|
 The
VISITING FIREMAN is a Directory of Fire Service Enthusiasts from
across the world. Published annually since 1954 the book provides a common
forum for all who take an interest in the Fire Service. Fire Buffs and
Enthusiasts come from all walks of life. Blue Collar Workers, White Collar
Workers, Laborers, Clergy, Fire Fighters, Doctors, Lawyers, Students, Retired
Folks, Computer Programmers, Members of the Legislative Community, well just
about any occupation you can think of. Fire Buffs and Enthusiasts are good
folks like yourself who take an interest in the Fire Fighters, Fire Apparatus,
Artifacts, Memorabilia, and the Colorful History which surrounds the Fire
Service.The Directory provides a forum to connect us in a fraternity that parallels the fire fighting world. Many of our participants take the book along when they travel for pleasure or business - hence the name "The VISITING FIREMAN". Once at a destination a quick glance through the directory will put you in contact with Fire Buffs and Enthusiasts alike in a particular area. Likewise the book makes it easy to locate SPAAMFAA and IFBA organizations and their officers. Fire Museums occupies a portion of the directory making it convenient to find these places of history. Got a Scanner? The book list many fire radio frequencies along with Talkgroups for trunked systems. Are you interested in Hand Tubs or horse drawn apparatus? How about patches or t-shirts? Don't forget photographs and articles on fire buffing and fire history! All this and much more is included in each annual edition of the VISITING FIREMAN! |
| The book was started in 1953-54 by Joseph
Hallett of Norwell, Massachusetts. Joe had many friends interested in fire
buffing but no way to keep in touch. Joe was also interested in sharing his
ideas about fire buffing with others. Out of his dream The VISITING FIREMAN was born. From the first edition here is the forward: "Here Comes the VISITING FIREMAN. The VISIT is admittedly an experiment, although enough of you fire fighters and buffs have indicated a desire for it to make The VISITING FIREMAN a reasonably safe gamble. If you like it (and please let me know) The VISITING FIREMAN will be an annual publication with the next issue ready early in 1955... all new features and revised lists". "This book is designed by you, and you, and you to make your firematic contacts, hobbies, and travels more pleasant. If your special fire-hobby-interest is not covered let me know and it will be in the 1955 book if at all possible". "There are at least 2 million of us... full time, and volunteer firemen, buffs, and associates. This first edition of the VISITING FIREMAN will reach only a few of you but in the years to come, it is my hope that it will be a link of friendship between men with fire interests; that the VISITING FIREMAN will develop our fraternity and will be of value to you personally, in your firematic pursuits". From this humble beginning the book has grown over the last 49 years and goes to more than 20 different countries, worldwide. LuAnn and I would like you to be part of the VISITING FIREMAN and to share in the fellowship of our fire buffing fraternity. Thanks for stopping by and we hope to see you in the 50th Anniversary Edition of the VISITING FIREMAN in 2004. As in the beginning our Philosophy today is simple: 
What is a Fire Buff? Click Here! |
