Chronological Listing of Events and Apparatus at 115 Van Houten Street
Paterson built its largest (3 story) Firehouse in 1911 to serve as central fire headquarters and it opened on March 19, 1912 at 115 Van Houten Street, between Church and Washington Streets. It had capacity to hold several companies and chief's cars and had a tall hose tower. It was bordered by the First Baptist Church and the Lyceum Theatre.
January 25, 1905: Aldermen considering a new Central Fire Headquarters
Paterson Daily Press
May 18,1905
August 27, 1906 Paterson Daily Press
September 7, 1907 - Paterson Daily Press
Pre-construction photo of 1st Baptist Church and old High School
Courtesy Pat Henderson
September 19, 1910: First views (Architect drawing) of new headquarters - was designed t to have 16 horse stalls but they never were built.
Paterson Press
October 15, 1910: Bids for the new central fire headquarters
November 5, 1910: Fire and Police Committee Meeting
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 22, 1911: 115 Van Houten Street building under construction
March 12, 1912 news report
April 22, 1911: Issues with painter of the new firwehouse
Paterson Press
The building was for motorized apparatus and no stables (stalls for horses) were built. Until its closing in 1982, it housed Engine Companies 1 and 5 and truck Company 2 plus the Chief Engineer and other chief ranks. Engines 1 and 5 moved in immediately upon the opening date in March but Truck 2, due to delays in motorization arrived December 13, 1912. Over time additional companies such as the rescue truck and Squad Company also located here.
Note repair department (shop) in the rear and hose tower on the left
The building dedication plaque dated 1911 (below) was inside the door on the left of above photo at the base of the stairwell
Installed at the watch desk was the Gamewell gong below in oak case
Dayspring Collectiion
June 2, 1911: Fire and Police Commission - contracts for motorization of Engine 1 and 5 hose wagons to as well as a self-propelling hook and ladder truck Nott Fire Engine Company.
Courtesy Steve Huckins
June 13, 1911: Opening of new Headquarters pushed back to September
Paterson Press
June 21, 1911: Tree in front of new Headquarters to be spared
Paterson Press
November 11, 1911: Newspaper view of new Central Fire Headquarters as it nears completion.
Paterson Press
December 22, 1911: Metropolitan Steamers of Engines 1 and 5 were being motorized in Minneapolis Minnesota and. The hose wagons were also being made over into auto-wagons with chemical tanks.
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 5, 1912 - Press Guardian
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Courtesy Dennis Morison
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January 10, 1912: Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 19, 1912: Steamers test
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 20 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 24, 1912: New motorized steamer of Engine 5 tested - Engine 1 had issues and did not take test Hose wagons of Engine 1 and 5 also tested -
May 25 Morning Call
January 25, 1912: Morning Call Photo - The Metropolitan Steamer E1 with Nott Propelling Tractor. On Broadway after ascending hill from East 33rd Street. Rear of Chief Staggs gig is seen at right. (Anthony Natoli Collection)
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Fire and Water Engineering
Engine 5 1912 Municipal Journal
January 24, 1912: Engine 1 Steamer (now motorized) test - mishap with Engine 5
Paterson Press- Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Press- Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 24, 1912: New drivers (Paul Wentig and David Taylor) for Motorized Apparatus to be scrutinized
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 7, 1912: New apparatus heaters yet to be installed in new firehouse
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 10, 1912: Arrival and testing of the new auto-engine of Company 1
Morning Call: February 10, 1912 - Courtesy of Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy of Dennis Morrison
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March 5, 1912: Engine 1 motorized hose wagon enters duty at new Headquarters
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 12, 1912: Sliding poles at headquarters
Courtesy Dennis Morrsion
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March 19, 1912: Engine Company 1 had a Nott Propelling Motor attached to its 1903 First Size Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine and a Combination Hose Wagon on a Sampson Auto Chassis. Engine Company 5 also had a Nott Propelling Motor attached to its 1903 First Size Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine and a Combination Hose Wagon on a Sampson Auto Chassis. The hose wagons were a conversion from horse pulled wagons performed by the Tynan Garage (local representatives of Sampson and Autocar Companies) |
Chronicle June 18, 1911
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March 19, 1912 - Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Engine Company 1
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Engine Company 5
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Engine 1 (at left) and Engine 5 (at right) are 1904 Metropolitan Steamers with Nott Propelling Tractors - in center bay is Chief Coyle and driver in gig
March 20, 1912: Minor incident when backing Engine 1 into new Headquarters
Paterson Press
March 22, 1912: Headquarters furniture moved from City Hall to 115 Van Houten Street quarters. Fire alarm remains at City Hall.
Paterson Press
March 28, 1912: New Headquarters is opened for public inspection
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1912 Fire and Water Engineering - courtesy Denis Morrison
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Engine Company 5 Hose wagon and motorized steamer to the rear - In rear is the shop. March 29 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
Rear view of apparatus floor - Engine 1 Metropolitan Steamer at right - Spare Steamer at left rear and Engine 5 Hose Wagon at left front - Paterson Press
April 8, 1912: Engine 5 accident
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 9, 1912: Accident of newly motorized Engine 5
Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Press Guardian
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 18, 1912: Engine 5 Steamer back on duty
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 2, 1912: Report that Metropolitan Pumper at first major fire
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 18, 1912: Needed repair after accident and mufflers - was out of service 8 days
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 20, 1912: Engine 1 apparatus while returning to quarters stalls on trolley tracks and creates traffic jam
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 1, 1912: Cabinet photo of FF Michael Comer appointed Served Engine 5 Ultimately became a Battalion Chief and his son William became Chief Engineer in 1980s
October 19, 1912: Chiefs appointments now permanent.
Paterson Press
October 29, 1912: Truck 2 moves to 115 Van Houten Street Headquarters
Paterson Press
November 3, 1912: Robinson apparatus (Engine 12) returns to duty but operates out of Central Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street - the motorized hose wagon of Engine 5 is transferred to and operates out of the Water Street Firehouse
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November 29, 1912: Banquet at Fire Headquarters
Dayspring Collection
Newspaper writeups in Guardian and Paterson Press
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 12, 1912: Paterson Chronicle story re department motorization
December 13, 1912: New Christie Front Drive Tractor (70 HP gasoline) attached to tillered trailer of Truck 2 and then tested, by Walter Christie himself. The apparatus then kept at Headquarters firehouse.
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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From the December 13 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
The now motorized Truck 2 in its outside bay at 115 Van Houten Street
The now motorized Truck 2 in its outside bay at 115 Van Houten Street
Note how high the Captains seat is - originally that was the drivers seat when the aerial was horse drawn
December 14, 1912: The now motorized Truck 2 officially went into service (relocated from 77 Prospect Street) with a white 75' Seagrave Aerial (with Hose Tower) to which a Christie Front Drive Tractor had been attached.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Fire and Police Commission Meeting
December 14 Paterson News Courtesy Dennis Morrison
At one point, (exact date ?) each Paterson company was assigned its own unique color scheme: specific colored stripes would be on every piece of equipment. Truck 2 colors were blue and silver.
Thedriver is Leo Kane and standing is Captain Weber
December 17, 1912: Engine 1 while exiting quarters damages firehouse door
Paterson News Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 28, 1912: Issues with the new auto-apparatus: Engine 1 and Truck 2
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 10, 1913: Engine Company 12 (and its Robinson pumper) relocated from the Engine 5 bay that it was using at Headquarters to the new Circle Avenue firehouse. Engine Company 5 returned to Headquarters (for a few months it had been running out of the Water Street firehouse).
