Peabody Firefighting

The Peabody Fire Department was established in 1868, when the town changed its name from South Danvers to Peabody after one of its favorite sons: well-known philanthropist George Peabody. However, its long-standing history of being a first-class department
dates farther back to the purchase of the towns first hand engine, the Federal No. 1, in 1800, and even farther back with the formation of bucket brigades and fire clubs. Peabodys long history of being the leather capital of the world parallels the fire departments history, because many of the departments members worked in the leather factories or were leather shop owners. These same leather factories were fodder for many general alarm fires. Peabody Firefighting features photographs and narratives that showcase the history and evolution of the Peabody Fire Department, a department that today is as rich in diversity and tradition as ever and continues to answer the call of duty to a multitude of emergencies.

Ted Quinn, a member of the Peabody Fire Department since 1994, currently serves as a lieutenant in Engine Company No. 5 in South Peabody. He holds an associates degree in fire science and is on the board of trustees of the Peabody Institute Library.