History of the Philadelphia Fire Department

History of the Philadelphia Fire Department honors and celebrates the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) and its several-hundred-year evolution.

artist Eric Okdeh

History of Philadelphia Fire Department © CIty of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Eric Okdeh, 323 Arch Street. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • location 323 Arch Street
  • Neighborhood

    Center City

  • completion date

    November 22, 2019

Dedication Ceremony 

  • History of the Fire Department dedication, November 22, 2019. Photo by Edwin E. Luks.

  • History of the Fire Department dedication, November 22, 2019. Photo by Edwin E. Luks.

  • History of the Fire Department dedication, November 22, 2019. Photo by Edwin E. Luks.

  • History of the Fire Department dedication, November 22, 2019. Photo by Edwin E. Luks.

About the Project 

History of the Philadelphia Fire Department, located at Philadelphia’s Engine 8, Ladder 2 Firehouse, honors and celebrates the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) and its several-hundred-year evolution from early beginnings as a volunteer organization co-founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1736. This 1,400-square-foot mural showcases moments from the department’s history, such as original horse-drawn wagons, modern technologies, and specific moments of tragedy and triumph that have transformed public safety in Philadelphia.

Funders 

City of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Fire Department
Wawa

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