The heroic canine “chief” of New York’s Fire Station No. 203.

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When visiting a firehouse in twentieth-century New York City, it would not be surprising to find a dog, cat, bird, or even a fox, monkey, or turtle lounging near a fire engine. As an author Peggy Gavan writes that all of these animals served as “a work partner, a good luck charm, a comforting companion, or a savior hero” for the city’s firefighters. Gavan tells the heroic stories of the city’s firefighters’ pets in his latest book. Gotham’s Bravest Pets: Tales of the Four-Legged Firemen of Old New York.

In the book, readers will learn the history of New York City’s fire horses, learn why Dalmatians became the de facto firefighter dogs, and learn about the “happy families” of animals that inhabited fire stations alongside their human counterparts. Gavan gave Untapped New York a taste of what’s inside by sharing the story of Chief, the brave and award-winning fire dog who can still be seen around New York today…

On November 13, join author and volunteer firefighter Peggy Gavan for a live virtual conversation where she will introduce us to other of New York City’s fearless four-legged first responders. This virtual conversation is free for Unused members of New York at Fan level or higher. Not a member yet? Join today and get 7 days free!

Gotham’s Bravest Pets: Tales of the Four-Legged Firemen of Old New York with Peggy Gavan

Book here

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Excerpt from the story of the head of locomotive 203 from Gotham’s Bravest Pets: Tales of the Four-Legged Firemen of Old New York:

In 1936, Chief, the veteran fire dog of Brooklyn Engine 203, received medals of honor for heroism from the Women’s Animal Welfare League of New York and the ASPCA. Dog World Magazine also awarded him an International Certificate of Honor and inducted him into the Dog World Dog Hall of Honor for saving several lives. He also received the Animal Hero Medal from the New York Anti-Vivisection Society for his “heroism, intelligence and devotion.” Although he despised all the neighborhood cats, Chief received all these accolades for saving the felines. According to Dog World Magazine, Chief’s efforts to save cats’ lives were “unprecedented in dog history.”

One winter night in 1929, when a five-year-old black and tan mongrel climbed into the station and curled up next to a steam pipe, the Chief served ten years on engine No. 203 at 533 Hicks Street. During his years of service, the Chief showed much courage and heroism. He went with the company to every fire and was always the first to jump off the locomotive and run into the building to search for victims. He even had a specially made leather coat, helmet and cape. The chief could recognize all calls and signals and knew exactly which signal meant his company had answered the call (he never made a mistake). At the fire scene, the Chief observed the firefighters and alerted them if he knew something was wrong. Having learned to climb a seventy-five foot tall retractable ladder, he would run up the stairs if necessary to alert his fellow firefighters.

Gotham’s Bravest Pets: Tales of the Four-Legged Firemen of Old New York with Peggy Gavan

Book here

After the Chief’s death in 1939, the dog was taxidermied and placed in a place of honor in the firehouse. Today the stuffed canine hero is part of the permanent collection New York Fire Museum. The museum is currently closed, but once it reopens, you can visit the Chief in the gallery on the first floor.