The AFD Museum recently purchased a little piece of history linked to the founding of the Austin Fire Department. John Bremond, Sr. (b. 1813) led the organization of Hook and Ladder 1, and thus the Austin Fire Department, in 1857. Bremond, Sr. moved his family out West from New York via Galveston in the 1840′s in pursuit of the American dream. His brother, Paul, had already moved to Houston and later became a major railroad man, eventually leading to a city, Bremond, TX, named in his honor. In 1847, John Bremond opened a dry goods store at the corner of 6th St. and Congress Ave. in Austin. In 1865, a year before his death, he brought on his two sons, John, Jr. and Eugene, and created John Bremond and Company. John Jr. and Eugene were major leaders in the Austin Fire Department during the volunteer years of the mid-late 1800′s. (more…)

Retired Lt. Hoyet Toliver passed away on July 9, 2009 at his home in Dickinson, TX. He was born in 1925 and served over 35 years with the Austin Fire Department upon his retirement in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Doris Toliver, of 63 years. Hoyet Toliver was hired in 1952 and appointed to Engine 4. He promoted to driver in 1957 and was assigned to Engine 17 when it was stationed at Station 6. When Station 17 was built in 1960, Toliver remained at Station 6 as the driver on Engine 6. In 1962 he promoted to Captain I (Modern-day Lieutenant) and was assigned to Engine 5. He then transferred to be in charge of Engine 16 in 1963, where he remained throughout the rest of his career until his retirement in 1987.

The Austin Fire Department origins date back to the late 1850′s. Since then, numerous AFD firefighters have fought in all branches of the US military during our nation’s wars. More than a hand full of these men were killed in action as far back as the Civil War. One of Austin’s leading merchants who helped John Bremond, Sr. organize Hook and Ladder #1 in 1857 was named Robert J. Lambert. Lt. R.J. Lambert was in the Tom Green Rifles, which was Austin’s contingent to Hood’s Brigade in the Civil War. Lt. Lambert was killed in the war between the states along with several other members of the old volunteer Austin Fire Department. (more…)

This year’s annual AFD San Jacinto Day Celebration will take place on the evening of Friday, April 17, 2009 so save the date! 

The location will be the same as last year–Fiesta Gardens, which is located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin, TX 78702. Last year’s San Jacinto Celebration–a rebirth of tradition–was a huge success.

In 2008, the Austin Fire Museum and the Emergency Services Pipes and Drums Association (ESPADA) teamed up to put on a successful benefit event of food, music, and camraderie.  Proceeds from the event went towards the Austin Fire Museum with a silent auction benefiting ESPADA.  This year’s upcoming celebration fast approaching so purchase and reserve your tickets right now through Paypal or contact any of the following members for more ticket information. (more…)