Chiefs of the Volunteer Era

During the volunteer era, the Austin Fire Department appointed and elected its chief officers, foremen, recorders, etc. during the annual San Jacinto Day (April 21st) celebrations. Therefore, officer terms of office were held from April to April. The first fire chief appointed by the Austin City Council was C. F. Millett in 1866. Beginning in 1874 the position of Asst. Fire Chief and Recorder were created. The Recorder position was responsible for documenting the events of a fire incident, which was a very important position in the days before computers. In March, 1916 the volunteer fire companies began to disband and on June 1, 1916 C. L. Woodward was elected by the City Council to be the first Fire Chief of the paid fire department.