Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.


Wednesday, December 02, 2009

CHIEF HUFFMAN

Harry Huffman was promoted to platoon chief on Jan. 1, 1947. He was appointed to the fire division in 1928 and retired on April 1, 1949.

At the time, the fire division fielded two platoon chiefs, who acted as shift commanders. In the overall chain of command, they answered to the fire chief and the assistant fire chief.

 According to a newspaper article on his retirement, Huffman's pension paid $155 a month or half his regular pay. Huffman was promoted to lieutenant in July 1935 and captain in August 1938.

This photo was provided by the chief's family.

His father and brother were also Springfield firefighters.