The 30 Best California volunteer firefighters in San Jose, California

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The Empire Firehouse, located in San Jose, California, is a reconstructed exhibit building dedicated to preserving the history of the San Jose Fire Department. Established in 1854 as a volunteer organization, the department eventually transitioned to hiring professional firefighters in 1876. The Empire Firehouse, originally located on Second Street from 1869-1892, housed the Empire #1 Engine Company and San Jose's first steam fire engine. The firehouse was equipped with innovative technology for its time, including a team of horses housed in stalls at the rear of the building. When an alarm sounded, automatic springs released the horses, allowing them to quickly move forward under their harnesses to pull the fire engine to the scene.