January 26, 1913: A modern machine shop installed at Headquarters
Paterson Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street (opened in 1912) had a large hose tower (extended entire height of the building) at the rear of the Engine1 bay (first door on left in photo below). Back in the day, proper care required that hoses had to be hung vertically to dry: At right is THE actual hose clamp (and rope) used at Van Houten Street Hose Tower - the metal clamp grasped the hose below the coupling enabling it to be pulled by a long rope and pulley so as to hang vertically.
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March 9, 1913: Paterson Chronical article (#1 in a series) discusses the Chief Officers located at Van Houten Street. The photo is of one of the new motorized gig. L-R are Battalion Chief Charles Nolan, Chief Thomas Coyle and Battalion Chief Ernest S. Fields. In auto is driver James Campbell.
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
L-R: First Battalion Chief Charles Nolan, Chief Thomas Coyle and 2nd Battalion Chief Fields - Courtesy Jim Eifler
Courtesy Jim Eifler
March 16, 1913: Article # 2 in the Chronicle PFD Series which details PFD Companies.
Engine Co. 1 at 115 Van Houten Street: In the photo below L-R: Lieutenant John Breen, Philip Kearney, John Mawhinney, Charles Firstbrook, William Boyle Jr., Thomas Woods, Stephen Walls, John Anderson, Engineer Samuel Fielding, Captain John Gaynor. To the rear is their motorized hose wagon conversion
Engine Co. 1 at 115 Van Houten Street: In the photo below L-R: Lieutenant John Breen, Philip Kearney, John Mawhinney, Charles Firstbrook, William Boyle Jr., Thomas Woods, Stephen Walls, John Anderson, Engineer Samuel Fielding, Captain John Gaynor. To the rear is their motorized hose wagon conversion
Courtesy Jim Eifler
Courtesy Jim Eifler
April 13, 1913: Article # 6 in the Chronicle PFD Series - Engine Co. 5
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Left - right: Captain James Sweeney (future Supreme Sacrifice), Engineer David Taylor, Edward Ball, Lieutenant Henry Dawson, John McIntyre, Paul Wentink, Michael Comer (future D/C), Louis Rodesky (future Supreme Sacrifice)
June 15, 1913: Article # 15 in the Chronicle PFD Series - Truck Co. 2
Left to right: First row - Captain John Weber, James Kehoe, Leo Kane (driver for Battalion Chief Ernest Fields), Abe Perrius and Lieutenant William Marshall. Second Row - Frank Kane, Matthew Ferguson, Walter Mennell, Frank Summerdyke, John Murphy and John Long
January 6, 1914: Rare photo of Truck 2 with Christie front drive tractor at Opera House Fire
February 13, 1914: Engine 1 has accident responding to an alarm just after midnight
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 24, 1914: Engine 5 in accident
Paterson Press
August 1, 1914: From the Annual Report of the Chief Engineer
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January 30, 1915: Bids for new fire wagons
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Steve Huckins
May 21, 1915: New Mack hose wagons (E1 and E 5) tested on streets
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 9, 1915: Both Engine Company 1 and 5 received Mack Combination Chemical and Hose Wagons to replace the Sampson Auto Chassis Wagons.
Fire and Water Engineering courtesy Dennis Morrison
Engine 5 and Engine 1 Mack Hose Wagons
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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The photos below were taken September 14, 1916
4th from left is FF John B. Murphy Sr. and driver is Joseph Kuyl. - Courtesy Brian Fleischer
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Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Press - Courtesy Jim Eifler
March 2, 1916: Engineer David Taylor of Engine 5 falls from windowsill at Headquarters onto his bed breaking 3 ribs
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 1, 1916: Two Platoon System begins: (Day and Night Shifts)
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Engine Company 1 - Day Shift
Captain John Gaynor Engineer Thomas Woods John Mawhinney Martin O'Rourke Arthur Fischer John B. Murphy Sr. John Brown |
Engine Company 1 - Night Shift
Lieutenant Eugene Murphy Engineer Samuel Fielding James McLaughlin Stephen Walls Frank Dowdall John Holley Thomas Matthew |
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Engine Company 5 - Day Shift
Lieutenant David Taylor John Roche Charles Willard James Troy (future Chief Engineer) Stuart Summers Adolph Steinburg |
Engine Company 5 - Night Shift
Captain James Sweeney (Supreme Sacrifice) Engineer Paul Wentick Mathew Ferguson Louis Rodesky (Supreme Sacrifice) Peter Veesart Henry Bush Isaac Reigattia |
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Truck Company 2 - Day Shift
Lieutenant William Wilson Herman Meyers John Farrell Charles Brobrowski Joseph McLaughlin |
Truck Company 2 - Night Shift
Captain Frank Boyle Stephen Bergin John Daly Irving Fenwick |
Firefighter Louis Rodesky of Engine Company 5 (LODD in 1938)
August 5, 1916: PFD reports motorization (electric powered) of department. Engine 1 and 5 to get a tractor. Chief to get new gasoline propelled automobile. Also, proposed to get tractors for the horse drawn fire alarm and supply wagons
September 13, 1917: New electric powered steamer apparatus of Engine 5 made by Electric Motor Company of Philadelphia tested at McBride and Spruce Street raceway. Current Engine 5 steamer goes to Engine 9 on Main Street
Morning Call - Dennis Morrison
1917: Below is the rear of Engine Company 1 and 5 Steamers received new Commercial Truck Company Electric Tractors to power the apparatus (replacing the Nott and Christie tractors).
Below is a view of the rear of Engine 1 Metropolitan steamer in its bay at Van Houten Street. Hose wagon in front nearer the door.
Below is a view of the rear of Engine 1 Metropolitan steamer in its bay at Van Houten Street. Hose wagon in front nearer the door.
1917: Truck Co 2 received an 85' Aerial Truck (Three Sections to Ladder) built by the Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia.
Above: Truck 2 at the Courthouse on Hamilton Street: Note solid rubber tires.
Standing on ground in center is FF Louis Rodesky. Photo courtesy of his family
1918 Ball Book Rosters
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Engine Company 1
Captain John Gaynor
Lieutenant Eugene Murphy Engineer Samuel Fielding Thomas Woods Frank Dowdall Martin O'Rourke John Mawhinney Stephen Walls Arthur Fisher John Holly John Cole Frederick Huber Charles Stites Thomas Mathews (in US Armed Forces) John Brown (in US Armed Forces) James McLoughlin (in US Armed Forces) |
Engine Company 5
Captain James Sweeney
Lieutenant Thomas Hunt Lieutenant John Roche Engineer David Taylor Paul Wetnik Mathew Ferguson Louis Rodesky (Supreme Sacrifice) Henry Bush Isaac Reigottie Edward Hancock Jospeh Dow Peter Veesart (in US Armed Forces) James Troy (in US Armed Forces) Charles Willard (in US Armed Forces) Stuart L. Summers (in US Armed Forces) Adolph Steinburg (in US Armed Forces) |
Truck Company 2
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Captain John Weber
Lieutenant William Marshall Frank Zomerdyk Gustav Veinies Richard Kane James Kehoe Richard Hickerson John Long |
John Lawless
James Kennedy Walter Sonnenschein Martin Almroth Thomas Holmes William Van Kirk William Meek (in US Armed Forces) |
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Chief Drivers
Lieutenant James Campbell John Anderson Leo Kane Edward Ball John B. Murphy |
Theater Detail
Andrew Bruno Philip Kearney |
1918: Cat rescue by Truck Company 2 at the Arch Street bridge
January 22, 1919: Accident at Main and Grand Streets
The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1919: Engine Company 1 received a Commercial Truck Company Electric Tractor Combination Hose Wagon (Serial # 1017)
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Serial #1017 visible on ID plaque
July 12, 1919: 10:45 AM Engine 5 has accident responding to a Circle Ave fire - Captain and F/Fs injured
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Photo from John Heffran
1921: Edison Monthly Magazine - Engine 1 hose wagon at headquarters
Truck 2 on Main Street near Ward Street Captain at left is John Weber. White Cap is BC John Specht
Dayspring Collection
1920: Engine Company 5 received a Commercial Truck Company Electric Tractor (battery powered) Combination Hose Wagon identical to the one above. The hose wagon is seen in the photo below. The horse drawn steamer is a Silsby being quartered as a spare. 115 Van Houten Street never had stables or horses.
