Taken in as a stray in 1929, Chief (also known as Nip) served 10 years with Engine Company No. 203. He received injuries from broken glass, falling debris, falling off the fire engine, and burns from scalding water. During the summer he lived with one of the firemen at his home on Long Island.
Chief recognized all the signals dispatched and he knew what signals or bells were meant for his Company. Also, Chief would alert the firefighters of anything that went wrong on scene, and would take cover under a fireman's coat to stay dry.
Chief's life sadly ended November 9, 1939 when was killed by a hit-and-run driver. He was playing out in front of the firehouse when the tragedy happened. People on the street called out for help, and children followed the beloved fire dog into the firehouse. Chief tried to jump upon the fire engine seat, but missed the seat and fell and landed on the running board, where he died. Lt. Matthew F. Rogers was told that he had been hit by a car that kept going.
To commemorate Chiefs many acts of bravery and heroism, the members of Engine Company 203 had their treasured fire dog preserved by a taxidermist. They kept him resting in a place of Honor and remembrance at the firehouse until Company 203 and other Company's were disbanded in 1974 for cost control.
Chief now proudly rests in Honor in the New York City Fire Museum.
Every community should be so blessed to have such a loyal hero and friend.
Chief recognized all the signals dispatched and he knew what signals or bells were meant for his Company. Also, Chief would alert the firefighters of anything that went wrong on scene, and would take cover under a fireman's coat to stay dry.
Chief's life sadly ended November 9, 1939 when was killed by a hit-and-run driver. He was playing out in front of the firehouse when the tragedy happened. People on the street called out for help, and children followed the beloved fire dog into the firehouse. Chief tried to jump upon the fire engine seat, but missed the seat and fell and landed on the running board, where he died. Lt. Matthew F. Rogers was told that he had been hit by a car that kept going.
To commemorate Chiefs many acts of bravery and heroism, the members of Engine Company 203 had their treasured fire dog preserved by a taxidermist. They kept him resting in a place of Honor and remembrance at the firehouse until Company 203 and other Company's were disbanded in 1974 for cost control.
Chief now proudly rests in Honor in the New York City Fire Museum.
Every community should be so blessed to have such a loyal hero and friend.
Taken in as a stray in 1929, Chief (also known as Nip) served 10 years with Engine Company No. 203. He received injuries from broken glass, falling debris, falling off the fire engine, and burns from scalding water. During the summer he lived with one of the firemen at his home on Long Island.
Chief recognized all the signals dispatched and he knew what signals or bells were meant for his Company. Also, Chief would alert the firefighters of anything that went wrong on scene, and would take cover under a fireman's coat to stay dry.
Chief's life sadly ended November 9, 1939 when was killed by a hit-and-run driver. He was playing out in front of the firehouse when the tragedy happened. People on the street called out for help, and children followed the beloved fire dog into the firehouse. Chief tried to jump upon the fire engine seat, but missed the seat and fell and landed on the running board, where he died. Lt. Matthew F. Rogers was told that he had been hit by a car that kept going.
To commemorate Chiefs many acts of bravery and heroism, the members of Engine Company 203 had their treasured fire dog preserved by a taxidermist. They kept him resting in a place of Honor and remembrance at the firehouse until Company 203 and other Company's were disbanded in 1974 for cost control.
Chief now proudly rests in Honor in the New York City Fire Museum.
Every community should be so blessed to have such a loyal hero and friend.
Chief recognized all the signals dispatched and he knew what signals or bells were meant for his Company. Also, Chief would alert the firefighters of anything that went wrong on scene, and would take cover under a fireman's coat to stay dry.
Chief's life sadly ended November 9, 1939 when was killed by a hit-and-run driver. He was playing out in front of the firehouse when the tragedy happened. People on the street called out for help, and children followed the beloved fire dog into the firehouse. Chief tried to jump upon the fire engine seat, but missed the seat and fell and landed on the running board, where he died. Lt. Matthew F. Rogers was told that he had been hit by a car that kept going.
To commemorate Chiefs many acts of bravery and heroism, the members of Engine Company 203 had their treasured fire dog preserved by a taxidermist. They kept him resting in a place of Honor and remembrance at the firehouse until Company 203 and other Company's were disbanded in 1974 for cost control.
Chief now proudly rests in Honor in the New York City Fire Museum.
Every community should be so blessed to have such a loyal hero and friend.
