The prime objective and intention of The Worshipful Company of Firefighters is to promote the development and advancement of the science, art and the practice of firefighting, fire prevention and life safety. It also encourages good professional behaviour and an exchange of information between Members of the Company and others who work in allied fields.The Company has undertaken to maintain the traditions and customs of the City of London and to pledge support to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in all matters relevant to the life and dignity of the City.The Livery Companies of the City of London can trace unbroken descent from Medieval Trade Guilds. The term "Guild" is said to derive from the Saxon word 'gild', a payment, since members paid towards the cost of fellowship.Guilds were craft or trade societies. They protected consumers and employers against incompetence or fraud by training sufficient apprentices to provide an adequate supply of skilled craftsmen selling goods of true quality and weight. They helped workers by preventing unlimited competition and ensuring reasonable wages and conditions. They searched out inferior work and punished the offenders. They settled trade and domestic disputes by arbitration, while their Halls served as centres for meeting and recreation.The Guild of Firefighters was formed by our Father of the Company, Gerald Clarkson, in 1988 and was recognised by the City on the 13 June 1988 as it started its journey towards Company and ultimately full Livery status. On the 13 June 1995 the Guild fulfilled the first stage and was granted the status of a City Company without Livery. On the 23 October 2001 the City of London granted the Company Livery Status, when it became known as the Worshipful Company of Firefighters.