View of Headquarters (between 1920 and 1926) after all apparatus
had received battery powered tractors
had received battery powered tractors
February 21, 1923: Captain Michael Comer transferred from Engine 4 to Engine 1 and Captain Eugene Murphy sent from Engine 1 to Engine 4
March 6, 1923: Captain Peter Rege of Engine 1 injured in collision while responding to Station 452 for a fire on Fair Street
Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Peter Rege
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October 9, 1923: PFD Drill at YMCA on Ellison Street: Truck 2 (battery powered) aerial drilling at YMCA on Ellison Street. Note fireman using a scaling ladder on left side of building. Also note electric (battery powered) hose wagon at left: likely Engine 1
Paterson News
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January 25, 1925: Accident with Engine Company 5 responding to Clinton Street fire
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Paterson News - Curtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 5, 1925: F/F behavior at Headquarters
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 23, 1926: Engine Company 5 received a new Ahrens Fox Model N-S-4 1000GPM pumper (Serial # 1668) with solid rubber tires and a single bumper. It was the first Ahrens Fox motorized apparatus that Paterson received: in time almost all of the department would be using Ahrens Fox apparatus. Engine 5 is shown below at a 1931 fire scene on Main Street.
Firefighter Louis Rodesky (LODD in 1938) is at left
1928 Parade
Chief Gigs at 115 Van Houten Street
Chief Coyle in center car
Battalion, Deputy and Chiefs gigs
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Deputy Chief Michael Comer at left
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December, 1927: Engine Company 1 received its first Ahrens Fox, a Model N-S-4, 1000 GPM pumper (Serial # 3310) with solid rubber tires and a dual bumper. It is shown below outside its bay at 115 Van Houten Street. The second is at the 1928 Parade with J Kuyl as driver. The third photo is later in its career (with pneumatic tires) as Engine Company 11. Note lanterns at rear below (not above) the hosebed.
1930 Rosters at Headquarters: Chiefs From Paterson Evening News - Dayspring Collection
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Thomas L. Coyle Chief
James P. Sweeney Deputy Chief Charles Nolan, Michael Comer, James Kennedy Battalion Chiefs Daniel F. Moore Superintendent of Fire Alarm Henry Dawson Master Mechanic Samuel Fielding Master Carpenter John Long and John J. Lawless Assistant Master Mechanics Rev. John T. Merrick and Rev. O.M. McDermott Chaplains Dr Henry Briody MD, Fire Surgeon Fire Alarm Telegraph System: James Brady, James Downey, John Chapman, James Fitzsimmons, Dennis Carens, Alonso Space Chief Drivers: John Anderson, Richard Hickerson, Joseph H. Dow, John B. Murphy, James Smith and Edward Hancock Supply Department: Aaron Kamerling Theater Inspection: Philip Kearney, Charles Almroth, Andrew Bruno |
1930 Roster Engine Company 1
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A Shift
Captain John Holly John Collins Joseph Ougaryczeck Joseph Kuyl Michael Hader Abram Shouger John Carroll |
B Shift
Captain Peter Rege Joseph Lester Devenport Walter Titus Frederick Haber Eugene Fredericks Charles McBennett Albert Capter |
1930 Roster Engine Company 5
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A Shift
Acting Captain Martin Almroth John McGee William Blakely Rudolph Peppinghaus Aldolph Steinberg Edward Heitzman Robert Magee |
B Shift
Captain John Davenport (Supreme Sacrifice) Matthew O'Neill Louis Rodesky (Supreme Sacrifice) Thomas Schofield William Lynch (Supreme Sacrifice) Ralph Miller (Supreme Sacrifice) Joseph Semas |
1930 Roster Truck Company 2
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A Shift
Captain John Roach Bronie Daniels Gustave Vineis Garry Jansen John Whitecroft Joseph Baumann Frank McIntyre |
B Shift
Captain Frank Boyle George Reinhardt John Craig James Coyle Thomas Holmes Peter Verart Frank Kane |
April 15, 1930: Truck Company 2 received a 1929 Ahrens Fox Aerial Truck, 85-6-1 (Serial # 2046). It had solid rubber tires on the rear of the tractor and pneumatic tires elsewhere. At that time, they did not trust pneumatic tires to carry the weight of an extended aerial. The apparatus is shown below in Eastside Park in front of the Christopher Columbus statue.
Driver J Bauman Captain J Hunt -- On Parade in 1930
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October 28, 1930: Engine Company 1 received a new powerful high pressure (HP) combination Triple Hose-wagon, Pumping Engine and Booster Pump Ahrens Fox Serial #2312 to replace its 1927 Fox pumper, which transferred to Engine Company 3 on 12th Avenue. The new pumper remained with Engine Company 1 until 1952. The apparatus still exists as it was ultimately acquired and restored by Mountain View Company 1 of the Wayne, NJ fire department. The pumper is shown below outside of the headquarters building and its bell is to the right (now located at the Fireman's Home Museum in Boonton, NJ)
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Colorized by Vincent Marchese in 2022 (note FH doors should be black)
Engine 1 1930 Ahrens Fox with John Cichon driving and J. Kyle (later photo)
January 4. 1932: Truck Company 2 received a new Ahrens Fox Aerial, 85-6-1 (Serial # 2058) replacing the 1929 apparatus which relocated to Truck Company 1 on Jackson Street.
Truck 2 drilling outside Headquarters
Truck 2 Drill with Chief Coyle watching from street
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May 18, 1934: 1:53 PM Station 231 River and Montgomery Streets 247 1/2 River Street
FF Matthew O'Neil falls from rear step of Engine 5 as it leaves headquarters
FF Matthew O'Neil falls from rear step of Engine 5 as it leaves headquarters
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May 19 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 18 Paterson News
1935: Engine Company 1: A Shift: John Collins, J Shepherd, Captain John Holly, Joseph Kuyl, John J. Sutton, Michal Hader, Abram Shouger.
1936 Ball Book
1935: Engine Company 1: B Shift: Captain Peter Rege, Joseph Devenport, Walter Titus, Fred Huber, John Brown, Eugene Frederick, Charles McBennett
1936 Ball Book Photo
Not pictured but listed in January 1935 Ball Booster paper: Joseph Ougaryzeck, Michael Hader, John Collins
1935: Engine Company 5: A Shift: Captain Martin Almroth, John McGee, W Blakeley, Rudolph Peppinghaus, Adolph Steinberg, Edward Heitzman, Robert Magee
1936 Ball Book Photo
1935: Engine Company 5: B Shift: Captain John Devenport, Matthew ONeill, Louis Rodesky, Thomas Schofield, William Lynch, Ralph Miller See Supreme Sacrifice for men of this company
1935: Truck Company 2: A Shift: Captain John Roach, Bronie Daniels, Gustave Veneis, Gary Jansen, John Whitcroft, Joseph Baumann, Frank McIntyre
1926 Balll Book Photo
1935: Truck Company 2: B Shift: Captain, Frank Boyle, George Reinhardt, John Craig, James Coyle, Thomas Holmes, Peter Vesart, Frank Kane
1926 Balll Book Photo
1937: Engine Company 5 received the 1931 Ahrens Fox, Model N-T-4 (Serial # 3401) transferred from Engine Company 10 on 17th Avenue.
