The Los Angeles Fire Department Museum opened in October 2001 — the month after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City , New York , and the Pentagon in Arlington County , Virginia . The walls of the museum are filled with historical photographs on the department 's history . The museum houses several old fire engines , artifacts and historical firefighting equipment , some dating from the 1880s . There is also a research library and a learning center where fire and life safety lessons are taught . The benefactor of the museum is retired Los Angeles firefighter and Medal of Valor recipient , William Rolland . Rolland said of the museum : " I believe we must begin by educating our youth . A museum is not something you finish ; museums are something you start . We will teach and educate children and their parents in fire safety awareness , emergency procedures and EMS technology of today . " When the '' Los Angeles Times '' published an article on the museum in 2003 , it wrote : " With its high ceilings , six old-fashioned brass fire poles and nearly a dozen antique fire engines , the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum looks like a set from a Hollywood back lot . ... But Fire Station 27 has a greater purpose : keeping the flame of L.A. Fire Department history . " The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society also operates three other museums — the Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum , located at 638 Beacon St. , San Pedro ; the Plaza Fire House near Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles ; and the African American Fire Fighter Museum , located at 1401 S. Central Avenue
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial