Fire Alarm Building To House First Tulsa Firefighters Museum

A historic Tulsa building is a piece of new history, and will soon become the home to the very first Tulsa Firefighters Museum.

The Fire Alarm Building, built in 1931, originally served as the central communication center for the Tulsa Fire Department; and with its exterior draped in fire motifs, Debbie Bailey with the TFD Museum Board believes it will be a fitting home.

“It will convey the pride, dedication and the tradition that is the Tulsa Fire Department,” she said.

Firefighters started a fundraising campaign in January to purchase the building from the American Lung Association of the Southwest and its President and CEO, Bill Pfeifer, was pleased to turn over the building.

1/23/2015 Related Story: Effort Underway To Create Tulsa Museum Honoring Firefighters, History

“When we decided to consolidate operations to our Oklahoma City office last year, I felt this historic building should be open to the public. We are delighted for it to become the Tulsa Firefighters Museum,” he said.

In March, the Museum Board held an open house to give an idea of what the museum would look like. The event brought out current and former firefighters who all shared the same feeling of excitement that some of their memories could be preserved in the building.

3/17/2015 Related Story: Retired Tulsa Firefighters Hope To See Memories In Museum

Now, according to a news release, with the support of The Carol Tandy Foundation, the Tulsa Firefighters Museum is one step closer to becoming a reality.

“It is meant to be their building. They should have it. Tulsa needs a place to honor the men and women who serve our city,” Carol Tandy said.

The release says the museum will be a multi-purpose use and will be available as a private party venue space later this year.

The displays, a unique gift shop and children’s area are set to open early 2017.