José María Calaza Couso

Category: Fireman
Birth Date: 15th October 1852 (†28th July 1913)
Birth Place: A Coruña
 Curriculum

He emigrated to Buenos Aires at the age of 16. He worked as an employee in a shop. In 1870, he entered the vigilant-firemen quarters (in 1873 Fire Brigade), where he became fire officer in 1881. He fought in defence of the Government during the 'July Revolution' in 1890, being nominated as colonel.

 Work & Activities

He wrote several specialized works about fires and their prevention, as for example Materiales para incendios. He also elaborated the defence plan against fires in Buenos Aires.

 Other Interesting Aspects

He started an official school of firemen and created a school to put an end to the illiteracy in the brigade. He was nominated as an honourable member of the Fire Brigade in several countries and got many distinctions as for example the 'Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica'. He represented Argentina at international congresses of firemen manoeuvres (Paris and Turin).