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Pocasset’s Fire Chief Daniel F. Young was appointed Cranston’s first paid fire chief on December 20, 1920 to head city’s the newly created permanent fire department. Mayor Horton had been advocating for a permanent fire department since early 1919. His plan was to establish a centrally located fire station equipped with the latest fire fighting equipment and staffed with at least two fire fighters staffing it around the clock.
Chief Young had been Chief of the Pocasset Fire Company.
Chief Young was born in Coventry, R. I. on August 6, 1868, son of Daniel H. and Martha B. (Stone) Young. Before becoming chief of the Cranston Fire department, he’d served as Chief of the Pocasset Volunteer Fire Company for ten years.
Chief Young married Mary A. Carby in 1886, and they had six children, two boys and four girls.
Chief Young passed away in August of 1940 at the age of 72. One of his sons later succeeded him as Cranston’s fire chief.
Other sources relating to the origin of the Cranston Fire Department and Chief Young’s appointment:
Providence Journal, “Mayor Horton Advocates Permanent Department For Cranston”, February 2, 1919.
Providence Journal, “Officers Elected By Pocasset Fire Engine Company”, January 6, 1920.
Providence Journal, “Daniel F. Young Favored To Head City Fire Company”, February 3, 1920.
Providence Journal, “Pocasset Fire Company Holds Annual Election” January 11, 1921.
Providence Journal, “Daniel F. Young, Fire Chief, Dead At Home In Cranston”,(“Was First Man To Hold Office In City”), August 26, 1940.
Providence Evening Bulletin, (Editorial), “Cranston Fire Chief”, September 4, 1940