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Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD)
Key Project Representatives:
Commissioner Lloyd Ayers
Safety Officer, Battalion Chief Henry J. Costo
Department Profile:
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Philadelphia has an all-career fire department of approximately 2400 firefighters, 58 Engines, 27 Ladders, and 51 Medic Units.
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History: The Philadelphia Fire Department has been serving Philadelphia for over 265 years. Their first organized volunteer firefighting service was launched on December 7, 1736, and served the community with unsung acts of bravery for nearly 135 years. In the late 1860's, city officials spoke of transforming this volunteer service into a professional fire department to meet the demands of the City's growth. In December 1870, a council meeting was held and an ordinance was issued to create a professional fire department - and the Philadelphia Fire Department was born.
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Mission: To provide efficient and effective fire protection and emergency medical services to the citizens of Philadelphia.
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Safety Office: The PFD Safety Office responsibilities encompass five broad categories of health, safety, and welfare issues for its members: on-scene incident safety, personal protective equipment, duty-related injuries, emergency vehicle operator safety, and liaison work with external entities (e.g., funding agencies, Philadelphia Office of Risk Management, etc).
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS): The PFD also provides EMS to the city. The EMS Unit strives to fulfill its mission via fire abatement and extinguishment; comprehensive fire prevention programs; fire investigation; and the delivery of high quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care and transportation in a timely and professional manner.