Built in 1894, by the Buffalo Dry Dock Company of Buffalo, New York (hull #75) as the John H. Farley as a fireboat for the City of Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1936, the vessel was acquired by H. J. Dixon of Toronto, Canada. Where she was converted for use as a towing vessel, and renamed as the Fire Chief.

In 1959, the tug was acquired by McAllister Towing Limited of Montreal. A subsidiary of the McAllister Brothers Towing Company of New York, New York. Where she retained her name.

In 1970, she was scrapped.