In June of 1936, Tacoma hosted the state Fire Chiefs Convention and the first ever Northwest Fire College. Pictured are a few of the veteran firemen in Tacoma for the college. Front row, left to right, Chief Henry J. Quane from Anaconda, Mt.- a well known character who hands out calling cards of pure gold, silver and copper; Chief G. W. Dewar of Havre, Mt.; Ass't. Chief J. Blamey and Chief W.P. Payne of Spokane and Chief Emory N. Whitaker of Tacoma. Back row: Chief William Sanborn and Capt. B.C. Harwood of Sprague, Wa. and Capt. Joe Cook of Seattle, drill instructor. The men are posed for a portrait beside a fire engine. The Washington State Fire Chiefs Association met on June 17th and the Northwest Fire College ran June 18-20, 1936. The Hotel Winthrop served as the location and attendees included all paid and volunteer chiefs in the state, as well as representatives from Montana, Idaho and British Columbia. (T. Times 6/19/1936, pg. 18)
Fire fighters--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1930-1940; Quane, Henry J.; Whitaker, Emory; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Northwest Fire College (Tacoma);