Fire Buff Road Trips

Fire Buff Road Trips

Chris Oliphant (left), Vito Maggiolo (center), Elliot Goodman (right) and a few of the other DCFD Buffs on a trip to Camden, NJ for Devil's Night in 1998

Chris Oliphant (left), Vito Maggiolo (right) at a Washington, DC 2nd Alarm Fire on Hayes Street, NE on February 17th, 2008

What is a Fire Buff?

Fire Buffs, nicknamed before the turn of the century because of the buffalo robe worn during the winter by men who frequently followed fire engines to an alarm destination, are ardent supporters of their local fire departments. They are dedicated to the prevention of fires, and the safety and well being of those who fight fires. In this respect, fire buffs have a solid reputation for community service.

Fire Buffs take many forms, and can be found throughout the United States, Canada, and in many overseas countries as well. Buffs come from every walk of life and profession: Doctors, mechanics, lawyers, teachers, priests, ministers, laborers, accountants, and just about any vocation that comes to mind can be found in the ranks of fire buffing. Many career and volunteer fire fighters are proud to be counted as buffs, also. Some more prominent fire buffs include Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Fielder, and Fiorello La Guardia (Mayor of NY City).

I have had the opportunity to travel and observe fire department operations first-hand thanks to this “hobby” of mine. I do consider myself blessed in having spent most of my adult life doing a job that I love. Some people may think that it is a little “over the edge” to be so consumed with a profession that it becomes a way of life, but the contacts and friends that I have made along the way reinforce the fact that it is not so.

So, with camera in hand I start with some highlights of trips that I made in the 1980’s and 90’s to Phoenix, AZ; Chicago, IL; Baltimore, MD; Memphis, TN; and St. Louis, MO. I would also like to take the opportunity to dedicate this page to the late Tom Wansong of the Box 8 Club of St. Louis. Tom, a long-time member and past president of the Box 8 Club, was one of the first contacts that I had made through the “Visiting Fireman.” What started out as a chance meeting turned into a great friendship. He was truly a “Fire Buff’s Fire Buff” and continues to be missed.

Click Here to Link to My Fire Buff Road Trips...