After years of research and work, "Capital Smoke," a book detailing the history of the Jefferson City Fire Department, is ready for release.
The book, compiled by Capt. Tim Young, contains about 400 pictures and information going back to the beginning of Jefferson City in 1821 and ending with the retirement of former Fire Chief Bob Rennick earlier this year. Young said the book will be unveiled with an event from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Fire Training Center on Hyde Park Road.
Young said 500 books will arrive Sunday, with 230 of them being pre-ordered by interested readers. Through those pre-orders and additional sales, Young said he hopes to raise an estimated $13,000 for a firefighter museum.
Last year, the City Council endorsed a firefighter museum concept to be housed in the old Fire Station No. 2 on East Miller Street, which originally opened in 1935. Since then, firefighters and volunteers have been spending time refurbishing the old station, which was used until 1970, to its original state and gathering as many donations as possible for future exhibits.
The museum has not received any city funds and everything is being operated by donations, volunteer labor and in-kind services.
Young also will host a book signing, where "Capital Smoke' will be for sale, from 10 a.m.-noon Monday at Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts.
Books are $50 and will be available for purchase at Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts, Downtown Book & Toy and Cottonstone Gallery.
Young said anyone with questions can contact him at 690-2298, but requested no one call the fire department about "Capital Smoke."