dramatic conditions, often during German bombardment. Along with their colleagues evacuated from Łódź, Brzeziny, Ozorków and Nieszawa, they continued their service until the capitulation of Warsaw. Altogether, the Warsaw firefighters lost 30 men and 50 wounded during the fights. After the start of the German occupation of Poland, the Warsaw Fire Guard was officially nationalized by the Nazis. However, the unit remained largely independent and in December 1939 most of the firefighters joined a newly formed Skała resistance organization, with time incorporated into the Armia Krajowa. Most of the firefighters took part in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, where their experience and commitment proved vital in stiffening the resistance of the besieged city under constant bombardment. On an interesting note, one of the self-propelled pumps of the Warsaw Fire Guard was used as a flamethrower during the heavy fights for the PAST building. The last commander of the Warsaw Fire Guards was Col. Adam Kalinowski. After the war the Allied-backed communist authorities of Poland did not re-create the Guards and instead formed a local branch of the state-owned firefighters unit. Stamp A 10-zloty postage stamp was issued in 1986 to commemorate the Brigade's 150th anniversary. It featured a painting by Józef Brodowski of the brigade's horse-drawn carriages on their way to a fire in 1870. See also State Fire Service of the Polish Interior Ministry. References Jabłonowski W., Warszawska Straż Ogniowa 1836-1939, Warszawa 2001 dr Boss E. Dzieje Warszawskiej Straży Ogniowej 1836-1936, W-wa 1937 pr. zbior. Opowieść o warszawskich strażakach. CXXV lecie WSP, Warszawa 1961 Burzyński E. Z dziejów Warszawskiej STraży Pożarnej. 150 lat działalności. Warszawa 1989 Jaworski A., Wilczur J. Strażacka wierność, Warszawa 1988 External links Stamp featuring the Fire Brigade Fire departments History of firefighting Organizations established in 1834 Government agencies disestablished in 1939 Organisations based in Warsaw History of Warsaw