June 28, 1937: Engine 1 F/F Les Devenport loses helmet while responding to fire.
June 30 Paterson News
1938: The greatest tragedy in department history occurred on Saturday March 12, 1938 at a 4 alarm fire at the Quackenbush warehouse. Long after the fire was well under control, Deputy Chief Sweeney and four men (Louis Rodesky, William Lynch and Mathew O'Neill from Engine Company 5 and Captain William Devenport made the Supreme Sacrifice when the walls of the building collapsed on them. The only survivors from Engine 5 were fireman Thomas Schofield who was in the alley picking up hose and driver and Engineer Ralph Miller who was maintaining the pumps at the Fox engine (#3401). A never to be forgotten scene took place when driver Miller had to return the apparatus to Headquarters alone. As he stepped from the Engine he was met by Chief Engineer Coyle. Miller stood at attention and announced "Number 5 returning back to quarters." The Chief bowed his head and wept. Miller cried, "I'm all alone, Chief."
March 12 Paterson News
March 16, 1938: Two clips below show the funeral cortege passing Headquarters - as they did Station 474 (Main and Van Houten Streets) was sounded.
Note Truck 2 and Engine 5 Ahrens Fox apparatus on the firehouse apron
Circa 1938: New PPD police vans on display at Headquarters
Eifler Collection
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Eifler collection
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1940 Paterson Evening News Golden Jubilee - PFD Rosters Headquarter Companies
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1941 Auxiliary Firemen drilling with Engine 5 1931 Ahrens Fox Model N-T-4 and Truck 2
Two interior views of Headquarters highlighting the slide pole between the bays of Engine 1 and Truck 2 (circa 1939) and the Gamewell Gong that served from 1912 to 1977 (photo circa 1960s) when the EVRS was installed (and bells disappeared). The gong is currently at the NJ Fireman's Home Museum in Boonton, NJ. The smaller bells at the top were for still alarms.
At bottom is FF Charles McGrath & at top is FF John Palonis
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January 30, 1948 photo
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January 30, 1948 Paterson News
February 3, 1942: Manhattan Hotel Fire 3rd alarm: At left is Engine 5 Ahrens Fox and at right Engine 1 Ahrens Fox at Clark Street near Market Street
Dayspring Collection
August 3, 1942: Carrier pigeon lands at Headquarters
Paterson News
1944 Annual Report Rosters
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Engine Company 1
A Shift Captain George Walls Joseph Kuyl Michael Hader John Collins Michael Fleming B Shift Captain Peter Rege Charles Willard Fred Huber Joseph Recca |
Engine Company 5
A Shift Captain Eugene Frederick Robert Magee William Blakely Salvador Madama B Shift Captain Bronie Daniels Ralph Miller Reinhold Ratzlaff Joseph Semas Ferdinand Pelleschi |
Truck Company 2
A Shift Captain Custave Vibeis Aldolph Steinburg Joseph Baumann John Whitcroft B Shift Captain Rudy Peppinghaus Thomas Holmes George Reinhardt Frank Coppo Frank McIntyre |
January 15, 1944: 4:52 PM Engine 1 Ahrens Fox pumper responding to a fire on West Broadway collides with a bus at Main and Van Houten Street. Captain Peter Rege and driver Charles Willard
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January 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 23, 1944: Farewell party at Headquarters for assistant Master Mechanic John Carroll as he enters US Navy.
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John Carroll
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November 25, 1947: Accident report from acting Battalion Chief Joseph Bray regarding collision of Engine Company Ahrens Fox driven by FF George Findlow and under command of acting Captain William Comer and the 1942 Ford Battalion Chief gig driven by Ray Carr at Market and Straight Streets. Both gig and apparatus received significant damage. Interesting that of the FF involved William Comer became Chief Engineer and FF Findlow and E. Mariani became Deputy Chiefs
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November 25 Paterson News
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Dayspring Collection
November 26 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 4, 1948: Arrival of the new Mack pumpers
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October 14, 1948: The new Mack Model 95 Triple Combination 1000 GPM pumper (Serial # ) entered service at Engine Company 5.
Engine 5 is pictured below in its bay with future Chief Engineer Hobart Strathearn (shown here as deputy chief) in the Captains seat, outside quarters and at fire scenes.
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1951 4th Alarm Crayon Factory on North 10th Street) - Pumper at Jefferson and North 9th Streets
Circa Late 1948 - 1949
Engine 5 Mack: L-R Gerard Dugan, Harry Davatellis, Milt Katz, Joe Daly, Ralph Miller and Sal Madama - Photo courtesy of Richard Dugan and also Tonua Kirsham (Daughter of FF Davatellis)
Top left to right-Joe Daly, Harry Davatalis and Milt Katz. In cab are Captain Sal Madama and driver Ralph Miller. Gerard Dugan on running board
1949 Ball book photo: Engine Company 5 "A Shift" Captain Frank Coppo, Albert Novick, Wilbert Mariani, George Findlow, William Comer
1949 Ball book photo: Engine Company 5 "B Shift" Captain Sal Madama, Milton Katz, Joseph Daley, Ralph Miller, Harry Davetelis.
1949 Ball book photo: Engine Company 1 "A Shift" outside quarters Capt George Walls, Joseph Kuyl, William Bradley, Howard Schoonmaker, Fallous Baker & Michael Fleming
1949 Ball book photo: Engine Company 1 "B Shift" outside quarters - Captain Daniel Carroll, Ferdinand Pelleschi, R Batsch, Fred Huber, James Kehoe, Anthony DeSimone
1949 Ball book photo: Truck Company 2 outside quarters. "A Shift" Captain John Craig, Captain Frank Early, Daniel Dowd, Joseph Bauman, John Whitecroft, Gustave Vineis
1949 Ball book photo: Truck Company 2 outside quarters. "B Shift" Captain John Hoffman, George Reinhardt, Thomas Holmes, Richard Shortway, John Lysaght, Frank McIntyre
August 12, 1949: A curved windshield donated by Ahrens Fox representative Frank Greisser was installed on Truck Company 2's Ahrens Fox Aerial (#2058). The curved windshield differentiates this tractor from the straight windshield on Truck 1's Fox aerial tractor. No windshield was put in tiller area. Vesta searchlight remains on the right side of cab (it is on left on Truck 1)
Aerial 2058 Ed Holloway driving
Aerial 2058
Aerial 2058
1949 - 1950 Journal of Engine Company 1 Ahrens Fox Pumper
A Shift
Captain George A Walls replaced by Joseph Dayspring on April 13, 1950 (from Truck 3)
Joseph Kuyl Badge #25
Michael Fleming Badge #26
William Bradley Badge #28
Howard Schoonmaker Badge #29
Joseph Nardella February 1, 1950
Anthony Cichon Badge # 181
Captain George A Walls replaced by Joseph Dayspring on April 13, 1950 (from Truck 3)
Joseph Kuyl Badge #25
Michael Fleming Badge #26
William Bradley Badge #28
Howard Schoonmaker Badge #29
Joseph Nardella February 1, 1950
Anthony Cichon Badge # 181
B Shift
Captain Daniel Carroll
Fred Huber Badge #30
Ferd Pelleschi Badge #33
James Kehoe Badge #85
Sabias Recca Badge #133 Transferred January 1, 1950
Philip Berman Badge #93 Appointed January 1, 1950
Thomas Watterson Badge # 97 Appointed June 1, 1950
Frank Furman Badge # 183 Appointed June 1, 1950
Captain Daniel Carroll
Fred Huber Badge #30
Ferd Pelleschi Badge #33
James Kehoe Badge #85
Sabias Recca Badge #133 Transferred January 1, 1950
Philip Berman Badge #93 Appointed January 1, 1950
Thomas Watterson Badge # 97 Appointed June 1, 1950
Frank Furman Badge # 183 Appointed June 1, 1950
July 15, 1950: Paterson Evening News lists early 1950 Rosters of Engines 1 and 5 and Truck 2
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1951 Journal of Engine 1
A shift: Nathan Salmanowitz Badge # 34 added
B shift: Joseph Dodds Badge #174
Frank Furman Badge #183
Joseph Dougherty Bdge #35
A shift: Nathan Salmanowitz Badge # 34 added
B shift: Joseph Dodds Badge #174
Frank Furman Badge #183
Joseph Dougherty Bdge #35
October 25, 1951: Stapled to E1 Journal page
Sleeping quarters at 115 Van Houten Street
Bunkroom
In photo below: -R-L - In front row: Michael Fleming, Albert Novick, George Findlow, and Ray Carr. In second row: John Walton, William Bradley - Third row (look closely) Joseph Kuyl and Frank Early
January 30, 1948 Paterson News photo of Bunkroom
Standard red PFD blanket
January 1952: Engine Company 1 receives the 1948 Mack Model 95, 1000 GPM pumper of Engine Company 12 on Circle Avenue. The 1930 Ahrens Fox (Serial 2312) is transferred to Engine Company 4 on Slater Street.
