Frank F. Loomis | |
|---|---|
 Frank Fowler Loomis in 1915 | |
| Born | April 2, 1854 |
| Died | September 19, 1936 (aged 82) Akron, Ohio |
| Occupation(s) | Electrical and mechanical engineer |
| Known for | Inventing the first police van |
| Notable work | Fire alarm and control system |
Frank Fowler Loomis (April 2, 1854 – September 19, 1936) was an American engineer and inventor who worked for the Akron, Ohio fire department. In 1874, Loomis, with the help of another engineer, developed four telegraph fire alarm boxes, which were patented in 1885. Loomis developed the city's fire alarm and control system, and built the world's first police van.
In 1899, Loomis would build the world's first police van, which was stolen and destroyed during the Akron riot of 1900. However, it was eventually restored and continued functioning for seven years before being overhauled in 1913. He would also establish the "Loomis Award" in 1936 for fire service and heroism, but only three firefighters received the award during the first 50 years after its inception.