Alex Vega, a second-generation Key West firefighter with a 30-year career, has become a dedicated historian and president of the nonprofit Old Firehouse Preservation Inc. This organization operates the Key West Firehouse Museum, located at 1024 Grinnell St. The museum is housed in one of Florida's oldest firehouses and is the southernmost in the continental United States.

Vega's passion for history was ignited in his Key West childhood, influenced by his grandparents' stories of early Cuban immigration and cigar factory work. He also witnessed significant historical moments, including a visit from Fidel Castro to his home and President John F. Kennedy's motorcade down Duval Street.

After joining the Key West Fire Department in 1975, Vega found inspiration in the tales shared by retired firefighters, some recounting experiences from the 1920s and even earlier when horses were used for fire engines. These narratives fueled his desire to preserve the department's history.

In the 1990s, Vega began advocating for the preservation of the then-threatened firehouse where he had served early in his career. Through 15 years of fundraising and restoration efforts, supported by a dedicated team, the building was transformed into a museum. The Keys Weekly reported that the museum now houses rare firefighting artifacts.

Among the museum's notable exhibits are a 1929 American La France fire engine, a 1906 bell, an early alarm system, and one of the few remaining coal pits in America, a reminder of the horse-drawn steamer era. The museum also features displays dedicated to former Key West Fire Chief Joseph “Bum” Farto, along with historic photographs, vintage gear, badges, and personal items belonging to past firefighters.

An archive room within the museum contains logbooks, handwritten reports, and records from former fire chiefs. Vega aims to organize and digitize these materials and plans to write a comprehensive book on the Key West Fire Department's 150-year history, following his 2011 book about the firehouse itself. He stated that he feels a responsibility to acknowledge the contributions of the many firefighters who served over the years.

Despite the demands of managing the museum, including daily maintenance and greeting visitors, Vega remains committed to his historical endeavors. He shares his passion with firefighters from around the globe, emphasizing the importance of preserving history and inspiring others to do the same. Vega hopes that visitors to the museum will have a unique and memorable experience that encourages them to value and protect historical narratives.

The museum serves as a testament to Key West's firefighting heritage, offering a glimpse into the past and honoring the dedication of those who served. For more details on Vega's work and the museum, the Keys Weekly provides further information.