Baton Rouge Fire Department

The Baton Rouge Fire Department was formed in 1825 when a group of 94 citizens formed the Baton Rouge Bucket Company. As the city began to expand, it became clear that more sophisticated equipment needed to be purchased. In 1837 the first semi-professional fire company was formed as Washington Fire Company No. 1. In 1875, Samuel Hart was elected as Baton Rouge's first Fire Chief. Since those early years, the Baton Rouge Fire Department has continued to evolve an meet the needs of a growing population. The BRFD not only serves the community in the capacity of fire fighters, but also as partners in many community events including Mardi Gras and the Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association fund drive. This collection is representative of the organization's history with the primary dates of items in this collection ranging from the 1950's and 1960's when Robert A. Bogan, the department's longest serving chief oversaw it's continued growth.