Guardians of the City
Mission
The Guardians of the Cityis a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and share the history of San Francisco’s First Responders: San Francisco Fire Department, San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, and Emergency Medical Services.
Featured Fun
San Francisco is a unique city with a colorful past. From the wild days of the Gold Rush and the Barbary Coast to the chaos of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire–through good times and difficult times–our Fire, Police, Sheriff’s, and Emergency Medical Services Departments have been there to serve people of The City.
Since 2010, Guardians of the City has participated in many events throughout the City, sharing San Francisco history while highlighting the roles of First Responders. Through the years, GOTC has presented displays highlighting a variety of topics such as the 30thAnniversary of the Loma Pieta earthquake, the history of the Police Officers’ Ball, the history of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, Law and Order in the Barbary Coast, and the history of San Francisco’s Fire Boats. Annually, we also help commemoratethe 1906 Earthquake and Fire at both Lotta’s Fountain and the Golden Hydrant.
The San Francisco Fire Department Museum
Guardians of the City runs the San Francisco Fire Department Museum, located at 655 Presidio Avenue near California St. in San Francisco. The SFFD Museum was founded over 50 years ago, is filled with amazing artifacts, and is fun and educational for all ages. It is run and staffed by volunteers. Admission to the Museum is free but donations are always appreciated.
At this time, the Museum is still closed to visitors but we invite you to learn more about it in our new video.
GOTC is pleased to have been able to participate in History Days since the beginning.
GOTC Board member Inspector Liane Corrales, SFPD retired., honors the memory of Max Fenner who was killed in the 1906 earthquake. Liane shares his story at many San Francisco history events.
GOTC volunteers from the SF City College Fire Science Program talk to Bob Palu, SFFD retired, about his service in 1989 during the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake.
Members of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office prepare to share their history. (L-R) Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Carl Koehler, SFSD retired, Lt. John Caramucci, and Dep. Rick Koehler.
GOTC volunteers from the SF City College Fire Science Program staff the GOTC table with Frankie the Fire Hydrant, a hero of Loma Prieta, in the center.
GOTC display at the History Expo at the Old Mint in 2011.
Follow us on Facebook @GOTCSF and Instagram @gotcsfmuseum! Send us an email: gotcsf@gmail.com