIRE CHIEF MURPHY AND FIRE MOVIES AT PRINCESS NEXT THURSDAY EVENING
"Through the courtesy of T.R. Murphy, chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, and one of the leading and progressive fire chiefs in the United States, and with the aid of one our town trustees, the grown up residents of Sausalito and vicinity will have an opportunity of seeing six reels or fire pictures and in hearing able talks upon fires by Fire Chief T. R. Murphy and J. W. Stevens of the Pacific Coast Fire Protection Association at the Princess theatre on Thursday evening, March 17th.
There will be only one performance and on account of limited seating capacity or the theatre no children will be permitted to attend. There will be no admission fee. The performance will open at 7:30 p.m. with a two-reel comedy entitled "Tintype" and it will be followed by six reels of fire pictures. The first three reels will be on fire prevention, followed by a fire inspection of large manufacturing plants employing a large number or girls, recent big eastern and local fires and will wind up with a reel showing Fatty Arbuckle as a firefighter.
There will be several slide or fire scenes also shown. Fire Chief Murphy to whom the people feel gratetul for the good work he, his firemen and the fire tugs had done in extinguishing the big fire of September, 1919, that threatened to destroy Sausalito, will deliver an interesting address upon the dangers of fires, prevention of fires and of the value of having fire tugs in service again.
J. W. Stevens of the Fire Prevention Association or the Pacific Coast will also make a few remarks. Every grown person is welcome and urged to attend as it will be a very instructive show. Chief Murphy expects that the pictures will be over about 10:15."
Marin Fire History Editors note: Thomas R. Murphy was the Fire Chief of San Francisco from February 8, 1910 through November 4, 1929. He was placed on medical leave in October, 1928 and died in office on November 4, 1929. He was the fire chief who helped save Sausalito in 1919 by sending firefighting forces including tugboats to help extinguish the blaze. He was a leader in the fire service on a national level. We will be published his biography soon.
J.R. Stevens was a fascinating fire service leader who made numerous visits to the Marin County fire service. Among many other roles in his career, he served as California State Fire Marshal, and was known by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) as "Mr. Fire Prevention." We will also be publishing his biography soon.
Fatty Arbuckle in "The Garage", featuring scenes as a fireman. Click on the symbol on the lower right between HD and vimeo to see in full screen.
In 1922, the ferries to San Francisco started carrying cars to the City in addition to passengers, and commuters formed long lines stretching down Bridgeway as they waited to drive aboard. Local residents used to describe how they hated all the exhaust fumes in the winter when people kept their engines running to keep their cars warm as they waited. Northwestern Pacific commuter train service also expanded to serve the increased traffic volume, and Sausalito became known primarily as a transportation hub to and from San Francisco.
* May 19, 1922: Fire Chief W.R. Cook, resigns - Fred Draper was made acting Fire Chief.
* June 2,1922: Capt. Walter A. Cook, retired fireman from San Francisco F.D. was appointed as Sausalito Fire Chief.
* July 7, 1922: Chief Cook started the First Aid Station at the Fire House.
* March 7, 1924: Chief Walter A. Cook died at a structure fire at Lower Crescent Avenue. This was the first line of duty death (LODD) in Sausalito, and as of this writing in 2015, the first known LODD in Marin County. He served from 1922, and was previously a Battalion Chief in the San Francisco FD. See the Line of Duty Deaths page for him on this site for a detailed review.
* March 24, 1924: Charles Loriano became Fire Chief until he resigned in 1944.
* In 1926, the Marin Municipal Water District purchased the Sausalito Water System.
Fire Chief Charles Loriano served from 1924-1944.
Soon thereafter Prohibition came and Sausalito became a base of operation for bootleggers (among them “Baby Face” Nelson, the infamous Chicago mobster). Tarpaulin-draped trucks laden with contraband – smuggled into the coves and inlets of West Marin – regularly rumbled through town, rushing to meet the midnight ferry for transport to San Francisco’s speakeasies.
In 1924 Sausalito purchased a Hewett Ludlow truck and converted it into combination hose and chemical extinguisher unit. This unit did not have a pump - the only pressure was achieved with the gravity fed hydrants. One of the reasons the Alta Mira Hotel burned to the ground in 1926 was due to lack of water pressure coming from the apparatus.
In 1928, Sausalito purchased an American LaFrance 1000 gpm pumper.
SFD History, 1930-1941:
In 1930, a Seagrave 500 gpm combination pumper engine was acquired.
