Review: 'Indianapolis Fire Department 1859-2009'
by Rita Kohn
Indianapolis Fire Department 1859-2009: Pride Never Goes Out of Style
Compiled by firefighters Jeff Flick and
Lonnie Key on behalf of the Indianapolis Fire Department
M.T. Publishing Company, Inc.
This handsome coffee table book chronicles 150 years of fire fighting via engaging photographs, chronologies and sprightly text, from the era of multiple neighborhood volunteer forces utilizing horse-drawn wagons to the current unified high tech department. Individuals are highlighted as part of a team dedicated to the well being of the community and its citizens. The authors do not shy from presenting ups and downs in all phases of building a department concurrent with standards and mores of the time.
The chapter on "The Firefighters' Quarters" presents one of the best views of racial relationships with sentiments and prejudices belying Indianapolis' location as a northern metropolis. The pride of service by people of all cultures and ethnicity reiterated throughout is best described as, "It's not a job; it's part of your life, it's a calling...Save lives. That's our goal."
Editor's note: Books are available through mtpublishing.com or 1-888-263-4702 or at the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Union at 748 Massachusetts Avenue. Book signing: April 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Costco Store 346 Castleton; 558-1453.
The companion documentary First In, Last Out: A History of Fighting Fire in Indianapolis, emphasizes the current life of firefighters set within the breadth and depth of historic reference. Despite technological advances, the core values of firefighting rest in dedicated people living, working, celebrating and mourning "as a family."
The documentary is available at the WFYI Store, 1630 N. Meridian St. or by phone: 317-636-2020; more info at www.wfyi.org or indyfirefilm.org
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