Cincinnati Fire Department


The Cincinnati Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services for Cincinnati, Ohio. The department, which was established on April 1, 1853, was the first fully paid and professional fire department in the United States. Along with being responsible for nearly of land, the department also provides response coverage to of Ohio River shoreline.

History

The Cincinnati Fire Department became the first professional, paid fire department in the United States on April 1, 1853. Miles Greenwood, who co-invented the first steam fire engine, became the department's first chief after a fire in 1852 at Greenwood's Eagle Ironworks, destroyed much of his business. The fire inspired Greenwood to find new and better ways to fight fires.