Liverpool Salvage Corps

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The Liverpool Salvage Corps were formed in 1842 by several insurance companies in Liverpool, England to attend fires to lessen and mitigate the effects. Similar Corps were established in London in 1865 and Glasgow 1873.

Outwardly they were dressed and operated just like Firefighters. Corps personnel drove round in vehicles which resembled fire engines. In fact the only real difference was that the Corps Tender carried heavy duty salvage equipment rather than major firefighting gear.

In later years the corps were permitted to use Blue Lights and sirens to attend incidents.

The Liverpool Salvage Corps was closed down in 1984 after 142 years service. Its demise came from the fact that Fire Brigades were given greater responsibility to provide firefighting and salvage duties at incidents to help mitigate the effects of fire - making the Corps somewhat redundant. At this time many Corps personnel joined the Fire Service.

During its operational time many retired firefighters served with the Salvage Corps.