Box 4 - Fire Buffs of Dallas, Texas

Box 4's History

Box 4 is a nonprofit organization of fire buffs offering rehabilitation services to Dallas Fire Rescue and was founded October 4th, 1963. There were four charter members: Sid "Digger" Quinn, Red Calfee, John Sehchen and Neal Dunegaan. The name Box 4 comes from the original box located at Ervay and Kelly Streets, the location of the original Station 4. This was the lowest box number ever issued by the Dallas Fire Department. It also was the box located across the street from an Honorary Fire Buff Julius Schepps' home and business. He is the one who actually named us.

The first fire the group responded to and furnished refreshments was Box 617, 3900 Cole Avenue, a three-alarm fire. The first time Fire Buffs responded with the Salvation Army Canteen (now called Rehabilitation Unit) was on December 9, 1963, a three-alarm fire, Box 317, at 1815 Browder. Today we have around 29 members serving not only Dallas but also other cities such as Irving, Garland, and Richardson. Box 4 responds to fires, disasters, HAZMATS as well as Night Burns, The Safety Fair, and Denton State School Days at Six Flags. We have two honorary Fire Chiefs: John Fesperman and Darrell Scott.Box 4 sponsors the Safety Award that is given at the Annual Fire Department Banquet, presenting the district with the most consecutive non-injury days. The Battalion Chief of that district is given a plaque and coffee to divide among his stations.

Some of the things Box 4 has done in the past include:

Involved in starting the Dallas Firefighter's Museum
Assisted at the Republican Convention (1986)
Assisted the International Fire Chiefs Convention in 1997 and 2000
Provided drinks at Vincent Davis' funeral service Feb. 16, 2002
Published the "Signal 1-7," an account of fires Box 4 responded to 1963-1970

Box 4's rehabilitation unit is provided by the Salvation Army. Dallas Fire-Rescue provides maintenance of the unit. All operations rely solely on donations. This includes providing drink, food, and canteen supplies. Years ago, every Christmas time, members would "Pass the Helmet" and give their own contribution to the Salvation Army for their support with the rehabilitation unit. Each spring, fire departments take up a collection and present it to Box 4. Some cities will send a check in appreciation of our help. Most recently, a Garland firefighter emptied his wallet to donate while on scene. Thank you to all who help make our service possible!