Portsmouth Firefighting

by Steven E. Achilles

Overview

In September 1756, with only fire buckets, two hand tubs, and citizen volunteers safeguarding the Colonial seaport, Portsmouth decided to organize and regulate its fire protection. By 1852, the Portsmouth Fire Department boasted six suction engines and in 1864 entered the age of steam power when the first steam fire engine was delivered. Disastrous fires and a growing city required the department to modernize as it moved into the 20th century. The department's first motorized engine was purchased in 1912, and by 1921, there was a new central fire station along with a new gasoline-powered ladder truck. Through an exceptional collection of photographs, Portsmouth Firefighting richly illustrates the story and tradition of a fire department forever connected to its brave firefighters, their magnificent fire engines, and the spectacular blazes they fought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738562100
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	02/23/2009
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Steven E. Achilles entered the fire service in 1984 and became a paramedic in 1986. A Portsmouth resident and a member of the Portsmouth Fire Department since 2000, he currently serves as the assistant fire chief of operations and training, working out of the Court Street fire station.

Editorial Reviews

Title: Portsmouth Firefighter book signing

Author: Tara Johnson

Publisher: Seacoast Online

Date: 2/27/09



Maine-ly New Hampshire will host Portsmouth Assistant Fire Chief Steve Achilles from 4 to 7 p.m. today for a book-signing of his recent release, "Portsmouth Firefighting."



"I was inspired to write the book because the Portsmouth Fire Department has a rich history," he said. "Over the years, we have collected memorabilia, artifacts and images that share the story of the city and the Fire Department together."





Barnes & Noble bookstore in Newington will also host Achilles from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday for a signing.



Last February, Achilles began researching various aspects of the Fire Department, including historic images and the department's personality over the last 300 years.



Achilles said the easiest part of writing the book was collecting images from the Fire Department and members of the community.



"The challenging aspect was narrowing down dates and events. I wanted (the book) to be as historically accurate as possible, instead of using generality," said Achilles.



Accounts from retired members of the department and their families who were willing to contribute newspaper and family photographs were incorporated into the book's development.



Achilles said the two instrumental resources that were vital to the project included the Strawbery Banke Museum and the Portsmouth Public Library.



The book offers seven chapters of stories of the Portsmouth Fire Department, utilizing images of previous facilities, equipment and descriptions of historical events.



"It was amazing, like a treasure hunt, said Achilles. "I found a lot of hidden pearls."



Achilles said, "I hope the book establishes a foundation for local historians, the Fire Department, Portsmouth community members and provides a springboard for aspiring firefighters."

Title: Portsmouth's firefighting history recorded for posterity

Author: Charles McMahon

Publisher: Foster's Daily Democrat

Date: 2/27/09



The history of the Port City Fire Department is no longer just a series of stories and pictures strewn about the Central Fire Station.



Thanks to Asst. Fire Chief Steve Achilles, residents interested in learning a little bit more about the lineage of local firefighters now have a new way of discovering the past.



In his book, "Images of America: Portsmouth Firefighting" Achilles tells the story of the city's very first firefighters and traces the departments history in fighting fires all the way to the times of steam engines and hand tubs.



The book was published by Arcadia Publishing and features dozens of historical pictures compiled by Achilles, each with their very own story.



Having joined the department in 2000, Achilles said he was always interested in learning more about the many pictures and artifacts featured in the halls of the Central Fire Station.



While he considers himself a lover of local and U.S. history in general, Achilles said as he slowly became acclimated to the department he began to learn that the fire department was rich in its own history as well.



"It's very intriguing and interesting to know that you're part of something bigger," Achilles said.



The idea of writing the book came about back in 2006 when the department was trying to determine what to name its new fire boat. After searching through a variety of historical documents and pictures, Achilles said he was amazed on how much was out there and how many interesting facts were available about the department at the local library and Athenaeum.



The process of putting together the book involved much help from other firefighters, said Achilles and also included him spending countless hours researching before and after his shifts.



"It was almost like a treasure hunt," said Achilles.



The book was released on Feb. 23, said Achilles and will be available at a variety of local bookstores. Achilles also plans on holding a book signing this weekend to celebrate his accomplishment and his addition to Port City history.



Anyone interested in meeting Achilles and getting their own copy of his book can visit Maine-ly New Hampshire on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. for a book signing.



The following day Achilles will sign books at Barnes and Noble in Newington.

From the Publisher