Annual Reports 1860-1890 of the Volunteer Department
April 3, 1860: 1856-1860 Annual Report of Chief James A. King. Department had two Engineers (Chief & Assistant Chief) 5 Engines (307 members) and one Hook and Ladder company (50 members) and one Hose Company (30 members).
June 3, 1863: Report of Chief William Killen
1867: from Daniel McClory Chief Engineer - from The Daily Guardian
1876. — Mayor Benjamin Buckley, in his annual report, said that no city could be considered safe without a properly organized and well-disciplined fire department. There was a great difference of opinion among the people, whether under the volunteer system, as then organized, an effective fire department could be obtained. There were many citizens, whose opinions were entitled to great weight, who contended strongly for a paid fire department. He did not think that the time had come when tax-payers were ready to approve of increasing the current expenses of the city to that extent which would be necessary to maintain a paid fire department. Assuming such to be the fact, efforts should be directed towards making the existing department as effective as possible. He had recently visited, with the Chief Engineer, all the engine houses in the city, and examined carefully the different steamers, trucks, and hose carriages, together with the hose, and was glad to say that he found them, as a rule, in good condition.
Chief Engineer John E. Regner's report showed that during the year ending May 1st, I876, there had been forty-six fires, five still alarms and two false alarms. The losses by fire and water amounted to $312,130.00, insurance, $273,130.00.
The Department consisted of the following companies and apparatus:
Passaic Steamer, No. 1; Washington Steamer, No. 3; Jackson Steamer, No. 4; Protection Steamer, No. 5; Vigilant Steamer, No. 6; Lafayette Steamer, No. 8; Liberty Hand Engine, No. 7; Eagle Hook & Ladder, No. 1; Germania Hook & Ladder, No. 2; Columbia Hose Carriage, No. 1; Cataract Hose Carriage, No. 2; Hibernia Hose Carriage, No. 3; Neptune Hose Carriage, No. 2.
In service, 4,000 feet of good rubber hose, 4,500 feet of leather hose, in poor condition. The apparatus in charge of the department was in good order with the exception of Steamer No. 4 and Steamer No. 5. The Chief recommended the purchase of another steamer. An additional steamer would enable them to have at all times a sufficient force for any emergency.
Chief Engineer John E. Regner's report showed that during the year ending May 1st, I876, there had been forty-six fires, five still alarms and two false alarms. The losses by fire and water amounted to $312,130.00, insurance, $273,130.00.
The Department consisted of the following companies and apparatus:
Passaic Steamer, No. 1; Washington Steamer, No. 3; Jackson Steamer, No. 4; Protection Steamer, No. 5; Vigilant Steamer, No. 6; Lafayette Steamer, No. 8; Liberty Hand Engine, No. 7; Eagle Hook & Ladder, No. 1; Germania Hook & Ladder, No. 2; Columbia Hose Carriage, No. 1; Cataract Hose Carriage, No. 2; Hibernia Hose Carriage, No. 3; Neptune Hose Carriage, No. 2.
In service, 4,000 feet of good rubber hose, 4,500 feet of leather hose, in poor condition. The apparatus in charge of the department was in good order with the exception of Steamer No. 4 and Steamer No. 5. The Chief recommended the purchase of another steamer. An additional steamer would enable them to have at all times a sufficient force for any emergency.
1877. — The recommendation of the Mayor in the previous message for the building of a new house for Company No. 8; also the purchase of a new steamer for Company No. 2, and the repairing of the house in Jackson street, had been adopted during the past year. Application had been made for a new house for Engine Company, No. 7.
The manual force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Engineers, 508 members of engine companies, 137 members of hose companies, and 92 members of hook and ladder companies. Total, 737. The Chief reported the department in a good working condition, and the discipline worthy of all praise. The Mayor said he believed that the department was not excelled by any volunteer department in the country.
1878. — During the year there were 46 tires and 35 alarms by telegraph, entailing a loss of $39,512 of property. The manual force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Engineers, 525 members of engine companies, 102 members of truck companies, 120 members of hose companies. Total, 750.
The apparatus consisted of seven steam fire engines and tenders, one band engine and hose cart, two hook and ladder trucks, three hose carriages and one supply wagon; all in fair working condition. The department had experienced a great deal of trouble with defective hose, which had all been tested and repaired, with indifferent success.
