In a message dated 12/09/2004 20:05:59 GMT Daylight Time, Epaxton@aol.com writes: During the first 50 years of the last century a member of our family was the Firemaster of Sunderland. I don't know his name as it was his wife who was a Paxton cousin of my grandfathers. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Edward, I don't know what you mean by 'Firemaster,' but in December 1898, the Town Council decided to put the Brigade on a strong footing, That month Mr Thomas Breaks, aged 38, was appointed Superintendent of the Brigade from a total of 47 applicants. Superintendent Breaks was the first Superintendent to be appointed to have sole responsibility of the Fire Brigade, his predecessors were appointed as Superintendents of Police, part of their duty being to oversee the running of the Fire Brigade. Regards Stan Mapstone www.mapstone.org