To spot the Central Fire Station, just look for the large, red-brick building with a tall mansard-roofed tower and four big doorways facing Leonard Street, right at the corner with School Street.
Standing here in front of the Central Fire Station, you can almost hear the echoes of a horse-drawn fire wagon rushing out over 150 years ago! Built way back in 1869, this place has seen more emergencies than a popcorn machine at a movie theater. Believe it or not, this is the third oldest fire station still in use in the whole country-and the oldest one in America that has never closed its doors, not even once! Fire engines, ladders, and the Deputy Chief himself all call this station home. Back when it opened, its brick walls and granite-trimmed window arches proudly guarded the city center, and I’m guessing the horse stables smelled a little… fiery. Designed by A.E. Swasey-whose work was so good they hired him to build more stations-the firehouse got a major upgrade in 2008 to handle modern, heavier engines, and to make sure everyone can get in easily. Think of the stories these walls could tell-tales of smoky nights, heroic dashes, and fire hats of every shape and size!
