Chief Thomas O’Connor
最著名的首领的新的或leans Fire Department, who was also one of the most prominent chiefs in the country, and well known in foreign countries, was Thomas O’Connor, who was in command of the volunteer and paid fire departments from January 5, 1869, until his death, May 20, 1911. With but one exception, he held that position for the longest period, 42 years, of any one on either continent. Chief T. J. Williams, of Charlottesville, Va., has held that position continuously since 1865. and is still in office. Chief O’Connor was president of the International Association of Fire Engineers in 1883, and a member of the association from its third convention, held in New York in 1875, until his death. He attended most of its annual conventions during the 35 years his name was on its membership roll and filled many of its most important official and committee positions. He also contributed a great deal to its convention work and presented a number of essays prepared especially therefor, including the subjects of “Incendiarism,” “Tests of Fire Engines,” and the “New Orleans Firemen’s Charitable Association.” Chief O’Connor was born in New Orleans in 1839. His father was an architect and builder, who had practiced his profession in his native Ireland, in Scotland and in England, before coming to America in the thirties, settling first in Philadelphia and later in New Orleans. Chief O’Connor learned the trade of a pattern maker and machinist, and subsequently he became superintendent of one of the largest foundries in the city. In 1882 he established the business of carriage and fire apparatus builder, which three years later he turned over to his sons to devote his entire time to the duties of chief of the New Orleans paid department. At the age of fifteen he became a member of Hose Company No. 19, an independent organization, and for the remaining fifty-seven years of his life he was constantly a fireman, dying in service at the head of the department. In 1858 he became an active member of Columbia Engine Company No. 5 and during the following eleven years, until he became chief of the department, he filled every official position in that company. He was reelected chief many times and nearly always without competition. He was progressive and always kept the department abreast of the times. He installed chemical engines in the face of opposition of some insurance men, and many other improvements adapted to the department. He was constantly visiting other cities to learn of new ideas and improvements in the fire service. He died May 20, 1911.
