Incident Date:
February 8, 1902
Department:
Salamander Fire Company (NC)
Number of Line-of-Duty Deaths:
1
The Salamander Fire Company
Chartered in 1881, the Salamander Fire Company was a distinguished all-African American volunteer fire department. Its members, known for their dedication and teamwork, wore red hats and often sang in unison while operating hand-pump fire equipment—a method that helped them coordinate their firefighting efforts.
In 1904, there were 201 volunteer firefighters in Washington, NC, 115 of them were African American. They operated with a Silsby steam engine, a small hand engine, two large hands engine, five two-wheel hose carts, a supply wagon, and a hook and ladder wagon.
On the evening of Saturday, February 8, 1902, a fire broke out around 5:25 pm at the Atlantic Coast Line Freight Warehouse on the Washington, North Carolina waterfront. The blaze, sparked by a defective stove flue, spread rapidly, drawing an urgent response from the Salamander Fire Company. Among the firefighters was Nozzleman Edward Peed.
As the fire raged for hours, Peed and his fellow firefighters fought tirelessly to contain the massive waterfront inferno. While directing a stream of water onto the smoldering debris, tragedy struck—the western wall of the Hoyt Building suddenly collapsed. Peed was crushed beneath the falling brick, sustaining severe chest injuries. Despite the immediate efforts of Dr. Joshua Tayloe, his wounds proved fatal, and he died at the scene.
Edward Peed’s death was the first recorded firefighter line-of-duty death in the state of North Carolina. He was also the first known African American firefighter in the state to make the ultimate sacrifice.
A dedicated member of the Salamander Fire Company for over 20 years, Peed also served as the company’s treasurer and was an elected member of the Washington City Council from 1883 to 1889. He was the Registrar for the community where he lived on West 3rd Street. He was 46 years old at the time of his tragic death.
Edward Peed’s legacy endures, a lasting testament to his courage, dedication, and service to his community and the fire service.
In recognition of his bravery and service, the white citizens of Washington erected a monument in his honor. Today, that monument still stands at the city’s fire station on the corner of 5th and Market Streets. It bears this inscription:
“Edward Peed, born March 1, 1855 – died February 8, 1902. A member of the Salamander Fire Company for over 20 years. He died at the post of duty. Erected by the white citizens of Washington, North Carolina, in appreciation of his faithfulness.”
In 2017, Washington Mayor Mac Hodges officially declared February 18 as “Edward Peed Day” in his honor.
