Key Words: Fire Station 101, Claremont Fire Department, Claremont History
Claremont Mayor Eleanor Cohen introduced a panel of speakers at a dedication ceremony for Fire Station 101. Speakers included Monsignor William J. Barry, Ronald King, Judy Wright, Clyde Bragdon, and Peter Schabarum.
Reverend Monsignor William J. Barry begins the ceremony with a prayer for the Lord to bless the Fire Department. Deputy Fire Chief Ronald King leads the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
Cohen introduces the Claremont City Council and City Manager. She thanks the Fire Department and introduces Judy Wright, the director of the Claremont Historic Resources Center. Wright explains that at the annual Town Meeting in 1903, Claremont established the first Fire Protection Committee. This was the start of Claremont’s volunteer fire department. She explains the development of the fire department through the 1920s and 1930s. Wright adds that the college bell on Holmes Hall was used to signal the firemen. By 1970, Claremont no longer used volunteer fire fighters, and instead had a professional fire department.
Clyde Bragdon, the Los Angeles County Fire Chief, explains how the Claremont Fire Department, aligned with Los Angeles County in 1975, acquired the new fire station. He thanks the City Council, the architect, and the workers who helped build the new fire department. He adds, “The dedication of this station is to serve the citizens of Claremont, although it is only a building. . . It is the men and women that provide that service [of responding to calls, putting out fires, and addressing medical emergencies]. May their service be timely to you, professional, and not needed.”
County Supervision Peter Schabarum thanks the individuals involved with the building of the new fire station. He remarks, “If I had a hat today, I would take it off to salute our firefighters. They work long and hard hours. They put their lives on the line. . . We dedicate this fire station to the many men and women who have devoted their lives to public safety.”