CHICAGO (CBS) --African American firefighters played a key role in developing a staple of the firehouse: the sliding pole. In honor of Black History Month, CBS 2's Derrick Young spoke with a retired ...

Firefighters in Chicago's Engine Company 21 helped invent firehouse poles, and by 1878, all of the city's stations had them installed to increase response times. The sliding pole, one of the signature ...

The station is being designed as a replacement for one destroyed in a 2011 tornado. Source The Joplin Globe, Mo. Nov. 22--JOPLIN, Mo. -- One of Joplin's replacement fire stations will take on a ...

Julie and Bob Garvin stood by a brass sliding pole and a 9/11 plaque inside a replica firehouse created by Bob's son Harry. The pole was made in Somerville, Mass., on the morning of the attacks.

EVERETT — It’s a symbol of firefighters, superheroes and dancers. But the pole has all but vanished from most fire stations these days. What’s up with that? Taking the steps is safer. The 20-foot ...

MATTOON - Firefighters stand tall in the eyes of kids these days. Children touring the Mattoon Fire Department often asked firefighters why they didn't have a sliding pole in the fire station. The old ...