James "Cappy" Smart
1898 - 1933
SCOTLAND'S LOSS IS OUR GAIN
Born in Arbroath, Scotland and educated in Dundee, James "Cappy" Smart immigrated to Canada in 1881 at the age of 16, initially toiling as a mortician's apprentice in Winnipeg. He arrived in Calgary two years later on October 19, 1883.
Cappy Smart appears on the volunteer rolls of the original bucket brigade in August 1885 as a ladderman, and rose to the rank of hose captain by 1891. Prior to becoming a full-time firefighter, Cappy worked at many jobs, including lumber jacking, surveying, and prospecting. He also operated Calgary's first undertaking and embalming service, but he sold the business in 1891. Three Smart brothers served with the Calgary Fire Department: James "Cappy" Smart, John (a chemical wagon driver), and Julian (a horse wagon driver) - but Cappy was the standout and became Fire Chief on March 21, 1898.
The blunt-spoken Scot was a formidable leader and provided colourful inspiration to both his men and his adopted community. Seldom did anything happen in Calgary without his involvement or that of his Fire Department. Cappy was the parade marshal for the Calgary Stampede for a record 35 years and also presided as the starter of the annual Calgary Herald Road Race. He was elected to executive positions in several professional organizations and a driving force in the founding of what would eventually become the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Cappy never hesitated to butt heads with City politicians or others he percieved as "stuffed shirts" over any number of issues. A 1904 Calgary Fire Department notation reads: "The present chief of the department, Mr. Jas. Smart, was elected in 1899, and his popularity with the members and citizens generally is so great that there is not much possibility of his kicking out of the harness."
Although Cappy retired in 1933, he was appointed an honorary Fire Prevention Officer thus completing 50 years of service with the Calgary Fire Department. Chief James "Cappy" Smart was laid to rest on July 25, 1939. Cappy proved to be an important link between the past and present, ushering in a progressive era of mechanical technology while steering the Calgary Fire Department toward its community-minded future.
Born in Arbroath, Scotland and educated in Dundee, James "Cappy" Smart immigrated to Canada in 1881 at the age of 16, initially toiling as a mortician's apprentice in Winnipeg. He arrived in Calgary two years later on October 19, 1883.
Cappy Smart appears on the volunteer rolls of the original bucket brigade in August 1885 as a ladderman, and rose to the rank of hose captain by 1891. Prior to becoming a full-time firefighter, Cappy worked at many jobs, including lumber jacking, surveying, and prospecting. He also operated Calgary's first undertaking and embalming service, but he sold the business in 1891. Three Smart brothers served with the Calgary Fire Department: James "Cappy" Smart, John (a chemical wagon driver), and Julian (a horse wagon driver) - but Cappy was the standout and became Fire Chief on March 21, 1898.
The blunt-spoken Scot was a formidable leader and provided colourful inspiration to both his men and his adopted community. Seldom did anything happen in Calgary without his involvement or that of his Fire Department. Cappy was the parade marshal for the Calgary Stampede for a record 35 years and also presided as the starter of the annual Calgary Herald Road Race. He was elected to executive positions in several professional organizations and a driving force in the founding of what would eventually become the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Cappy never hesitated to butt heads with City politicians or others he percieved as "stuffed shirts" over any number of issues. A 1904 Calgary Fire Department notation reads: "The present chief of the department, Mr. Jas. Smart, was elected in 1899, and his popularity with the members and citizens generally is so great that there is not much possibility of his kicking out of the harness."
Although Cappy retired in 1933, he was appointed an honorary Fire Prevention Officer thus completing 50 years of service with the Calgary Fire Department. Chief James "Cappy" Smart was laid to rest on July 25, 1939. Cappy proved to be an important link between the past and present, ushering in a progressive era of mechanical technology while steering the Calgary Fire Department toward its community-minded future.
