Guardians of The City San Francisco

09/11/2026

Today, San Francisco’s public safety community gathered at the San Francisco Fire Department’s 9/11 anniversary ceremony to remember those who were killed, honor those who responded, and reflect on the responsibility we carry forward.

Against the solemn presence of the color guard, the Fire Chief addressed those gathered. Throughout the morning, one truth came into focus: twenty-five years after the attacks, September 11 is beginning to pass from living memory into history.

Guardians of the City Trustee and Public Information Officer, David Cruise, reflected that many first responders beginning their careers today were not yet born in 2001, or were too young to remember the events as they unfolded. Their understanding of that day will depend on what we choose to preserve and pass on.

That is why remembrance cannot end when the ceremony does.

History gives meaning and context to service. It helps those who wear our city’s badges and stars understand who and what came before them. It also helps the public understand the courage, sacrifice, preparation, and human connection behind the public safety services we depend on every day.

We remember those who were lost. We honor those who answered the call. We preserve their stories so future generations will understand why they matter. 🕯️

09/11/2026

It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since 9/11. Each year on the anniversary, we remember those we lost and we thank those First Responders who sacrificed their lives in the service of others.

We also honor the cousin of one of our GOTC Trustees, Liane Corrales, SFPD retired. Officer John D’Allara of the NYPD, pictured here, selflessly gave his life that day along with fellow NYPD officers, members of the FDNY, and other First Responders. As Liane says, “May we never forget the brave police officers and firefighters that fought for us that day! God bless all of them, the ones in Heaven, and the ones who survived.”

09/03/2026

Excited to share this upcoming program on September 24, 2026!

Join SFO Museum Curator Dennis Sharp for a closer look at SFO Museum’s “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Dept” exhibition as he shares the intriguing stories behind the objects on display and Jamie O’Keefe, Curator of the Guardians of the City Museum, the primary lender to this exhibition, who will provide a glimpse into GOTC’s incredible SFFD collection and the work being done to preserve and share this history.

Join SFO Museum Curator Dennis Sharp and Guardians of the City Museum Curator Jamie O’Keefe for a closer look at "Heroes of the City".

08/28/2026

As we approach the end of August, let’s take a look at what SFFD Firefighter Andrew F. Pugh was up to in the summer of 1939. The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was in full swing and Pugh was a member of Treasure Island Fire Station No. 2, right in the heart of the event.

On this page of his scrapbook donated by his family are pieces of ephemera related to his service during the GGIE, including a program for the Hot Seat Club and two Admission Books for Service Employees. His Service Employee’s Pass features his portrait sporting a big grin.

Finally, a fun, yet mysterious, card reads: “You have now been duly and formally electrocuted into membership of Treasure Island Fire Station No. 2, and are entitled to any and all the rights, benefits, privileges, satisfaction, or foo pertaining thereto. Just try and get it. By Order of the Live Wire”

Happy end of summer!

[2024.3- detail from Andrew F. Pugh SFFD scrapbook, mixed media, 1939. Collection of GOTC, Gift of Andrew F. Pugh’s great-grandchildren]

07/04/2026

Happy 250th birthday to the United States of America!🇺🇸

Here’s a badge with a patriotic theme, presented to San Francisco Fire Fighter Herbert L. Bevilockway, who joined SFFD Engine 14 in 1914. He served in the SFFD until retiring in June 1941.

His silver badge is skillfully decorated with red, white, and blue enamel as well as engraved and dimensional patterns throughout.

This badge is currently on loan from the GOTC collection to SFO Museum and is on display as part of “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the SFFD,” a special exhibit now on view in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport.

Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day! 🎇

[OL2025.01.33- Irvine & Jachens, SFFD shield Engine 14 USA presented to Herbert L. Bevilockway, c. 1914. Silver and enamel. Collection of Guardians of the City]

07/01/2026

Here's some more information about how to visit "Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department," featuring artifacts from the GOTC collection, now on display at SFO Museum in Harvey Milk Terminal 1!

06/26/2026

We are proud to share that “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the SFFD” is now on display at SFO Museum in award-winning Harvey Milk Terminal 1, San Francisco International Airport.

A collaboration between SFO Museum and GOTC, this exhibition explores the early decades of the San Francisco Fire Department and pays tribute to those brave firefighters who, driven by duty, battled danger, smoke, and flames to save lives and protect their city. It features incredible artifacts from the GOTC collection, many that have never been on public display.

Exhibit is on display through May 2027. Guests who wish to view the exhibition without a travel ticket can do so with SFO’s Gate Explorer program, details on the SFO website.

06/22/2026

Another behind-the-scenes peek as SFO Museum gets ready to install its exhibition, "Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the SFFD" this week! SFO Museum's photographer carefully supports and lights each artifact so it looks its best for photos, and this beautiful lantern from the GOTC collection is no exception! It is scheduled to be installed in the exhibition in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 by the end of this week.

When photographing different objects, our staff photographer employs a number of different techniques to light objects to shine their brightest. This No. 2 Hose or Truck Co. lantern from the 1850s will be featured in our upcoming exhibition on the history of firefighting in San Francisco, “Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department.” Stay tuned for more updates from SFO Museum!

06/17/2026

Excited to share with you a behind-the-scenes peek of a special new exhibition, a collaboration between Guardians of the City and SFO Museum! Do some of these artifacts look familiar? They're on loan from GOTC Museum and will be installed in SFO's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 next week! Stay tuned for updates!

05/04/2026

Today at 10:30 a.m., California will honor fallen heroic police officers at the Peace Officer’s Memorial in Sacramento.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.