Saminnick... Ben Franklin did not invent the first fire alarm system. Assuming you are referring to a system other than word of mouth.
In 1852, the first fire alarm telegraph system was installed in Boston. Invented by William F. Channing. The idea was taken over by John Gamewell who saw the potential and eventually cornered about 95% of the market.
As for the first fireman... Have you ever heard of "Greek fire", it is the original napalm. The Knights of St. John (back in the crusades) were attacked with this substance and many burned alive. The others ran to help save their bothers from their fiery death. These are the true first firemen. The emblem used on their shields is still worn today by firefighters all over the world. Being that these firemen were from a small island called Malta, it became known as the Maltese Cross.
However, Ben Franklin does get credit as is due in the fact that he formed the first organized fire departments focused on protection of life and property. He also researched the science of fire and fire behavior and passed this knowledge on to his firemen.
State of Florida Firefighter II, Fire Officer II, & Fire Instructor II
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