John Steel

John Steel was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1836. He was a member of the Niagara Volunteer Company in the days before there was an official fire department in the city. He joined the company in 1854 and in 1858 was elected Captain of the Niagara for one year. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Company E, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves as a Private. He was promoted for gallantry in action to Second Lieutenant and fought in many battles including Antietam, Fredericksburg, and the Second Battle of Bull Run. He mustered out in 1864 and was again elected Captain of the Niagara Company when he returned to Pittsburgh. He served in that position for two years before becoming the Firemen's Association Second Assistant Chief Engineer for two additional years. In March of 1870 Governor Geary signed "An Act to establish the Pittsburgh Fire Department" which was adopted on April 14th, 1870. Steel joined the Hook and Ladder truck, was transferred to Relief Engine Company No. 9, became foreman of that company in 1877, and was then appointed Assistant Chief Engineer. The Niagara Company owned dog "Jack" of Civil War fame.