1879. — Mayor Graham, in his annual report, recommended that a new steam fire engine be purchased for the use of Engine Company, No. 7, Tyler Street, as the hand engine was useless. The totals are as follows: number of fires, 44; loss, $258,487; insurance on loss, $124,468. The efficiency of the department, the Major said, and the faithfulness of its members, were matters of record.
1880. — The Mayor, as usual, was eulogistic in his report of the workings of the department. During the past year the department had been increased by the purchase of a new steamer for E Co. 7 Company. This dispensed with the last hand engine in the department, bringing the number of steamers up to eight.
All the steamers were small and lightly built, and the Mayor recommended that a large, first-class engine be purchased, to be located in the house of one of those companies situated in the center of the city, where it would do the most effectual work; also, that a steamer be placed in the southern part of the city as from the construction of the buildings in that section, there was great danger of a large destruction of property should a fire occur. The whole cost of the department during the year was $31,279.57.
The fire department telegraph, under the management of the present superintendent, was in good condition and had generally done its work satisfactorily. But with the utmost care on the part of the superintendent, failures would occur, which might be attributed to the wires of the department being in collision with other boxes. New signal boxes were from time to time added in localities needing them, as frequency of alarm stations enhanced the chances for early alarms.
All the steamers were small and lightly built, and the Mayor recommended that a large, first-class engine be purchased, to be located in the house of one of those companies situated in the center of the city, where it would do the most effectual work; also, that a steamer be placed in the southern part of the city as from the construction of the buildings in that section, there was great danger of a large destruction of property should a fire occur. The whole cost of the department during the year was $31,279.57.
The fire department telegraph, under the management of the present superintendent, was in good condition and had generally done its work satisfactorily. But with the utmost care on the part of the superintendent, failures would occur, which might be attributed to the wires of the department being in collision with other boxes. New signal boxes were from time to time added in localities needing them, as frequency of alarm stations enhanced the chances for early alarms.
1882. — The special committee appointed to perfect a fire escape ordinance had never been able to make a report. It was deemed important that such a limit should be established; also, a Bureau of Permits, where all plans for new buildings should be submitted for approval before they could be erected. Fire escapes had been placed on most of the large factories, and steps taken to perfect the ordinance bearing on this subject.
The manual force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Engineers, 572 members of engine companies, 148 members of hose companies, and 109 members of truck companies; making a total membership of 832.
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1883. — The Mayor recommended that the ordinances of the city in regard to lire limits should be so made that they would operate uniformly. Unless a uniform rule was enforced there would never have been buildings of brick or stone in the thickly settled part of the city. Horses should also be purchased for a portion of the fire engines, so that in case of emergency the engines might be rapidly taken to fires.
1884 the Mayor complained in his message that a class of buildings was being thrust upon the city in violation of the ordinance concerning fire limits. Permits had been granted continually for altering and enlarging the tinder-boxes within these limits. The schools, churches and halls should be provided with fire escapes, and the strength of the walls ascertained.
During the year there had been 37 bell alarms, and 8 still alarms.
Chief MacDonald recommended the purchase of a new steam fire engine for Protection Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 5; and also, a new tender for Paterson Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 9. During the year a new engine house had been built at South Paterson, for Engine Company, No. 9, and a new steam fire engine bought for Engine Company, No. 4.
The force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Engineers, 613 members of engine companies, 137 members of hose companies, and 102 members of truck companies. Total, 852.
The apparatus consisted of nine steam engines, nine four-wheel tenders, three hose carriages, and two hook and ladder trucks ; one steam engine, old No, 4, held in reserve at the hose house, and one supply wagon.
Totals: fires, 45; damage, $80,223.38; insurance, $305,092.00.
During the year there had been 37 bell alarms, and 8 still alarms.
Chief MacDonald recommended the purchase of a new steam fire engine for Protection Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 5; and also, a new tender for Paterson Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 9. During the year a new engine house had been built at South Paterson, for Engine Company, No. 9, and a new steam fire engine bought for Engine Company, No. 4.
The force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Engineers, 613 members of engine companies, 137 members of hose companies, and 102 members of truck companies. Total, 852.
The apparatus consisted of nine steam engines, nine four-wheel tenders, three hose carriages, and two hook and ladder trucks ; one steam engine, old No, 4, held in reserve at the hose house, and one supply wagon.