Engine 1 with FF Joe Leonard in bay at headquarters (note sliding pole drop door in ceiling behind apparatus - mid 1950 photo
1952: Photo of Engine Company 1's 1948 Mack Model 95 1000 GPM Triple Combination Pumper shown below with firefighter Don Salmanowitz and daughter
July 11, 1952: Truck 2 receives a new 1952 FWD 85' Aerial (Model FA85K). It had been ordered in September of 1950.
July 12 Paterson Evening News
Drill photos - Notice door not yet numbered
Valley of the rocks - Courtesy Jim Eifler
September 5, 1952: The new FWD aerial has not been put into service, due to an unsafe sway in the fly-ladder and is being quartered at Jackson Street Firehouse
Paterson Evening News
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September 16, 1952: Issues with new FWD aerial truck
September 16 Paterson Evening News
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 12, 1953: FWD aerial of Truck 2 aerial, originally damaged during delivery to Paterson in 1952 sent back to Wisconsin for repair
Paterson News
May 21, 1953: T2 FWD aerial had to be returned to manufacturer's plant in WI for repair
1953: After its arrival at Headquarters the length of the 1952 FWD aerial was an issue - the ladders extending from the rear were so low, that FF could not walk under them and the only way to go from one side of the apparatus floor to the other was to walk to the front of the building. They tried to remedy that by having the apparatus back onto a ramp, but that was not successful and the new aerial was transferred to Truck 1 at the 23rd Avenue Firehouse and Truck 2 went back to using its former Ahrens Fox aerial
The following photos are of the above FWD aerial long after retirement. It was
purchased and restored by a Buffalo, NY area dentist.
purchased and restored by a Buffalo, NY area dentist.
1953 Ford Deputy Chief Car outside of Headquarters
June 8, 1953 Solicitation to widen and square (12' by 12') the door of Truck 2 Bay.
Dayspring Collection
June 4, 1953: Ahrens Fox cab of Truck 2 breaks down - in article below the name of FF Thomas Ottavino is misspelled.
June 5 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 26, 1953: ENGINE COMPANY 1 - From the Morning Call Series of PFD Companies. For more details on the Volunteer Era of E1 CLICK HERE
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call June 1953 and 1954 FMBA Ball Book
Engine 1 men of the A and B shifts in front of 1948 Mack pumper: L-R: Captains Harry Huber, and Michael Fleming and William Flynn: firefighters Harold Schoonmaker, James Kehoe, Fred Riccardi, William Bradley, Joe Dougherty and Nate Salmanowitz.
July 18, 1953: New FWD aerial put into service at Truck 2 at 115 Van Houten Street quarters. The door had been widened.
July 20 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
Note the arched door over center bay (Truck 2) has been removed.
July 31, 1953: ENGINE COMPANY 5 - From the Morning Call Series of PFD Companies. For more details on the Volunteer Era of E5 CLICK HERE
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 31, 1953 and 1954 FMBA Ball Book
Above: Engine 5 men of the A and B shifts with 1948 Mack in background: Back row, L-R: Captain Richard Walmsley, Captain Raymond Flynn, Captain Stanley Kecmer, Captain Albert Novick, Milton Katz, Joseph Daley. Front Row, L-R: Joseph Leonard, Charles McGrath, John Palonis, and Michael Weiss.
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1954 Ball book photo of Theater Detail in front of Engine Company 5 1948 Mack apparatus. L-R: Captain William McCorry, Richard Kane, John Griffen, Henry Bush. |
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1954 Ball book photo of Truck 2: Back row L-R: Captain John Hoffman, George Reinhardt, Thomas Holmes, Jesse McCavitt, John F. Lysaght, Daniel Dowd, Captain Frank Coppo. Front row kneeling L-R: Thomas Ottavino, Richard Shortway, Edward Holloway, Gustave Vineis. Ahrens Fox aerial (#2058) in background.
Ahrens Fox aerial 85-6-1 (Serial # 2058)
December 1, 1954: The department obtains a 1954 Reo Chassis Truck and organizes its first rescue company which is operated by the men of Engine Company 5. In radio transmissions it is referred to as "PA 14" short for Paterson apparatus 14.
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Seen later in career on apron at Southside Firehouse
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FF Robert Woodruff
Rescue Truck at School5 - L-R: FF James Johnstone, Chief's Aide Joe Leitner and Lieutenant Earl H. Plavier
December 20, 1954: After its arrival at Headquarters in July 1953 the length of the 1952 FWD aerial was an issue - the ladders extending from the rear were so low, that FF could not walk under them and the only way to go from one side of the apparatus floor to the other was to walk to the front of the building. They tried to remedy that by having the apparatus back onto a ramp, but that was not successful and the new aerial was transferred to Truck 1 at the 23rd Avenue Firehouse
December 20, 1954: To replace the FWD aerial transferred to Truck 1, Truck Company 2 received "bastardized" aerial truck consisting of a new 1954 FWD Tractor (Serial #8042) attached to the 1932 Ahrens Fox aerial (#2058). The 1954 tractor is seen below on left and the 1952 tractor (that was transferred to truck 1) on right. Most prominent visible distinction is the "FWD" emblem below the radiator on the 1954 cab and the chrome strips on the "52.".
1954 FWD Cab (Note FWD insignia on bumper)
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1952 FWD Cab of Truck 2 - No FWD insignia on bumer
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~1955: L-R: Standing Mike Weiss (a future DC), Dan Dowd (future captain) , Bill Comer (future Chief), Pete Percarpio (future captain), Al Gallagher (future BC), Master Mechanic John Carroll - Kneeling BC Joe Dayspring (future AC), Tommy Ottavino (future captain), Chick Mandara, Joe Leonard (future DC)
July 15, 1955: 11:30 AM Truck 2 incident with pedestrian
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Paterson News
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March 20, 1956: Bay of Engine 1 is at left
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Circa 1957 - Truck Company 2. L-R FF Dan Dowd, FF Tommy Hanenberg, Captain Harold Kane, FF Alfred "Ollie" Gallagher. 1954 FWD Cab with 85' 1932 Ahrens Fox aerial trailer
Truck 2 with 1954 FWD Cab and 1932 85' Ahrens Fox aerial trailer - FF Dan Dowd standing on turntable. Captain Harold Kane
Driver Tommy Hanenberg
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Standing alongside to left are Dan Dowd and Ollie Gallagher (with helmet on). Sitting in chair is FF Frank Malzone and standing in blue shirt and tie is Chief's Aide Eddie Westhoven. ? tillerman
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Captain Frank Coppo in white shirt. FF Ollie Gallagher on turntable
FF Ollie Gallagher hanging off side - Captain Frank Coppo to the rear - In diver seat is Captain Hoot Novick and in captains seat is Lieutenant Earl H Plavier
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FF Dan Dowd in Tiller seat in bay at Headquarters
Circa 1957 - Engine 5 Mack on Van Houten Street
Engine 5 Mack
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Frank Malzone driving E5 = Captain Al "Hoot" Novick
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FF Frank Malzone backing Engine 5 into bay at headquarters
Engine 5 in bay with Rescue Truck to the rear - FF Frank Malzone, Art Nardin and Edward J Hancock
circa 1957: Firefighters outside of Headquarters - L-R: FF Joe Leonard, FF Tommy Ottavino, Captain Al "Hoot" Novick (E5), FF Frank Malzone, and Captain Paul Peterson (Truck 2)
January 3, 1958: PFD accepted delivery of 5 new 1957 FWD Special 1000 GPM pumpers, aligned outside Fire Headquarters. In the news clip, Chief Hobart Strathearn is seen with Fire and Police Commissioners. The apparatus were assigned to and entered service at: Engine 1 (D80294) at Headquarters on January 22, Engine 3 (D80292) at 176 12th Avenue on January 23, Engine 4 (D80293) at 162 Slater Street on January 23, Engine 5 (D80291) at Headquarters on January 22 and Engine 6 (D80295)) at 476 Market Street on January 23, 1958.
January 3, 1958 - Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Apparatus with Chief Hobart Strathearn
Engine 5 in bay with Deputy Chief car barely seen at left
Engine 1 with FF Nate Salmanowitz
FF Charles S Walker kneeling & FF Joe Nardella in center and Joe Daly Jr at right
FF Art Nardin in forefront and Charles S Walker driving. FF Willie Comer holding his daughter
At right - the three wearing jackets are Nate Salmanowitz, Tommy Ottavino, Charles S Walker and to rear Dan Dowd
L-R: ?, Nate Salmanowitz, ?, Al Novick, ?
Shown below is Engine Co 5 FWD and the Rescue Truck in their bays at headquarters with firefighters Jim Carrie, Robert Woodruff, Roger Dumas
Mid 1950s and 1960s photo of Headquarters as it appeared in the with Company signs (red with white lettering) over the doors.
Early 1958 photo of Engine 5 FWD backing into quarters Driver is FF Charles S Walker
October 30, 1960: Engine 5 accident at Broadway and East 18th Street with Hank Kettman driving
October 31 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 17, 1960: Engine 1 responding to an alarm at 49 Broadway collides with a car at Main and Broadway. Apparatus driven by F/F Henry Kettman and Captain was James Burns
December 19 Paterson Evening News
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F/F Henry Kettman
Captain James Burns
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June 11, 1961: Truck 2 (a 1954 FWD tractor with a 1932 Ahrens Fox trailer) on a tillerman instruction drill after blowing a tire collides with telephone pole at Water and Temple Streets. Henry O. Harris was being instructed on being a tillerman. T2 captain Paul Peterson was driving.
Morning Call - June 13, 1961
Morning Call - June 13, 1961
June 12 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
Morning Call - June 13, 1961
1961: (Summer) -- PFD installed two way radios in the apparatus. Here is Engine Company 5 in front of Headquarters with Captain William Comer demonstrating the radio. Driver is Joseph Forbes
Courtesy Joseph Forbes
circa 1961: D/C Dan Carroll and B/C Gerard Dugan
courtesy Richard Dugan
April 30, 1962: Responding to an alarm. the gig of D/C Sal Madama driven by F/F Joe Pericelli collides with Engine 5 pumper, driven by F/F Ralph Van Dyke on Church Street
Paterson Evening News
Engine 1 FWD is shown below after 1968 when the plywood riot roofs were installed
Malzone photo
Malzone photo - Unknown apparatus - Probably Truck 2 Pirsch
Circa 1962: Rescue Truck FF (Engine 5) at work at 115 Union Avenue car wreck
May 24, 1962: Preparation of new Pirsch aerial
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 1962: Truck Company 2 receives a new Pirsch 100' Aerial (Model 2557) shown below parked across the street from Headquarters. It had no horn and had manual steering-front & back and mechanical brakes. It had a manual transmission, 4 forward & reverse. Drivers started out in second gear because first gear was too low. There were windshield wipers outside & inside. It had a rear view mirror so the driver could check how the tillerman was doing. Ultimately the gas engine was replaced with a diesel.
June 14 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
Truck 2 drill across from 115 Van Houten Street quarters - Tour 4 F/F Al Gallagher, Vic Diddio (on turntable) and Tommy Coppo (on ground) ~1963 - Diddio collection
1967: In action at Molly Annes Brook rescue: George Dugan Sr (Dept Public Works, victim. DC William Comer
T2 cab seen at right
June 14, 1962: F/F of Truck 2 take their new Pirsch apparatus and raised the aerial to show Lieutenant Joe Donnelly of Truck 1 who was a patient at St. Joseph's Hospital who died in September 1962.
Paterson Evening News
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1951 photo of F/F Donnelly
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Circa 1965 Headquarters kitchen photo. L-R Chuck Recca, Captain Bill Bradley, Vic Diddio (standing), and at right Chief's Aid Eddie "The Hat" Westhoven
Al Gallagher, Bob Gabriel, Joe Guerrieri, Vic Diddio, Rich Hoffman in kitchen at Headquarters
February 9, 1965: 7:15 PM Engine 1 (Al Rusconi driving) while responding to a Mill Street alarm has an accident at Main and Grand Streets
February 10 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 1, 1965: ? Engine 1 or 5 FWD pumper
December 1967: Party celebrating Joe Forbes promotion to Captain
Sitting at left: Captain Joe Forbes (E5), Captain Ed Hancock (E1), Commissioner Englehardt, AC Willie Comer. Sitting at right: Vic Didio, Al Gallagher, Tommy Coppo, Al Rusconi. Standing in rear L-R: Eddie Westhoven, Mike Ross, ? FF, John DeMattia, Rich Hoffman, Frank Malzone, ? FF, ? officer in white shirt, Captain Jim Kehoe (T2)
Captain Ed Hancock, Commissioner Englehardt, DC Bill Comer and DC George Findlow in Van Houten Street Kitchen - Photo by Chief's Aide Joe McCabe
~1967: Christmas at Headquarters - centered around Engine 1 FWD pumper - Left to right: Bob Gabriel (E5), Santa, Deputy Chief Keo Fitzsimmons, Richard Hoffman (E1), Chief's Aide William Savage. The man behind Savage looks like Robert Graf (E1). Back row, L-R: Chief's Aide Eddie "The Hat" Westhoven, John, "Fat John", DeMattia (E1 or E5) & Captain Joe Forbes (Engine 5). There is a unidentified fireman behind Hoffman & another kneeling in front ?
Frank Malzone photo
1968 photos of men of Engine Company 1 with 1957 FWD pumper:
Captain William Bradley, Captain Joseph A. Dougherty, John Malone, James Carrie Jr, John Timchak, Angelo Mazza, Thomas Carr, Robert Woodruff, Albert Capter.
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
Engine Company 1: Al Rusconi, John DeMattia, William Siss, Captain Edward Hancock, Warren Grant, Richard E. Maddy, Richard Hoffman, Albert E. Graf.
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1968: Men of Engine 5 pictured with Engine Company 1's 1957 FWD Pumper at HDQTs: Front row L-R: Captain Milton Katz, Captain Charles S. Walker, Randolph Reid, George Duin, Henry O. Harris Jr, Phil Bomhoff and on apparatus Robert Montag, George Asbaty, Frank J. Crampton.
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1968: Men of Engine 5 with 1957 FWD pumper: Front L-R: Ralph Van Dyk, Alexander Roberto, James Shearn, Captain Joseph Forbes, Captain Mario Colatarci, Captain Earl H. Plavier. On apparatus-R: , Lawrence Goffredo, Larry Mazza, Frank Malzone, Robert A. Gabriel.
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1968 Men of Truck Company 2 (1962 Pirsch Tilller): In front L-R: Captain Joseph Hoffmann, Roger Dumas, Dennis DiGuglielmo, Edward Gurlacz, and Captain Joseph Bakanauskas. In rear Leon Sopuch, Patrick C. Tuohey, Mike Ross, Vincent Valois.
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
Truck Company 2: In front L-R: Captain Richard Henches, Captain James R. Kehoe, Garry Kerkhoven, Leon Noorigian, Garrett Knorr. In rear L-R: , Vittorio (Vic) Diddio, Frank Calamita, Kenneth Shearn, and Ray Cusack
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1968: Headquarters Car 71 (Assistant Chief gig)
Left: Front to back: Assistant Chiefs Joseph Dayspring and Dan Carroll, Deputy Chiefs George Findlow, Michael Weiss and Assistant Chief Leo Fitzsimmons. Right side rear to front: Chiefs aide Charles Simpson, Ray Carr, John Palonis, Eddie Westhoven, Joe McCabe, William Savage and Tony Mercadante.
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
Left: Front to back: Assistant Chief Theodore Tice, Deputy Chief Michael Fleming, Assistant Chief Gerard Dugan, Assistant Chief William Comer. Right side rear to front: Chief Aides John Rankin, Fred Ricciardi, Joseph Leitner, James Johnstone, Thomas Ottavino, Pellegrino Vitale
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1968: HDQTS Chiefs office: Captain Ferd Pelleschi, Deputy Chief Solomon Reines, Chief Harold Kane, Captain Joe Bauer, Captain William Flynn, Francis Moore, Anthony Corsetto, Carmen Grossi, Russ Stephenson. Positioned alongside Truck 2 Pirsch aerial
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1968: Headquarters kitchen scene: At rear standing left to right AC Michael Fleming, Ludwig Lentino, Joe Francese, Tommy Carr, Captain Joseph Forbes (E5). Seated top left John DeMattia, Captain John Hoffman (T2) with glasses, Fred Ricciardi, Bob Montag, Captain Leon Sopuch (Squad 1), Randy Reed, Rich Korger, George Duin, Ed Gurlacz, Al Capter, Jack Kerr, Pelegrino Vitale. Standing behind Ricciardi at far left is George Maloney.
1968: Captain Milton Katz promoted to Battalion Chief: party at headquarters. Left: seated: Robert Montag, Stu McKay, Al Capter. Left: Standing: Captain Leon Sopuch Sr-Squad 1, Captain John Hoffman-T-2, Captain Milt Katz-E-5, Richard Korger, Vincent Valois, Pellegrino Vitale, Bruce Greenough, Captain Joseph Dougherty-E-1, Fred Ricciardi, Tom Carr. Right: seated: Deputy Chief Mike Fleming Sr, George Duin, George Maloney, Randy Reid, Dennis Katz (Milt's son), Joseph Francese.
1968: Engine Company 5 who manned the Rescue Truck -
FF John Alexander, Captain Joe Forbes, FF Tommy Coppo and Harry Touhey - Lacatena Photo
1968 - Scout troop visits Fire Headquarters (Frank Malzone photos)
In rear: Joe Roca at left, Charles S Walker (Captain E5) and DC Willie Comer at right
DC Comer
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DC Comer
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Standing on 1962 Truck 2 Pirsch Aerial (prior to installation of riot roof on cab)
Circa 1968: Engine Company 1 FFs John "Fat John" DeMattia and Al Rosconi in Van Houten Street kitchen
Left to right: Rober Montag, Richard Korger, Ed Gurlacz, Pellegrino Vitale, George Maloney, Randolph Reid & Henry Harris-in dress uniform. The man on the left, with blue shirt is?, FF with back of head to camera is Joe Francese
June 1968: Squad One which functions as a new company, enters service at 115 Van Houten Street Headquarters. Seen below left to right: Left to right Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring, Captain Leon Sopuch, firefighters Joe Guerrieri, Tommy Coppo and John Alexander
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~1971 fire- Hahn pumper at eft and truk3 3 Snorkel in front of Squad
In the 70's, Squad 1 was one of the busiest units in the state, running an average of 5000 runs per year including every working fire.
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~ 1968 Tour 4 (E1, Left-right: Captain Edward Hancock (e1), FF Alfred "Ollie" Gallagher (T2), Captain James Kehoe (T2), FF Albert Rusconi (E1), FF John "Fat John" DeMattia (E1), Earl T Plavier (future BC), Thomas Coppo (Squad 1), James Krieger (citizen), Captain Joseph Forbes (Squad 1) and Assistant Chief William Comer (Tour Commander)
Hancock Collection
Alongside truck 2: Standing L-R: John DeMattia (E1), Captain James Kehoe (T2), Richard Hoffman (E1), Edward Zaretski (E5), Al Rusconi (E1), Alfred "Ollie" Gallagher (T2), Tommy Coppo (Squad 1), Joseph Forbes (Squad 1), AC Bill Comer. Front row: Howie Morcom (T2), Vic Diddio, Captain Ed Hancock (E1), Joseph Guerrieri (Squad 1)
~Summer 1968 and July 1969 - Engine 1 with driver outside of Headquarters
Malzone photo enhanced by Alan Crawford
Award Ceremony at 115 Van Houten Street firehouse with map, sliding pole and Engine 1 Running Board. FF Bill McCabe (later a BC) and Eddie Cusack. Bill's son is in blue and Eddie's in green. Posted at
May 30, 1969: Communion Breakfast at Headquarters - Note riot roof on Engine 5 (installed 1968)
Frank Malzone photos
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June 30, 1969: Engine Company 1 and 5 received new Seagrave 1250 GPM pumpers (Serial #s R4476 and R4478 respectively) and Truck Company 2 a new Seagrave 100' Aerial (Serial # R4475). Engine Company 3 also receivd a new Seagrave pumper (Serial # RR4477). A 100 foot tillered aerial (serial R4475) is placed at Truck Company 2. The apparatus are shown below on the day they arrived at Lakeview Firehouse on Trenton Avenue.
Across from 115 Van Houten Street
Across street from 115 Van Houten -- note FH traffic light
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Backing into bay
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1969 Seagrave 1250 GPM Pumper Serial R4476 Hancock Collection
July 1969: PFD used the Passaic River at Westside Park for it's pump test. The location was below Kennedy HS where there is a concrete wall. Every year all the engines had to go there for their pump test for which they used the hard suction to draft from the river. Passing was required.