This era came to an end in May 1937, with the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge made large-scale ferry operations redundant, and since the new route of Highway 101 bypassed Sausalito entirely, in-town traffic was quickly reduced to a trickle. Car ferry service ended in March 1941. Passenger ferry service, however, continues to this day, linking downtown Sausalito with both the Ferry Building in San Francisco's Embarcadero, and Pier 39 in the Fisherman's Wharf district. Northwestern Pacific also closed its Sausalito train terminal in March 1941, although some tracks remained in use as "spur tracks" for freight trains as late as 1971.
In 1931 the Fire House was moved across the street on Water Street (now Bridgeway).
SFD History, 1940-1949:
With the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 and the loss, in 1941, of its train and car ferry services, Sausalito seemed destined to become a sleepy backwater. But World War II and the hasty construction of a major shipyard on its northern waterfront suddenly swelled its tiny population to 30,000. The Marinship yard operated 24/7 until September of 1945, producing 93 Liberty Ships and tankers for the war in the Pacific.
In 1941, during World War II a marshy area north of Sausalito was hastily filled in and turned into the massive Marinship Shipyards, producing merchant ships to carry supplies around the world. The area to the north where housing was built for wartime workers became known as Marin City.
By 1945 the city had five paid firemen and fifteen volunteers. In 1946 there were eight paid fiiremen and fifteen volunteers. The Department also had 25 women trained as "Fire Ladies" during WWII under a Civil Defense Plan.
On July 28, 1940, a new Fire Station was built at Caledonia and Johnson Street (where it is located today).
In 1942 a Dodge Attack Unit combination 350 gpm, was purchased.
April 1944: Fire Chief M.J. 'Matts"Perry served from 1944-1965.
In 1946 the Fire Department purchased a Fire Ambulance (Cadillac Station wagon), a free service for Sausalito residents. This was one of the first Fire Ambulances in the State. In time the Ambulance was modernized, becoming a Paramedic Ambulance.
More coming - info in general on Marinship (see under Former FD's menu), the war years, and overall the impact on Sausalito.
The post-war era saw the arrival of San Francisco madame Sally Stanford, whose establishments were reputed to have hosted as many organizational meetings of the original United Nations as the supposed U.N. meeting rooms at the Opera House. Stanford declared that she had abandoned her prior profession in favor of running a bar and restaurant, and bought the Valhalla Inn in Sausalito. She ran for the City Council of Sausalito on several occasions, and ultimately won in 1972. She became Mayor of Sausalito in 1975 at age 72, and stayed active in city life until her death in 1982.
SFD History, 1950-1960:
As abruptly as it began, the war effort ended and, with the continued routing of bridge traffic over the town rather than through it, Sausalito shrank to near its former size. What took its place was to define the community for the next several decades. Attracted by Sausalito’s striking beauty and cheap rents, artists, writers, musicians, hippies, and even a bordello owner by the name of Sally Stanford moved in along its waterfront bringing a cultural “golden age” to the local scene.
Some of the most notable were Sterling Hayden, Alan Watts, Shel Silverstein, Otis Redding and Jean Varda. Those who came created a bohemian aura that persists to this day, giving the town its reputation as an art colony and literary enclave. For many during that time, life was often a party in Sausalito and famous haunts such as Zack’s, Juanita’s and the Trident offered entertainment.
Many small naval and civilian vessels were also left behind when the shipyards were closed, and in later years decommissioned ferry boats joined this improvised fleet. The boatbuilding and boat repair businesses did very well. The waterfront was used as a set in Orson Welles' dark mystery film Lady from Shanghai, starring his then-wife Rita Hayworth.
In 1950 the City acquired from Marinship Corporation a Triple Combination 500 gpm Fire Engine. In 1957 an International 1250 gpm combination engine was added. In 1958, the Department purchased a Willy's military jeep from Civil Defense to be used as a utility vehicle.
SFD History, 1960-1970:
In the 1960s two shifts existed with 5 Firefighters each which included a Captain and a Lieutenant, along with 10 Volunteer firefighters, an Assistant Chief and a Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Charles "Buck" E. Masten served from 1965-1972.
On March 17, 1960, Madden and Lewis Shipyards was destroyed by fire resulting in a $250,000 loss.
The most costly and exciting fire was on May 5, 1963, when the American Distillery Company was destroyed by fire. Besides loss of several structures, 178,250 gallons of Scotch, Gin, Bourbon, and Vodka was burned. This fire was a $2.5 million loss.
In 1961 an International Pickup was purchased for use as the chief's vehicle. In 1963 an International 1250 gpm Triple Combination Pumper was purchased.
