Article Text

Alexandria celebrated 251 years since the founding of its first fire company on Aug. 2, bringing historic equipment and modern emergency vehicles together at the Friendship Firehouse Festival.

Crowds gathered at the Friendship Firehouse Museum on South Alfred Street for tours, fire-safety lessons and close-up views of Alexandria Fire Department equipment. The city’s police department and sheriff’s office also participated.

Now in its 29th year, the festival was sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and Historic Alexandria.

“This is always a wonderful festival,” said Tim Winkle, vice president of the association’s board. “We have the Alexandria Fire Department here as well as the police department and sheriff’s office so it’s a great opportunity to celebrate together.”

The event also featured musical performances, face painting, local vendors and displays from community organizations. Children took part in hands-on activities and received free toy Friendship firefighting helmets.

Seven-year-old St. Mary’s School student Alejandro Riesenberg attended with his brother, Lucas. “Living here is so fun,” he said. “We live on the street and get to see the fire trucks.”

Founded in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was Alexandria’s first fire company. Its firehouse, built in 1855, now operates as a public museum.

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association remains active in community events and promotes firefighting history, fire safety, and preservation of the historic building and its collection.