Honoring Pipeline 52, Engine Company 52 on their 100th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, On Saturday October 6, 2007, Pipeline 52, Engine Company 52 of the Philadelphia Fire Department will celebrate their 100th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, On December 29, 1870, the City of Philadelphia passed the Eleventh Section of Ordinance, which created the City's paid professional fire department; and

WHEREAS, On Wednesday morning, March 15, 1871, the original members of the Philadelphia Fire Department, took their oath of office and pledged to, “save lives and protect property”; and

WHEREAS, Engine Company 52's first firehouse was built in 1904 and originally housed Chemical 7; and

WHEREAS, On January 1, 1907, Engine 52 went into service on the northeast corner of Jackson and Van Kirk Streets in the Wissinoming section of Northeast Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, Harbison Avenue was completed and Engine 52's current firehouse at 4501 Van Kirk Street was built; and

WHEREAS, Two members of Engine 52 gave the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty while fighting fires and protecting the citizens of Philadelphia. On March 3, 1911, Hoseman Charles McClister fatally fell from a ladder while battling a blaze at the Gordon Brothers Mill at Orthodox and Pierce Streets, and on February 24, 1919, Fire Lieutenant Robert Moorehead was killed when he fell through a skylight while fighting a fire at the Lampblack Company at Milnor and Bleigh Streets; and

WHEREAS, In 1991 Engine 52 was equipped with 5 inch hose line and was designated as, Pipeline 52; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we congratulate and send our best wishes and heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Philadelphia Fire Department and the men and women of Engine Company 52, Pipeline 52 on the event of their 100th Anniversary.

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