Below are photos of the drill of new E1 Seagrave pumper with Engine 12
FF John Malone with E1 1969 Seagrave
Late 1960s: E1 Tour 3 crew with auxiliary firemen - 3rd from the left wearing cap is John Malone. To right of center is D/C Howard Schoonmaker, James Carrie, Captain William Bradley & Chief's Aide Carmine Caposella. The first man kneeling on the left is Paterson CD Francis Bealer. Kneeling at far right is E12 CETA FF Mills
FF Jim Carrie at left next to pumper by hoses
John Malone at pumps and DC Schoonmaker in space behind cab. E1 Captain Bradley at right
'69 Seagrave in action (Hancock collection)
Engine 1 1969 Seagrave at left and E11 1953 Seagrave at right
1970: Mass at Headquarters with Engine 5 Seagrave in background
Bishop Casey - Altar boy at right is Robert Dugan (son of AC Dugan)
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Bishop Casey celebrating the mass. Assisting may be Father Lasch. At left border of photo is AC Joseph Dayspring. Engine 5 Seagrave in background
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Card game in kitchen: Randy Reid, Jack Duffy and Joe Francese.
Assistant Chiefs Michael Fleming, Ted Tice and Captain "Walt" Burns
Bed at Headquarters - ? Chiefs
115 Van Houten Street with red doors
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Circa 1970: Spare FWD Aerial (labeled as Truck 3) FWD Aerial (labeled as Truck 3) operating as Truck 2 - Tour 4 Driver Tommy Coppo, Captain James Kehoe, Joe Parkin Sr., Rich Hoffman, and Tillerman Ray Cusack at Van Houten Street Headquarters. Apparatus was a 1954 FWD tractor and 1952 FWD aerial trailer
June 5, 1971: Engine Company 1 receives a new Hahn 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # HC523127120) painted red. (Alan Crawford photo)
June 10, 1971: Engine Company 5 also receives a new Hahn 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # HC523127123) painted red. More photos are on the Hahn Page
Driver is FF Earl Plavier
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1971: Headquarters with Engine 1 and 5 1971 Hahns, Truck 2 1969 Seagrave Aerial, Squad 1 and chief gig
1971: Chief's office staff
Captain Walt Burns, DC Solomon Reines, Captain Ferd Pelesschi
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Captain Joe Bauer
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DC Joe Forbes
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FF Ken Shearn and Vic Diddio with community fire marshals
June 24, 1975: Truck Company 2 receives a new Pirsch 100' Aerial painted yellow. Unlike the 1961 Pirsch aerial, this truck had automatic transmission & power steering front & back.
Pirsch Factory Photo
T2 outside 115 Van Houten Street quarters Jim Koper Photo 1981
Jim Koper 1981 Photo
The dedication plaque seen above behind Captain's door was in memory of Captain Frank Mancinelli (Supreme Sacrifice)
Mark Ripley Tillerman
Truck 2 Pirsch - Joe Hloucek photo
Fire scene (along raceway)
February 3, 1976: Squad 1 receives a For CrewCab - in this photo driven by Leo Sopuch.
Driver is Leon Sopuch -- Jim Koper 1981 Photo
March 17, 1976: Engine Company 1 and Engine Company 5 receive new 1975 Hahn 1250 GPM pumpers (Serial #s HCP528127624 and HCP528127621 respectively). Both were painted yellow. The dedication plaque on front of the cab of Engine 5 was in memory of Assistant Chief Richard Walmsley.
January 24, 1978: Engine Company 1 received a new 1977 American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE175677) painted yellow. View of its pump panel and rear below.
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Sliding pole and running board at Engine 1 Bay - Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring
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January 27, 1978: Engine Company 5 receives a new 1977 American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE175679) painted yellow. In April of 1978 the apparatus was badly damaged at the Fulton Street fire.
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April 30, 1978: Engine Company 5 receives a 1969 Seagrave (Serial # R4477) formerly used by Engine Company 3 and 9) as a replacement pumper.
1979: Squad 1 at Headquarters: Tour 4 - Greg Chistensen, Bill Henderson, Captain Larry Mazza and James O'Neill
February 1979: HDQT photos on last day of Captain Harry Huber
Captain Harry Huber, Captain William Flynn, BC William Shortway and AC Gerard Dugan
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Captain AL Iandoli, Captain Huber, DC Solomon Reines
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AC Milton Katz, Captain Huber, FAO Joe Allan and seated FAO Jimmy Walsh
November 5, 1979: Engine Company 5 receives a new American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumper (Serial # CE6620) painted white. The apparatus is shown below at Headquarters.
Photo by Jim Koper
June 26, 1981: For budgetary reasons Engine Company 1 goes out of service.
November 13, 1981: Truck Company 2 receives a new American LaFrance Aero Chief 100' rear-mount aerial painted yellow (Serial # 7254)
Drill at Southside FH before active service
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Drill at Southside FH before active service
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February 12, 1982: Squad 1 goes out of service.
+May- June 1982 photo: Gig, new Truck 2 ALF Aerial in center bay and at (spare) right old Truck 3 AeroChief snorkel (in what used to be E5's bay). Gig at right is Car 72 (1st Battalion). Gig at left is that of Tour Commander.
L-R: Harry Price, Captain John Timchak, Joe Francese, Anthony Puglia, John Bradle, A/C Milt Katz, Captain James Tice, George Duin
June 25, 1982: Order from Chief Kane announcing relocation of Engine 5, Trucks 1 and 2 and chief officer realignment that will go into effect at 8 AM on June 28.
June 27, 1982: The last ever run for Truck 2 out of Van Houten Street was at 3:27 PM – Station 104 – to St. Joseph’s Community Center on a false alarm. Tour 3 - Captain James Pasquariello, Ray Kozlowski, Herman Garrett & Hiram (Tommy) Baldwin.
June 27, 1982: As per its journal Engine Company 5's last run was at 9:37 PM for Station 332. A cross reference to the FAO journal indicates Station 332 – 144 Lewis St – was a false alarm. This is the last-ever run by an apparatus out of the 115 Van Houten Street Firehouse.
Tour 2 members who were on-duty as of 6PM June 27 were: Captain Garret Knorr and FF’s John Alexander and Howard Wilson. FF Savage was detailed to Engine 13 and Captain Kerr was on leave. The full pages of E5 journal from June 27 and 28 are at bottom of this page.
Tour 2 members who were on-duty as of 6PM June 27 were: Captain Garret Knorr and FF’s John Alexander and Howard Wilson. FF Savage was detailed to Engine 13 and Captain Kerr was on leave. The full pages of E5 journal from June 27 and 28 are at bottom of this page.
Last run by E5 out of 115 Van Houten Street - 9:37 PM Station 332
June 28, 1982: Engine Company 5 relocates to the Southside Firehouse at 136 Getty Avenue. The company journal notes that at 9:20 AM the Engine Company 5 went off duty while locating at the Southside Firehouse permanently. The Tour 4 crew consisted of Captain Earl T. Plavier, Howie Morcom, John Martin & Greg Christenson.
Entry by Captain Plavier detailing relocation of E 5 from Van Houten Street to Southside FH
Below are the two full pages from Engine Company 5 journal dating June 26, 27 and 28th
Engine Company 5 -- June 26 and 27, 1982
Engine Company 5 -- June 27 and 28, 1982
June 28, 1982: The 115 Van Houten Street building closes its doors. Truck Company 2 subsequently operated at the 850 Madison Avenue Firehouse. The 1981 ALF Aerochief aerial apparatus went to Hillcrest Firehouse (as Truck 1). Engine 5 as noted went to Southside firehouse.
June 28, 1982: The 115 Van Houten Street building closes its doors. Truck Company 2 subsequently operated at the 850 Madison Avenue Firehouse. The 1981 ALF Aerochief aerial apparatus went to Hillcrest Firehouse (as Truck 1). Engine 5 as noted went to Southside firehouse.
2018 - Todd Hollritt photo
Todd Hollritt photo
May 2020 Building Renovation Photos - CLICK TO ENLARGE
May 2022:
July 2022: Renovations
October 2, 2023: Photo of building - by Todd Hollritt
