Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Union Engine Company was the first official fire fighting organization in Halifax, N.S., and was formed on 8 August 1768. It was manned by volunteers who worked under the direction of the Halifax fire wardens. On 10 May 1861, the members of the company resigned en masse following a resolution by the Halifax City Council that members should be elected by the council rather than voted into membership by the members. An advertisement for new candidates was run and the "new" Union Engine Company, known for a short time as the Volunteer Engine Company, was formed on 21 May 1861. The company was organized into divisions responsible for either engines or hoses. The Union Engine Company continued to act in a voluntary capacity until between 1894 and 1896 at which time it was re-organized under the name of the Halifax Fire Department.