The Santa Monica History Museum is holding a celebration for the Santa Monica Fire Department’s 125th anniversary with an exhibit that charts the evolution of the Santa Monica Fire Department from a small grass-roots organization to one of the premiere, most progressive fire departments in the United States. Over the past 125 years, the Santa Monica Fire Department has evolved from a small-town bucket brigade to a cutting-edge fire department. On view at the Santa Monica History Museum from June 28 through September 27, Warriors of Flames chronicles the Santa Monica Fire Department’s fascinating timeline. 

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The exhibit opens on June 28th with the Santa Monica’s Fire Department’s 1952 Mack fire engine on display at the Santa Monica History Museum. The museum is donating $1 from admission proceeds to help restore the historic fire truck. 

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The exhibit focuses on three areas of the Santa Monica Fire Department’s history: equipment, people, and fires. Presented are over 50 artifacts and photos from the Santa Monica History Museum and Santa Monica Fire Department’s collections. The historical retrospective features all four helmets used by the fire department: an 1889 fire helmet, a Valentini model, an authentic Eastman helmet and the present day. Also featured are original fire log books dating back to 1902, Johnny Ross’s Medal of Valor and turnout uniform, legendary Fire Chief Mohr’s badges, a gavel and a nozzle used by the fire department. 

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“The Santa Monica Fire Department is one of the premiere and most progressive fire departments in the United States,” said Exhibit Curator Danielle Lewis. “They were the first fire department in the nation to deliver paramedic services in 1974.”

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Organized firefighting began in Santa Monica in October 1875, when six citizens created The Crawford Hook and Ladder Company. As Santa Monica grew in size and population, a larger fire department was needed. On March 22, 1889, the Santa Monica Hose and Ladder Company was initiated, the beginning of 125-years of organized firefighting. The fire department has fought several dangerous fires on the local piers, including Ocean Park Pier, pulled countless citizens to safety, and rushed across the country to help on September 11, 2001. 

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The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8 pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am-5pm. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. 

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The Santa Monica History Museum, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1975 under the Santa Monica Centennial Committee to collect and preserve the history, art and culture of the Santa Monica Bay Area and to be the caretaker of the history. Its mission is the advancement of historical information and education, and the collection, documentation and preservation of objects and memorabilia relating to the Santa Monica Bay Area; and to give residents, particularly children, a sense of roots, belonging, and a strong appreciation for the unique history and qualities of their own city, and pride in the diverse, multi-cultural past of Santa Monica.

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The museum’s goal is to provide public access to its extensive collection through interpretive exhibitions, on- and off-site programs, and through archival and research services for youth and adults.