Colonel José María Calaza was a significant figure in the history of firefighting in Argentina, known for his leadership and professionalization of the Buenos Aires City Fire Department.
A military officer of Spanish origin, Calaza served as a Colonel in the Argentine Army and as Inspector General of the Buenos Aires City Police. He led the Fire Department within the police institution for an impressive 32 years, serving for over fifty years in total within the organization.
His leadership was crucial in the institutional consolidation and professionalization of the fire service in Buenos Aires.
He presided over the modernization of the department's equipment. A notable example of this is the "Coronel Calaza Steam Pump Unit," acquired from the English company Shand Mason & Co. in 1900, which was revolutionary for its time due to its high pressure and longer reach.
Legacy: Colonel Calaza is remembered as a pioneering figure whose efforts helped establish a modern and effective fire service in Argentina. His legacy includes a period of significant expansion and the introduction of advanced technology.
A military officer of Spanish origin, Calaza served as a Colonel in the Argentine Army and as Inspector General of the Buenos Aires City Police. He led the Fire Department within the police institution for an impressive 32 years, serving for over fifty years in total within the organization.
His leadership was crucial in the institutional consolidation and professionalization of the fire service in Buenos Aires.
He presided over the modernization of the department's equipment. A notable example of this is the "Coronel Calaza Steam Pump Unit," acquired from the English company Shand Mason & Co. in 1900, which was revolutionary for its time due to its high pressure and longer reach.
Legacy: Colonel Calaza is remembered as a pioneering figure whose efforts helped establish a modern and effective fire service in Argentina. His legacy includes a period of significant expansion and the introduction of advanced technology.
Photo: Caras y Caretas 1899/1900.
From left to right: Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Soldier, Soldier, Soldier and Sergeant.
From left to right: Second Lieutenant, First Sergeant, Second Sergeant, Second Corporal, Soldier.
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Left: Colonel Federico Fossa. Right: Colonel Jose Maria Calaza stamp.
Dräger System. This was used to neutralize smoke and gases during a fire in the beginning of the 1900s.
First Corporal Fire Department. 1933 Caras y Caretas.
