Jan 22, 2004

San Jose celebrates 150 years of service at Fire Department’s Ceremonial Ball

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Dressed in flowing ball-gowns, and dress uniforms, about 1,000 firefighters and their spouses recently celebrated the San Jose Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary at their black-tie Ceremonial Ball held at the McEnery San Jose Convention Center. Local dignitaries also turned out for this historic occasion, including Senator Barbara Boxer, Mayor Ron Gonzales, Vice-Mayor Pat Dando, and members of the San Jose City Council.

“This fire department is a really important historic institution to San Jose at 150-years-old, so tonight’s a very exciting night,” commented Senator Barbara Boxer. “I think we all learned in a tough way, on 9-11, that firefighters are really the new heroes of the 21st century. I think it made everyone open up their eyes that we can’t take our firefighters for granted.”

The San Jose Fire Department’s (SJFD) Firefighter’s Ball is part of a rich tradition that dates back to 1854, when the first SJFD Firefighter’s Ball took place, noted Assistant Fire Chief John McMillan in delivering the evening’s welcoming remarks. In honor of the 150 Year Anniversary, a history of firefighting apparatus, including hand-pumpers from the 1800's, encircled the ballroom. “We have one of the finest collections of antique apparatus in the nation, and the majority was proudly used by our San Jose Firefighters,” McMillan stated.

The ceremony began with a posting of the colors by the SJFD Honor Guard, which was accompanied by the bagpipe processional of the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police, Pipes and Drums. Next, the national anthem was performed by the SJFD Choir, and Father Stout, Chaplain to the SJFD offered an invocation.

Honored speakers of the evening included President of Firefighter’s Union Local 230, Randy Sekany, City of San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, Vice Mayor, Pat Dando, Deputy United States Fire Administrator, Washington, D.C., Charlie Dickinson, and SJFD Fire Chief Dale Foster.

“Tonight we are together to proudly celebrate 150 years of service, courage and dedication of our fire department,” stated Mayor Ron Gonzales. The mayor reflected that much has changed since the fire department’s inception in 1854. “We have grown from a small agricultural town, with just 1,000 residents, to become one of America’s great cities, with a population of nearly 1 million people,” he said, “and as the city has grown, so has the department. It has evolved from volunteer firefighters, second-hand equipment, bucket-brigades, and hand pumpers pulled by horses to become recognized as one of the best-trained and equipped [fire] departments in our nation.”

However, some things don’t change. “What has remained constant over a century and a half, is the quality of men and women in our fire department, your strong dedication to protecting the safety of families who live in San Jose, your commitment to excellence in continuous improvement, your courage in the face of danger, and your skill and compassion for saving the lives of others when every second counts,” the Mayor observed. “Each time you leave the station with your lights flashing, and your sirens on, we can count on you to do a dangerous job. Each day you leave your own families to join our family of firefighters at the station, we depend on you to save lives at great risks to your own.”

Vice-Mayor Pat Dando felt that this occasion was a time to remember those firefighters that are no longer with us, those who are now retired, and those who currently serve our city on a daily basis. “At a moments notice, they may be called to put their lives on the line, and they do it without hesitation, so let us remember that valor,” she said. Vice-Mayor Dando also appreciated the support that the firefighters’ families and loved ones provide them, as well as the special bond firefighters share. “There is no bond greater than when you enter a burning building and you know that the person beside you, or behind you might be responsible for your life, and you for his or hers,” she emphasized. “In San Jose, we’ve been fortunate to know how outstanding our firefighters are for many years, but now I believe the world knows how important a profession firefighting is.”

Fire Chief Dale Foster recalled the historic start of the fire department, when on Jan 27, 1854, the Common Council of San Jose passed Ordinance 239, admitting San Jose Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 as a duly organized fire company and thereby establishing the San Jose Fire Department.’ “If you looked into the eyes and hearts of those early volunteers and dedicated souls, who thought of others before themselves, and who considered it an honor to keep a constant vigilance over California’s first established city, I wonder if they had an inkling of the legacy they would leave behind,” said Foster. “Over these past 150 years, the distinguished members of the SJFD have been following the original motto, ‘Semper Paratus,’ or being ‘Always Ready.’ They have always answered the call, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

In closing, Fire Chief Foster offered a toast to the fire department he is so proud of,
“To those who have gone before us, to those who are with us today, to those who hold the future, we salute you and your constant courage.”

The highlight of the evening was the traditional Viennese Waltz, performed by the SJFD Waltz and Ladder Co. #1, Salsa performed by La Evolucion’ Dance Company, and a traditional Polynesian Fire and Knife Dance, performed by firefighters Jarrod and Greg Sniffen.

Events celebrating the San Jose Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary will continue throughout the year. On January 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Fire Station One at 225 North Market Street will be a Proclamation Ceremony and Luncheon. Highlights of this event include a Proclamation by the city, the posting of retired fire chief names, the placement of a time capsule, lunch prepared by firefighters, and a procession of Council members to City Hall. If you would like to attend the lunch, call at (408) 277-4444 by January 22.