In 1964 a "Snorkel" a 65' Aerial Platform was purchased. A Quick Attack pumper (250 gpm) was acquired in 1967. A 2000 gpm American Lafrance Engine (largest gpm pumper in Marin) was purchased in 1968.
SFD History, 1970-1980:
In 1970 congestion on the Golden Gate Bridge led to the return of passenger ferries, including the popular Sausalito Ferry routes. The local bus systems were started at about the same time to take still more traffic off the Bridge.
In the 1970's, three Shifts were created with a Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, three Captains, six Firefighters and three Paramedic Firefighters.
Fire Chief Robert Halon served in 1972.
Fire Chief Robert Quayle served from 1972-1976.
Fire Chief Stephen Bogel served from 1976-1995.
On August 19, 1979, a large fire burned a pier and gutted a wholesale fish company named Ocean Traders, thought to be one of a kind in Marin County, causing $100,000 damage. This fire was controlled by the Sausalito FD, Marin County FD, Mill Valley FD, Alto FD, Tiburon FD and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Record Plant music recording studio opened in 1972, and drew many of the biggest names in Rock & Roll and popular music, who often dined, and sometimes played at The Trident, where Robin Williams once served as a busboy, and at other local restaurants.
SFD History, 1980-1990:
After days of heavy rains, on January 5, 1981, a large rock and mud slide above the Southbound lanes of the Waldo Grade on Highway 101 gave way. It sheared in half a two- story structure on Crescent Ave. This incident took the life of one resident and displaced many in a three block area of Sausalito along with a section of highway 101. The slide closed the Golden Gate Bridge for two days and caused major traffic flow problems.
SFD History, 1990-2000:
Fire Chief Al Mazza served from 1995-1997.
On Nov. 12, 1992 a large three-alarm fire heavily damaged the historic Village Fair at 777 Bridgeway, and its cluster of shops that included 32 businesses. More than 50 firefighters from Mill Valley, Tiburon, Kentfield, Larkspur, Alto-Richardson Bay, and Marin County fire departments responded to a mutual aid call to assist in battling and salvaging at this Sausalito blaze. The shop owners were very thankful and complimentary on the extensive salvage work performed.
Steve Willis served as the Police & Fire Chief from 1997-2001.
In the 1990's, newer apparatus were acquired, including a Sutphen Quint 65' Aerial, a Fireboat, and an 'Airboat" for riding out over the tidal mud to assist Richardson Bay Houseboats.
SFD History, 2000-2012:
Fire Chief Jack Henderson served in 2001.
Fire Chief Doug Smith served from 2001-2004, leaving to accept a battalion Chief position with the Rumsey Rancheria Fire Department in Yolo County, now called Yocha Dehe FD.
There was an interim merger with Alto-Richardson Bay FPD starting in 2004, with Mike Stone serving as Fire Chief until his retirement. This district became the Southern Marin Fire Protection District a few years later, and Jim Irving then served as Fire Chief until his retirement in 2014. Sausalito officially completed consolidation with the Southern Marin Fire Protection District in 2012, and that was the end of Sausalito FD as an organization after 119 years of history.
Contributors to this history of the Sausalito FD in addition to Fred Bunker included:
Ralph K. "Swede" Pedersen , SFD -Captain, deceased, Author of “Sausalito FD - How it all Started"
Cassis Eugene Poole, Sausalito FD Volunteer Fireman
Ed Souza, Volunteer Fireman, deceased
Stephen Bogel ,SFD Fire Chief, retired
Robert Souza, Tamalpais Valley Fire Chief, retired
Michael Martinez ,Southern Marin Fire Protection District Captain
Debbie Pagliaro ,Sausalito City Clerk
The Sausalito Historical Society
Sausalito News ,"Moments in Time"
The Marin Independent Journal
* May 19, 1922: Fire Chief W.R. Cook, resigns - Fred Draper was made acting Fire Chief.
* June 2,1922: Capt. Walter A. Cook, retired fireman from San Francisco F.D. was appointed as Sausalito Fire Chief.
* July 7, 1922: Chief Cook started the First Aid Station at the Fire House.
* March 7, 1924: Chief Walter A. Cook died at a structure fire at Lower Crescent Avenue. This was the first line of duty death (LODD) in Sausalito, and as of this writing in 2015, the first known LODD in Marin County. He served from 1922, and was previously a Battalion Chief in the San Francisco FD. See the Line of Duty Deaths page for him on this site for a detailed review.
* March 24, 1924: Charles Loriano became Fire Chief until he resigned in 1944.
* In 1926, the Marin Municipal Water District purchased the Sausalito Water System.
Fire Chief Charles Loriano served from 1924-1944.
