Fred Longsdorf
The NEWS today presents a likeness of Fred Longsdorf, captain of the central fire department. Mr. Longsdorf was born in Cuyahoga County, Dec. 2, 1848, but he has been a resident of this city for more than 40 years. He enlisted in the army in 1863, serving as a member of the Second Ohio artillery for two years and three months, returning home at the close of the rebellion. Fred Longsdorf served in the fire department immediately after the war when there was nothing but volunteer companies, being a member of No. 2 Hose Company for years. In 1884, when the new paid department was organized Mr. Longsdorf was appointed a member. He first drove the hook and ladder truck and afterward the hose wagon and when George Knofflock was made chief engineer in 1886, he was appointed captain of the central department. Capt. Longsdorf is at present the only man in service who was with the paid department when it was organized. He is a good fireman and has served the city well, acting also as superintendent of the fire alarm system. About two years ago the local fire alarm telegraph system was changed under Capt. Longsdorf's supervision from one to four circuits thus saving the city a matter of about $400 expense. In the central department there are at present four trucks, four double teams and seven men and everything in the building in the way of fire apparatus is of the most approved kind.
From The Semi-Weekly News: May 18, 1897, Vol. 13, No. 40
