On June 15 at 1 p.m., the DC Fire and EMS Department, in partnership with the Friendship Fire Association and the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) Foundation, will re-enact the historic ceremonial Last Run of the Horses, using a cosmetically preserved 1905 American La horse-drawn steam fire engine.
The event marks the centenary of the date that DC FEMS literally put their horses out to pasture.
One hundred years ago, on June 15, 1925, the DC Fire Department held a ceremonial Last Run of the Horses.
Watch historic film of the 1925 event here (external site)
The purpose of the original event was to commemorate the service of the great fire horses, who were no longer needed due to the advent of motorized fire apparatus.
The horse-drawn engine will run from the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave. SE), to Lincoln Park, where the foundation will gather for a small community reception immediately following the procession.
Neighbors are welcome to line the streets and gather at Lincoln Park to observe the procession. Period costumes are optional!
Learn more about the event and the DC Fire and EMS Foundation here.
