WASHINGTON – Fire Engine Company 24 was the first motorized company in the city — in fact the company never had a horse. That’s saying something for a company that’s now 100 years old.
A celebration was held Sunday afternoon to recognize the company’s 100 years of service to those who live in the Petworth neighborhood.
“A hundred years of service is tremendous in itself,” says D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe.
Ellerbe adds that it’s one of the oldest in the city.
The firefighters who have worked at the engine company have seen a lot over the years — including being the first on the scene of the June, 2009 Metro Red line crash.
The celebration was held where the company is now, on Georgia Avenue just north of Gallatin Street, but it wasn’t always there.
“Right now it’s sitting on the site of an old Hot Shoppes,” says Ellerbe. “Engine 24 was originally at the corner of Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue.”
D.C. Council members Tommy Wells and Muriel Bowser also came out for the ceremony.
WTOP’s Andrew Mollenbeck contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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