Pioneer Hook & Ladder No. 1, 12th & Douglas

Pioneer Hook and Ladder No. 1, organized on May 2, 1860, was the first organized fire department in Omaha.  Initial firefighting efforts in Omaha consisted of volunteer members of the community with an interest in protecting life and property.  The first piece of fire apparatus was hand pulled cart that was manufactured by a local carriage builder, Andrew J. Simpson, a member of the Pioneer Hook and Ladder No. 1.  Andrew J. Simpson was voted by the membership to be the fire chief, also known as a chief engineer, on three different occasions.  A used hand powered pumper and hose cart was purchased from the Davenport, Iowa Fire Department in 1866 which was also quartered at this location until a new fire station was constructed in 1887.