On Thanksgiving in 1883 a fire destroyed downtown Ocala.
Residents demanded a fire department be formed in 1885. More than one hundred years later men and women still wear the badge of the Ocala Fire Rescue.
"Firemen are still doing the same things by going to hot smokey buildings and rescuing people," Ocala Fire Rescue Battalion Chief, Brian Stoothoff said.
The Chief gave TV20 a look back in time, showing photographs dating back to the late 1800's.
Many photographs and memorabilia of the department's history are displayed behind a glass case at their headquarters.
Among the historic artifacts, ribbons and trophies can also be found. They are now proud reminders of the department's past.
"It's nice to remember our history and to see the progress that we've made," Stoothoff said.
Although much has changed for Ocala's Fire Rescue in more than a century's time, the city's firefighters say they are still at the vanguard, ready at call.