Soon thereafter Prohibition came and Sausalito became a base of operation for bootleggers (among them “Baby Face” Nelson, the infamous Chicago mobster). Tarpaulin-draped trucks laden with contraband – smuggled into the coves and inlets of West Marin – regularly rumbled through town, rushing to meet the midnight ferry for transport to San Francisco’s speakeasies.
In 1924 Sausalito purchased a Hewett Ludlow truck and converted it into combination hose and chemical extinguisher unit. This unit did not have a pump - the only pressure was achieved with the gravity fed hydrants. One of the reasons the Alta Mira Hotel burned to the ground in 1926 was due to lack of water pressure coming from the apparatus.
In 1928, Sausalito purchased an American LaFrance 1000 gpm pumper.
SFD History, 1930-1941:
In 1930, a Seagrave 500 gpm combination pumper engine was acquired.
This era came to an end in May 1937, with the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge made large-scale ferry operations redundant, and since the new route of Highway 101 bypassed Sausalito entirely, in-town traffic was quickly reduced to a trickle. Car ferry service ended in March 1941. Passenger ferry service, however, continues to this day, linking downtown Sausalito with both the Ferry Building in San Francisco's Embarcadero, and Pier 39 in the Fisherman's Wharf district. Northwestern Pacific also closed its Sausalito train terminal in March 1941, although some tracks remained in use as "spur tracks" for freight trains as late as 1971.
In 1931 the Fire House was moved across the street on Water Street (now Bridgeway).
SFD History, 1940-1949:
With the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 and the loss, in 1941, of its train and car ferry services, Sausalito seemed destined to become a sleepy backwater. But World War II and the hasty construction of a major shipyard on its northern waterfront suddenly swelled its tiny population to 30,000. The Marinship yard operated 24/7 until September of 1945, producing 93 Liberty Ships and tankers for the war in the Pacific.
In 1941, during World War II a marshy area north of Sausalito was hastily filled in and turned into the massive Marinship Shipyards, producing merchant ships to carry supplies around the world. The area to the north where housing was built for wartime workers became known as Marin City.
By 1945 the city had five paid firemen and fifteen volunteers. In 1946 there were eight paid fiiremen and fifteen volunteers. The Department also had 25 women trained as "Fire Ladies" during WWII under a Civil Defense Plan.
On July 28, 1940, a new Fire Station was built at Caledonia and Johnson Street (where it is located today).
In 1942 a Dodge Attack Unit combination 350 gpm, was purchased.
April 1944: Fire Chief M.J. 'Matts"Perry served from 1944-1965.
In 1946 the Fire Department purchased a Fire Ambulance (Cadillac Station wagon), a free service for Sausalito residents. This was one of the first Fire Ambulances in the State. In time the Ambulance was modernized, becoming a Paramedic Ambulance.
More coming - info in general on Marinship (see under Former FD's menu), the war years, and overall the impact on Sausalito.
The post-war era saw the arrival of San Francisco madame Sally Stanford, whose establishments were reputed to have hosted as many organizational meetings of the original United Nations as the supposed U.N. meeting rooms at the Opera House. Stanford declared that she had abandoned her prior profession in favor of running a bar and restaurant, and bought the Valhalla Inn in Sausalito. She ran for the City Council of Sausalito on several occasions, and ultimately won in 1972. She became Mayor of Sausalito in 1975 at age 72, and stayed active in city life until her death in 1982.
SFD History, 1950-1960:
As abruptly as it began, the war effort ended and, with the continued routing of bridge traffic over the town rather than through it, Sausalito shrank to near its former size. What took its place was to define the community for the next several decades. Attracted by Sausalito’s striking beauty and cheap rents, artists, writers, musicians, hippies, and even a bordello owner by the name of Sally Stanford moved in along its waterfront bringing a cultural “golden age” to the local scene.
Some of the most notable were Sterling Hayden, Alan Watts, Shel Silverstein, Otis Redding and Jean Varda. Those who came created a bohemian aura that persists to this day, giving the town its reputation as an art colony and literary enclave. For many during that time, life was often a party in Sausalito and famous haunts such as Zack’s, Juanita’s and the Trident offered entertainment.
Many small naval and civilian vessels were also left behind when the shipyards were closed, and in later years decommissioned ferry boats joined this improvised fleet. The boatbuilding and boat repair businesses did very well. The waterfront was used as a set in Orson Welles' dark mystery film Lady from Shanghai, starring his then-wife Rita Hayworth.
In 1950 the City acquired from Marinship Corporation a Triple Combination 500 gpm Fire Engine. In 1957 an International 1250 gpm combination engine was added. In 1958, the Department purchased a Willy's military jeep from Civil Defense to be used as a utility vehicle.
