John F. King

John F. King was fire chief of the Bronx.  He was the one responsible for buying the land for "the farm" in Jackson Corners, NY (Pine Plains & Red Hook nearby).  He used to have sulky horse races up there.

After finishing school in the public school system he landed a job on a North River Brick schooner, of which in due time he Captained. He joined the FDNY December 4, 1883 and was assigned to Hook and Ladder Co. 1. One of the premier companies of his day. He was promoted to Assistant Foreman (Lieutenant) on December 4, 1897 after being 5th on the promotion list. He was again promoted 2 and half years later on April 1, 1900 to Captain being 1st on the promotion list. He served in this capacity for about 3 more years and was promoted to Battalion Chief August 14, 1903 (4th on the promotion list). On August 1, 1911 he was promoted to Deputy Chief placing again 4th on the promotion list. He was station with hook and ladder 1 for about 17 years at one time located at chambers and center streets. At times he was attached to 7th, 8th and 17th Battalions. For his 25th anniversary with the fire department he was given a brand new Ford model T.

He was commended for bravery 4 times for personal risk. Once he rescued a woman and her child from a burning building to have the building collapse just after he exited with his precious cargos.

An article about a fire he fought: https://www.nytimes.com/1928/04/20/archives/fight-60acre-fire-two-hours-in-bronx-firemen-subdue-windswept-blaze.html

**information & pictures from Alfred Sardaro