Thomas Wood on Boca Raton Fire Safety and the 2001 Anthrax Attack (December 9, 2024)

Oral History Interview of Thomas “Tom” Wood, former Boca Raton Fire Department Chief (2006-2021). Topics covered include Wood’s childhood on Long Island and visits to his grandparents’ Boca Raton condo and Boca Raton’s Fire Stations in 1971. Wood discussed how he moved in with his grandparents following his High School graduation in 1973, while in Boca Raton he got involved with Emergency Services after being inspired by his family’s history of being volunteer firefighters. Wood first served as an EMT before becoming a firefighter and 8 years later the Fire Marshall, his most demanding position. Wood explained how he discovered inadequate water mains at FAU as Fire Marshall, while the University was attempting to expand their facilities. Additionally, Wood discusses his career progression through his handling of the 2001 Anthrax Attack along with the public’s reaction, and how he became Fire Chief in 2006. He also highlighted his research projects on topics including sprinkler systems, Boca Raton’s first fire engine “Old Betsy”, and a B-34 crash at the Boca Raton Army Air Feld Base. Lastly, Wood recalled significant fires in Boca’s history, such as the Boca Raton Regional Hospital fire, the Bibletown fire, and the fire at the WWII era newly renovated T-3 building on FAU’s campus.

Interviewer: Christian Robinson

Interviewee: Thomas Wood

Location: Boca Raton Historical Society 12/9/2024

Please be sure to check out Chief Wood's Town Hall Talk on "Old Betsy" on June 11th, 2025 at the Boca Raton Historical Society, 71 N. Federal Hwy. RSVP using the link below:
https://www.bocahistory.org/rsvp-to-b...