About the Museum
Honoring Fort Lauderdale’s Firefighters — Preserving Courage, Craftsmanship, and Community Since 1927
Fire Department Founded
Fort Lauderdale Fire Department begins service to the community.
History. Service. Community.
The Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum, located in the Sailboat Bend Historic District, is a living monument to courage, craftsmanship, and community — preserving Fort Lauderdale’s historic Fire Station No. 3 for future generations.
Housed in the lovingly restored 1927 Fire Station No. 3, our museum is more than a building — it’s where the heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale’s past still echoes through every brick and polished brass fixture.
Visitors of all ages can experience the spirit of service that has defined our city for over a century. From vintage fire engines to original call logs and firefighter gear, every artifact tells a story of dedication, teamwork, and bravery.
Our mission is to preserve Fort Lauderdale’s firefighting heritage and promote fire-safety education through hands-on exhibits, storytelling, and community engagement. Through education, restoration, and storytelling, we honor those who came before us and inspire those who will protect our communities tomorrow.
Our Story
The story of the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum begins with Fire Station No. 3, designed in 1927 by local architect Francis Abreu. When it opened, the station embodied progress and civic pride for the Sailboat Bend neighborhood.
In 2004, the station was decommissioned as the fire department modernized. The community it once protected refused to let its story fade — firefighters, retirees, and neighbors united to save it. They secured a 50-year lease, formed the museum’s nonprofit, and began painstaking restoration.
Today, the museum stands as a testament to volunteer spirit, community pride, and preservation, proving that history is meant to be lived, not just remembered.
Learn more about Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and its ongoing service to the community.
Milestones at a Glance
Architectural Legacy
Abreu’s design blends Cuban farmhouse character with Mediterranean Revival grace — arched doorways, red-tile roof, ironwork, and a tile fountain once used as a watering trough. Restored details — Cuban floor tiles, crown molding, hearth, and vintage-style fixtures — return the station’s 1920s charm.
Visitors can explore these features up close, connecting architecture, craftsmanship, and Fort Lauderdale’s civic pride.
A Living Classroom
The museum is not just a place to look — it’s a place to learn by doing.
Our Living Classroom transforms fire-safety lessons into hands-on experiences for children, families, and schools:
- Practice “Stop, Drop, and Roll” in a guided activity.
- Learn to map safe home exits during a fire.
- Spot common household hazards and ways to prevent them.
- Hear firsthand stories from Fort Lauderdale firefighters and volunteers.
Every visit sparks curiosity and connection — linking practical fire-safety education with living history.
Our Team
Restoring Station 3 and transforming it into the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum took the dedication of active and retired firefighters, city partners, and volunteers working side by side.
Today, that same spirit fuels everything we do. Our team combines experience, education, and passion to preserve Fort Lauderdale’s firefighting heritage while inspiring future generations to learn, serve, and protect.
Current Leadership
Shawn Levine
President
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumTaylor Beavers
Vice-President
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumErica Lowther
Secretary
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumRiley Paine
Treasurer
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumAaron Caja
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumBill Sharp
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumBob Cangelosi
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumChristian Garay
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumDebra Flowers
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumJim Van Drunen
Curator
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumKim Van Sant
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumLinda Gibboney
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumMike Grady
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumStephen Paine
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumWally Schrubb
Trustee
Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety MuseumSupport Our Firehouse Family
The Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum is powered by volunteers and community partners dedicated to preserving our city’s firefighting legacy and public-safety education. Whether you give your time, resources, or voice, your support keeps history alive and our mission growing.
Your contribution helps us restore antique fire engines, expand fire-safety education, and honor the men and women who protected Fort Lauderdale. Every gift, large or small, keeps the doors open, the stories alive, and the spirit of service burning bright at the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum — a place where history, education, and community meet.
