Did you know the Friendship Fire Association started before World War II? Right here in Washington DC a group of firefighting enthusiasts formed the FFA. They supported the DC Fire Department in many ways. During the war non-military members served as Auxiliary Firefighters. After the war they continued supporting the department. They organized social activities public education and canteen services at firegrounds. They even helped with rehabilitation services for firefighters. The DC Fire Department took over the rehabilitation function in 2015. The Friendship Fire Association still runs the canteen unit and the Washington DC Fire and EMS Museum. This museum is located at Engine 3 at 439 New Jersey Avenue NW. It’s a treasure trove of firefighting history.
The Friendship Fire Association had many dedicated members. Retired Lieutenant James Embrey was a passionate historian. He was a loyal FFA member serving as President. He was a key member of the rehabilitation and canteen units. He also served as Assistant Curator of the Washington DC Fire and EMS Museum. His tireless work in preserving the department’s history is greatly appreciated. Sadly he passed away in 2022. His contributions are invaluable.
Walter Gold another prominent member was President of the Friendship Fire Association. He was very active in the canteen and rehab units. He played a huge role in establishing the DC Fire & EMS Foundation. He was also instrumental in creating the DC Fire and EMS Museum. He had a career in journalism and later became a public information officer. His dedication earned him the title of Honorary Fire and EMS Chief.
Sheldon Levy a New York City fire buff moved to Washington DC in 1978. He worked for the Independent Television News Association. He also started Mobile Video Services of Washington providing services to CNN. Levy was a Friendship Fire Association member for 23 years. He was also a member of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. He and Vito Maggiolo volunteered their services as photographers for the DC Fire Department. Their incredible video library documents decades of firefighting history in the city. Levy won three local Emmys for his work. His footage captured the rescue of four children from a burning rowhouse on Missouri Avenue NW.
Vito Maggiolo also a New York City fire buff moved to Washington DC with Levy. He worked for CNN for 35 years. He volunteered his photographic services along with Levy through the Car 99 program. He created a vast collection of DC Fire Department videos. He received awards from the White House News Association and the International Association of Firefighters. He currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the DC Fire and EMS Department.
Hal Bruno a journalist and volunteer firefighter was also a longtime member. He served coffee at the canteen and worked for ABC News. He was active in the Chevy Chase Fire Department. He even witnessed the tragic Our Lady of Angels school fire in Chicago. He wrote a Fire Politics column for Firehouse Magazine advocating for fire safety. His dedication to firefighting and journalism was extraordinary.
The Friendship Fire Station and the Association’s legacy stands as a testament to these dedicated individuals. Their commitment and passion preserved the stories of bravery sacrifice and service. This is a story of friendship dedication and the unwavering spirit of protecting our community.