September 1, 1860 – Steam Engine No. 5 placed into service at a new firehouse at 64 Marion Street, between Eutaw and Trenton Sts., East Boston. The steam engine was built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. of Manchester, NH, rated as First Size, Serial # 9.
October 1, 1867 – Company was assigned an Amoskeag self-propelled steam engine, Serial # 263, for trial service only. The self-propelled steamer frightened horses so badly it was removed from service in December, 1867.
December 24, 1867 – Company was assigned a new Amoskeag First Size steam engine, Serial # 273.
June 2, 1868 – Company named Elisha Smith Engine No. 5.
1873 – Company names discontinued, reverted back to numbered company only (Engine 5, as it remains today).
May 27, 1874 – Company reorganized as a Part Permanent company.
September 3, 1884 – Company changed from Call to Permanent status.
April 12, 1908 – The ‘First’ Great Fire in Chelsea occurred. Engine 5 was among 14 engine companies, 2 ladder companies and a fireboat sent by Boston on Mutual Aid to Chelsea. The fire consumed 492 acres of land and destroyed 2822 buildings before being extinguished. Companies sent to Chelsea were: Engines 5, 6, 11, 36, 27, 39, 26, 8, 10, 33, 9, 40, 4, 15; Ladders 21, 22; Fireboat Engine 44.
October 4, 1917 – Due to renovations, company moved from 64 Marion Street to temporary quarters with Chemical Engine Co. 7 at 360 Saratoga Street, East Boston.
September 27, 1919 – Company moved back to 64 Marion Street. The horse-drawn apparatus was replaced by a 1919 American LaFrance Type 12 motor pumping engine, Serial # 2658, Shop # 124, and a 1919 American LaFrance Type 40 Hose & Chemical Wagon, Serial # 2652, Shop # 323.
1922 – Lieutenant Dennis M. Condon of Engine 5 was awarded the Walter Scott Medal for Valor. Citation
August 27, 1930 – Company received a new 1930 American LaFrance Type 212 Hose & Booster Wagon, Serial # 7231, Shop # 382.
May 25, 1936 – Company received a new 1936 Mack, Type 19, 1000gpm pumper, Serial # 1088, Shop # 189.
September 21, 1938 – Company moved to the quarters of Ladder Company 31 at 360 Saratoga Street, East Boston. The firehouse at 64 Marion Street was closed.
June 4, 1948 – Company received a new 1948 Mack, Type 85, 750gpm pumper, Serial # 85LS1255, Shop # 191.
1950 – Company received a 1948 Mack, Type 85, Carbox Hose & Booster Wagon, Serial # 85LS1245, Shop # 396.
1963 – Fire Fighter Paul D. Crimmins of Engine 5 was awarded the Roll Of Merit. Citation
October 28, 1971 – Company received a 1968 Ward LaFrance, Model P80, 1250gpm pumper, Serial # 80-241, Shop # 167.
June 22, 1981 – Company received a 1970 Hahn 1250gpm pumper, Serial # C12-33, Shop # 114.
April 2, 1982 – The 1948 Mack Hose Wagon, Shop #396 , was placed out of service. This was the last Mack hose wagon in service. It was replaced by a 1964 International 750gpm pumper, ex- U.S. Navy (Charlestown Navy Yard), Serial # FD-54809F, Shop #193.
October 23, 1983 – The International hose wagon, Shop #193 , was removed from service. Company operating as a Single-unit.
July 14, 1984 – Company received a new 1984 Emergency One/Ford 1250gpm pumper, Serial # 3757, Shop # 101.
November 2, 1992 – Company received a new 1992 Emergency One ‘Protector’ 1250gpm pumper, Serial # 10937, Shop # 131.
February 9, 1999 – Due to firehouse renovations, the company moved to the quarters of Engine 9/Ladder 2 at 239 Sumner Street, East Boston.
October 7, 1999 – After renovations were completed, company moved back to 360 Saratoga Street, East Boston.
November 3, 2003 – Company received a new 2003 Pierce ‘Enforcer’ Compressed Foam, 1250gpm pumper, Serial # 14757-3, Shop # 166.
2005 – Fire Lieutenant Joseph R. Wilson of Engine Company 5 was awarded the Roll Of Merit.
2009 – Fire Fighter Kevin Bailey of Engine Company 5 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. Citation
2011 – Fire Fighter Kevin Bailey of Engine Company 5 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. Citation
2022 – Fire Fighter Telly M. Cordova, Engine Co. 5, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for his actions in Revere, MA, on August 19, 2022. Citation