San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien readily concedes he’s taken aback by the breadth of the San Jose Fire Department’s 170-year history — from horse-drawn carriages and steam engines to a new fire station under construction that will be equipped for electric fire trucks.
“It’s an incredible energy this organization has to move forward at such a pace,” Sapien said at the department’s anniversary celebration held Saturday at the San Jose Fire Museum downtown. “I’m astounded by how much change has happened.”
It all started Jan. 27, 1854, when the San Jose Common Council passed an ordinance creating the San Jose Fire Department, which then consisted of a single volunteer company, Hook & Ladder No. 1. Today, the department has 34 stations dotted around some 200 square miles, answering about 110,000 calls a year — more than 70,000 of those are medical calls.
Saturday’s celebration included a pancake-and-sausage breakfast cooked up by members of Firefighters Local 230 and the crowd of more than 150 people included 104-year-old retired Fire Capt. Sam Seibert and three former San Jose fire chiefs — Dale Foster, Darryl Von Raesfeld and Curtis Jacobson — as well as Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Mountain View Fire Chief Juan Diaz, San Jose City Councilmembers Omar Torres, Dev Davis and Bien Doan and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
“Throughout the decades we transformed into the capital of technology, but one thing remained constant here in our city: The unwavering, commitment, bravery and strength of the countless men and women who have put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Mahan said.
The department’s history was on full view at the event, thanks to the large collection at the San Jose Fire Museum, which is in the old Fire Station No. 1 on Market Street (and right next to the new Fire Station No. 1). President John McMillan and Vice President Jim Carter, both retired firefighters, pointed out much of the historic equipment on display, including a special exhibit that included an original silver badge from Hook & Ladder No. 1 and a copy of the department’s original constitution from 1854.
While the museum is a continuing work in progress, there’s good news for members of the public who are interested in checking it out. Starting this Saturday, Feb. 3, it’ll be open the first Saturday of the month and every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. You can get more information at sjfiremuseum.org.
PARTY AND A PREVIEW: Speaking of birthdays, Opera San Jose has a ways to go to catch up to the fire department, but it’s been celebrating its 40th anniversary all season and will have some big festivities going on this Friday night at the California Theatre. During the monthly South First Fridays art walk in downtown’s arty SoFA District, you can enjoy a 6 p.m. performance by singers Alexandra Halchak, WooYoung Yoon and Robert Balonek featuring music from Opera San Jose’s upcoming production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” — which opens Feb. 17 — with pianist Veronika Agranov-Dafoe.
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The birthday festivities start at 7 with a balloon artist creating some inflatable wonders and guests can enjoy cupcakes from Peter’s Bakery and take part in a few party games with an Opera San Jose twist. The night concludes with a string quartet performance at 8 p.m. You can get more information on “Rigoletto” at operasj.org.
TALK AND TACOS: The San Jose chapter of the Awesome Foundation is one of my favorite groups because it puts a spotlight on smaller community-oriented efforts — and provides them with $1,000 grants. The latest grantee was one I hadn’t heard of before, but now I can’t get enough of it. It’s “The Taco Debacle,” an interview show in which host Frankie Robles interviews San Jose creatives at their favorite spot for tacos in the city to talk about their work. Recent episodes include Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley CEO Gabby Chavez-Lopez at El Halal Amigos, musician Philthy Dronez at 5 Spot Chivas Grill and comedian PX Floro at Tacomania.
You can catch up on episodes at 354pm.com/taco-debacle, but don’t blame me if you’re hungry later.
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