Alf Brown

Alf Brown (born December 10, 1875 in Norwich, England) served as Chief of the Birmingham Fire Department from 1937 to 1945.

Brown was born in Norwich (Norfolk) England. He entered the Birmingham Fire Department in June 1902. He started as an "extra", earning 10 cents an hour. He slept in the fire engine for his first months on the job to be sure never to miss a call.

He was promoted to Captain of Engine Company No. 2 at the Southside Fire Station four years later, and then resigned on December 1, 1911. He rejoined the department after 7 months absence, but only stayed for one year before resigning again. After another year away, he rejoined the department in July 1914 and was again promoted to Captain on December 1, 1917. From there he rose to Battalion Chief in 1921, to Second Assistant Chief a year later, and to First Assistant Chief a few months later, in November 1922.

In 1934 Brown was passed up for promotion to Fire Chief in favor of then-Second Assistant B. O. Hargrove. After three years, he finally took over for Hargrove in 1937. He was succeeded by J. R. Smith in 1945.

Preceded by: B. O. Hargrove

Birmingham Fire Department Chief 1937–1945

Succeeded by: J. R. Smith

References

• Kuhl, Earl D., editor (1934) "Illustrated Souvenir: Birmingham's $3,000,000 Fire, March 10, 1934." Birmingham: Birmingham Firemen's Relief Association. - accessed at Birmingham Public Library Archives Digital Collections, February 22, 2007