SFD History, 1960-1970:
In the 1960s two shifts existed with 5 Firefighters each which included a Captain and a Lieutenant, along with 10 Volunteer firefighters, an Assistant Chief and a Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Charles "Buck" E. Masten served from 1965-1972.
On March 17, 1960, Madden and Lewis Shipyards was destroyed by fire resulting in a $250,000 loss.
The most costly and exciting fire was on May 5, 1963, when the American Distillery Company was destroyed by fire. Besides loss of several structures, 178,250 gallons of Scotch, Gin, Bourbon, and Vodka was burned. This fire was a $2.5 million loss.
In 1961 an International Pickup was purchased for use as the chief's vehicle. In 1963 an International 1250 gpm Triple Combination Pumper was purchased.
In 1964 a "Snorkel" a 65' Aerial Platform was purchased. A Quick Attack pumper (250 gpm) was acquired in 1967. A 2000 gpm American Lafrance Engine (largest gpm pumper in Marin) was purchased in 1968.
SFD History, 1970-1980:
In 1970 congestion on the Golden Gate Bridge led to the return of passenger ferries, including the popular Sausalito Ferry routes. The local bus systems were started at about the same time to take still more traffic off the Bridge.
In the 1970's, three Shifts were created with a Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, three Captains, six Firefighters and three Paramedic Firefighters.
Fire Chief Robert Halon served in 1972.
Fire Chief Robert Quayle served from 1972-1976.
Fire Chief Stephen Bogel served from 1976-1995.
On August 19, 1979, a large fire burned a pier and gutted a wholesale fish company named Ocean Traders, thought to be one of a kind in Marin County, causing $100,000 damage. This fire was controlled by the Sausalito FD, Marin County FD, Mill Valley FD, Alto FD, Tiburon FD and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Record Plant music recording studio opened in 1972, and drew many of the biggest names in Rock & Roll and popular music, who often dined, and sometimes played at The Trident, where Robin Williams once served as a busboy, and at other local restaurants.
SFD History, 1980-1990:
After days of heavy rains, on January 5, 1981, a large rock and mud slide above the Southbound lanes of the Waldo Grade on Highway 101 gave way. It sheared in half a two- story structure on Crescent Ave. This incident took the life of one resident and displaced many in a three block area of Sausalito along with a section of highway 101. The slide closed the Golden Gate Bridge for two days and caused major traffic flow problems.
SFD History, 1990-2000:
Fire Chief Al Mazza served from 1995-1997.
On Nov. 12, 1992 a large three-alarm fire heavily damaged the historic Village Fair at 777 Bridgeway, and its cluster of shops that included 32 businesses. More than 50 firefighters from Mill Valley, Tiburon, Kentfield, Larkspur, Alto-Richardson Bay, and Marin County fire departments responded to a mutual aid call to assist in battling and salvaging at this Sausalito blaze. The shop owners were very thankful and complimentary on the extensive salvage work performed.
Steve Willis served as the Police & Fire Chief from 1997-2001.
In the 1990's, newer apparatus were acquired, including a Sutphen Quint 65' Aerial, a Fireboat, and an 'Airboat" for riding out over the tidal mud to assist Richardson Bay Houseboats.
SFD History, 2000-2012:
Fire Chief Jack Henderson served in 2001.
Fire Chief Doug Smith served from 2001-2004, leaving to accept a battalion Chief position with the Rumsey Rancheria Fire Department in Yolo County, now called Yocha Dehe FD.
There was an interim merger with Alto-Richardson Bay FPD starting in 2004, with Mike Stone serving as Fire Chief until his retirement. This district became the Southern Marin Fire Protection District a few years later, and Jim Irving then served as Fire Chief until his retirement in 2014. Sausalito officially completed consolidation with the Southern Marin Fire Protection District in 2012, and that was the end of Sausalito FD as an organization after 119 years of history.
Contributors to this history of the Sausalito FD in addition to Fred Bunker included:
Ralph K. "Swede" Pedersen , SFD -Captain, deceased, Author of “Sausalito FD - How it all Started"
Cassis Eugene Poole, Sausalito FD Volunteer Fireman
Ed Souza, Volunteer Fireman, deceased
Stephen Bogel ,SFD Fire Chief, retired
Robert Souza, Tamalpais Valley Fire Chief, retired
Michael Martinez ,Southern Marin Fire Protection District Captain
Debbie Pagliaro ,Sausalito City Clerk
The Sausalito Historical Society
Sausalito News ,"Moments in Time"
The Marin Independent Journal