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The Capital City Fire/Rescue is packed full of tradition and history - with a heritage of brave, loyal, and honorable firefighters in our community. In the 1990's the Capital City Fire/Rescue patch was designed and put into service. I (Gaylen) found an article in "The Voice" (the International Society of Fire Service Instructors' publication) about the symbolic meaning of insignia designs.
The Capital City Fire/Rescue patch has significant meaning. For example, the rope means unbroken service and loyalty. The general outline of the emblem is the maltese cross which symbolizes the traditions and ideals of the service. The maltese cross was first identified with the Christian Knights and meant the shielding of the weak. Today, in the modern day fire service, it is identified with the protection of life. The white background indicates peace and sincerity. Red is significant of nobility and overlooks injury or insult. The gold color in the patch means generosity and elevation of mind.
- Side note from Chad: The mountain with the water and the North Star in the center of the patch is the logo for the City and Borough of Juneau signifying our commitment to the city and its citizens.
The Juneau Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1899 by a group of citizens in the town of Juneau. The first alarm system was a large bell located in the downtown waterfront area. In 1915, a Gamewell Fire Alarm System was put into operation, then, a few years later, the local telephone company set up a system where each firefighter's phone would ring continuously until it was answered and the operator would give the location of the fire. The next system was Plectron Receiver Units, which were located in each firefighters home. At the present time, each firefighter carries a Motorola Monitor II pager.
The departments first engine carried 800 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose, a 40 gallon chemical tank with 250 feet of 1 inch hose and two 3 gallon hand chemical containers. At present time there are 2 ALS ambulances, two engines, one quint, and a utility truck stationed at the Juneau Fire Station. Currently, the Juneau District has approximately 10 firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The Juneau Fire District provides mutual aid to the Douglas, Glacier, Auke Bay, and Lynn Canal Fire Districts.
On February 28, 1898, a group of 25 residents organized the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department. DVFD has had nearly 80 Fire Chiefs in there 100+ years of service. Their station is located next to the Douglas Public Library and consists of 4 vehicle bays with living quarters for up to four firefighters. Current apparatus for the Douglas District are two engines and a rescue/quick response vehicle. The Douglas District has approximately 30 firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The DVFD provided mutual aid to the Juneau Fire District.
The Glacier Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1965 with 28 members and now has a roster of approximately 35 firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The Glacier Fire District protects the whole Mendenhall Valley and the Juneau International Airport areas. The Glacier District also provides mutual aid to the Auke Bay, Lynn Canal, Douglas, and Juneau Fire Districts. Currently, there are two ALS ambulances, two engines, a quint, a rescue truck, a utility truck, two water rescue crafts, and three Airport Rescue Firefighting rigs located at the Glacier Fire Station.
The Auke Bay Fire District was organized in 1952 under sponsorship of the Auke Bay Public Utilities District. The first truck of the district was a surplus 1942 Chevrolet 300 G.P.M. pumper with a 350 gallon booster tank. This truck was purchased in 1953. In the spring of 2000, the Auke Bay and Lynn Canal Fire Districts consolidated, now members of both districts train and respond together. Currently, there are approximately 13 firefighters and emergency medical personnel in the Auke Bay/Lynn Canal Districts. There is an engine, a tanker, and a quick response vehiclelocated at the Auke Bay Station and an engine located at the Lynn Canal Station. The Auke Bay/Lynn Canal District provides mutual aid to the Glacier Fire District.
