Friendship Fire Co.

Friendship Fire Company

Fire Protection The Founder of Friendship Fire Co. is Bob Beers Business classifications
SIC (US 1987) : After the Civil War, the five Fire Companies of Alexandria struggled with returning to normal operation. Numbers were down and equipment needed repairing. With the inception of the City Department in 1866, some struggled more than others. Friendship chose not to join when the City wanted Companies to combine into one Corporation. By doing so, Friendship lost out on a free Steam Engine and tried to purchase one in 1871. It had to be returned within the year as they could not come up with the rest of the payment. In the late 1870s, City Council told Friendship they could no longer be a backup Company, as their equipment was not up to standard. After almost 100 years, Friendship lost out on being Company 1. That honor went to Relief, who still holds this title today.
Beginning in the late 1870s and continuing into the 20th Century, Friendship began a period of parading. It was during this time the Suction Pump became the official parade piece and was painted several times over. Uniforms were the main concern of the Company, as well as gaining members. In the late 1890s, the Gazette still referred to them as the Friendship Fire Company. In an article, dating July 5th, 1895, it stated