Ancient Order Of Hibernian’s
Fire Fighter John J. Redmond
Division 22 Philadelphia
History of our Division
Division 22 was founded on March 6,1997 . Twenty six Philadelphia Firefighters decided
to expand their Irish heritage. The number 22 coincides with local 22 of the Firefighters
union. The Division chose to honor John Redmond, a firefighter who had made the supreme
sacrifice by giving his life so others might live , while fighting a fire in 1994
at the Rising Sun Baptist Church in South Philadelphia . The Division's first President
was Tom Meehan , who is still with the division and served as Director of PA AOH
District 1.The mission of the Division was to promote Irish culture and heritage
as it would be practiced by John Redmond. John was a staunch catholic, a devoted
father and husband ,an outstanding firefighter , and proud of his "IRISH". John was
a proud member of the James "FROGGY" Carr New Years Association and cherished his
South Philly roots. At the time of his untimely death, he was an active member of
ST. Mathews Parish in Mayfair , a Pre-
The Division membership is made up of active and retired Philadelphia firefighters and volunteer fire fighters from Drexel Hill & Trevose their families and friends and individuals from all walks of life. Firefighting seemed to bond the Irish . As we are one of the largest ethnic groups associated with this noble profession world wide. The Hibernia fire company was formed in in 1752, some time before the AOH Many prominent Philadelphians were members. The fire companies went to war as units , both in the Revolutionary and Civil war. Many companies of the "Irish Brigade" were from the fire service.When the Philadelphia Fire Department was formed from the fire companies , as a paid service, Hibernia was given the number Engine 22. Engine 22 still exists to this very day serving Northeast Philly , giving over 250 years of service to the citizenry. One of Divisions 22's mottoes is "FAUGH A BALLAGH" This was the battle cry of the Irish Brigade. A fitting cry for firefighters, as it means " clear the way".
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As we share our profession ,being Irish and Catholic is what bonds us also. We reach out to many different agencies in our charitable works, especially those closest to us. The Division donates communion outfits to selected parishes as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. The Division is a proud sponsor of the IPPCH and hosted Sin Fein Councilor Michael Ferguson on their behalf. The Division regularly supports the Hero Scholarship fund , which provides tuition assistance to the children of fallen police and firefighters, the Police and Fire handicapped Assn. ,Project Pegasus (which teaches physically challenged children to ride) and the Katie Duffin memorial toy drive, named in memory of member Brian Deal s cousin ,who had a rare form of cancer. The toy drive is held each year to distribute toys to the children of St. Christopher's hospital for children and other families in need.
As well as the designated charities of the order.The division sponsors an award at the annual Firefighter Recognition Day. This event honors the heroic acts of Philadelphia firefighters and paramedics. The most prestigious award is the John Redmond Award. This award is given to the the person who embodies the spirit of what John Redmond stood for. Past President of Division 22 Tim McShea was recipient of this ward. We also sponsor the John Redmond Communion mass and breakfast held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Engine 10 and Ladder 11 firehouse in South Philly. John Redmond was a member of Ladder 11 at the time of his tragic passing. Many members of this station are members.
The Irish love a parade and Division 22 leads the pack. with its color guard, resplendent in Kelly green kilts and black sweaters. The flag standards are pike poles a tool used in firefighting and Division officers may also be seen in "Class A" blouse coats. The division banner bears a red Maltese Cross in the center and the division motto on the bottom. Members are proud to wear their division shirts with "Bhoys in Blue" on the back and "fir na tine" on the front which means men of fire.. The division "Flag Shirt" has a replica of of a Dublin Volunteer Brigade Flag which reportedly flew over GPO on Easter Monday ,1916 The flag was authenticated by a request from the Collins Barracks Museum for a loan. The Division flag leads the Bhoys as they march in Philadelphia, Boston , New York and North Wildwood or where ever the winds may carry us. As Catholics, we were taught to prey the rosary, so every member is issued a rosary as he is sworn in. In the old days , before ID cards you could identify the Irish by beads in their pocket.The Division has an active role in the Order, with many members serving on County and State Board , both elected and appointed. On January 28th 2004 a memorial was dedicated in John Redmond's name at Engine 10 and Ladder 11 to honor all members of the company who have given their lives in the line of duty.