1948 3c Volunteer Firemen 300th Anniversary

U.S. #971

1948 3¢ Volunteer Fireman Issue

Issue Date:October 4, 1948

City: Dover, Delaware

Quantity: 56,228,000

Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Printing Method: Rotary Press

Perforations: 11 x 10 ½

Color: Bright rose carmine

U.S. #971 commemorates the 300 anniversary of the first volunteer fire department in America. New Netherlands leader Peter Stuyvesant appointed four men to act as fire wardens in New Amsterdam, now known as New York City. The wardens inspected chimneys and administered fines to people who had not kept their chimneys swept clear to prevent fires. The money gained from the fines was used to purchase fire-fighting equipment such as ladders and buckets.