The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is a professional, all-hazards emergency response agency serving the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Established on December 15, 1891, it evolved from the Firemen’s Charitable Association, a volunteer organization founded in 1829. Henri Buckman, the first chartered member of the FCA, is recognized as the father of the fire service in New Orleans. Thomas O’Connor, the first leader of the volunteers, became the first Chief of the New Orleans Fire Department .