ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Fire Department commemorated the 100th anniversary of Firehouse 3 on Saturday with a centennial celebration at the Randall R. Tuten Orlando Fire Museum, the original site of the historic station.
Orlando Fire Chief Jason Revoldt joined current and retired firefighters, community members, and local leaders to honor a century of service by Firehouse 3, known affectionately as “The Knights of College Park.”
Located in the heart of College Park, Firehouse 3 has long served one of Orlando’s highest valued residential districts. The station earned its nickname because it sits among streets named after royalty, including Princeton Street and Yale Street. Over the decades, the firefighters assigned to Station 3 have become a visible and trusted presence in the neighborhood.
Built in 1926, Firehouse 3 was established during a period of rapid growth for the City of Orlando. The city’s population surged from approximately 9,000 residents in 1920 to more than 27,000 by the end of the decade, creating new demands for public safety infrastructure. The construction of the station reflected both the city’s expansion and its commitment to modernizing emergency services.
During the centennial event, attendees learned how firefighting operations functioned a century ago and how the department has evolved to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly complex urban environment.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a close look at a 1926 American LaFrance fire engine, the same type of apparatus originally assigned to Firehouse 3. The historic motorized engine, now housed at the museum, demonstrated how early twentieth century firefighters pumped water and responded to emergencies during Orlando’s formative years.
The event offered a rare opportunity for residents to connect with the department’s past while gaining insight into its present operations. Exhibits and historical displays illustrated how advancements in equipment, training, and technology have transformed firefighting since the 1920s.
Despite the passage of time, Firehouse 3 remains one of the Orlando Fire Department’s oldest active stations. Its continued operation underscores its longstanding importance to the College Park community.
For many in attendance, the centennial served not only as a celebration of history but also as a tribute to the generations of firefighters who have served at Station 3. From the era of hand operated pumps and early motorized engines to today’s advanced emergency response systems, Firehouse 3 has stood as a cornerstone of public safety in Orlando for 100 years.
As the department looks toward the future, leaders emphasized that the legacy of “The Knights of College Park” is rooted in service, community trust, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the residents and businesses of one of Orlando’s most historic neighborhoods.
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