1902: The “Ghost” Horse of New York’s Academy of Music » Kingsland
A member of the Fire Department since 1840 and an Assistant Engineer from 1854 until the disbandment of the volunteer department, Elisha Kingsland was appointed first Chief Engineer of the paid Metropolitan Fire Department July 28, 1865. The Academy fire was the first real test of newly created paid department. He began his career with Johnson Hose 32 of the volunteer department, which became Engine Company No. 26 in 1851. Following the disaster, embittered volunteers and Tammany Hall politicians argued that the new paid firemen were incompetent, and demanded an investigation of Chief Engineer Kingsland. He resigned in 1869.
Elisha Kingsland, Chief Engineer, New York Fire Department