Totals: fires, 45; damage, $80,223.38; insurance, $305,092.00.
1885. — The Major expressed himself as of the opinion that the fire department should have, wherever practicable, horses for the moving of the engines. The delay of a few minutes in dragging an engine to a fire that might break out in the mills of the city where light fabrics were made or kept, might be great enough to cause an amount of loss that would justify the city in a moderate expenditure for horses to facilitate the movement of some of the steamers. It would not be necessary, he said, that all engine houses should be thus equipped at once or in the near future. The great efficiency of the volunteer department was universally recognized.
There were located for fire purposes up to and including March 1st, 1885, 591 fire hydrants, an increase of 36 during the year. The apparatus consisted of nine steam fire engines, nine four-wheel tenders, three hose carriages, and two hook and ladder trucks, and one supply wagon.
During the year there had been 77 fires and alarms, showing an increase over the previous year of 32, of which there were 66 bell alarms, an increase of 29. There were 11 still alarms, an increase of 3. The city has grown so rapidly of late years, there was an actual necessity for the speedy conveyance of the fire apparatus to the scene of action; and this required the equipment of horses for some of the fire companies; a state of affairs brought to the attention of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen by Chief John MacDonald.
There were located for fire purposes up to and including March 1st, 1885, 591 fire hydrants, an increase of 36 during the year. The apparatus consisted of nine steam fire engines, nine four-wheel tenders, three hose carriages, and two hook and ladder trucks, and one supply wagon.
During the year there had been 77 fires and alarms, showing an increase over the previous year of 32, of which there were 66 bell alarms, an increase of 29. There were 11 still alarms, an increase of 3. The city has grown so rapidly of late years, there was an actual necessity for the speedy conveyance of the fire apparatus to the scene of action; and this required the equipment of horses for some of the fire companies; a state of affairs brought to the attention of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen by Chief John MacDonald.
1886. — The foregoing recommendations of the Chief were endorsed by Mayor Beckwith in his annual message. He, also, favored the purchase of horses, and whenever steamers were to be bought to replace old ones, or as an increase in the established number, they should, he said, be of the most ample power and of the first quality.
The force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Chief Engineers, 571 members of engine companies, 121 members of hose companies, 100 members of hook and ladder companies, making a total membership of 792 men.
The apparatus consisted of nine steam fire engines, nine four-wheel tenders, three hose carriages and two hook and ladder trucks, and one supply wagon. There were, besides, of old apparatus, two steam fire engines, one old No. 4, stored in Eagle Truck House, Jackson Street, and one old No. 5, stored in the Hose House shed on Bridge street. Also, one old four-wheel tender in the same shed.
The various engine, hose, and hook and ladder houses were in very good condition, with the exception of Engine Companies Nos. 4, 7 and 8, which were greatly troubled with the water in their cellars most of the year round. The horses were all doing well, and improving in their work, and the Chief recommended to have two sets of shoes and have a man to come and put them on in their several houses whenever required.
The force of the department consisted of 1 Chief Engineer, 2 Assistant Chief Engineers, 571 members of engine companies, 121 members of hose companies, 100 members of hook and ladder companies, making a total membership of 792 men.
The apparatus consisted of nine steam fire engines, nine four-wheel tenders, three hose carriages and two hook and ladder trucks, and one supply wagon. There were, besides, of old apparatus, two steam fire engines, one old No. 4, stored in Eagle Truck House, Jackson Street, and one old No. 5, stored in the Hose House shed on Bridge street. Also, one old four-wheel tender in the same shed.
The various engine, hose, and hook and ladder houses were in very good condition, with the exception of Engine Companies Nos. 4, 7 and 8, which were greatly troubled with the water in their cellars most of the year round. The horses were all doing well, and improving in their work, and the Chief recommended to have two sets of shoes and have a man to come and put them on in their several houses whenever required.
1887. — The Mayor again adverted to the necessity of purchasing more horses. Nos. 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 should, he said, have horses, if possible. The various engine, truck and hose houses were in pretty fair condition. A slight alteration to the house- of Truck No. 1 was needed, the raising of the door one foot higher; the water closets in the houses of Hose Co. 3 and Engine No. 9 needed to be altered, and new ones put in and properly ventilated; the back wall of the house of Engine No. 5 had settled; the cellar of Engine No. 7's house contained water all the year round, but was in a good condition every other way.
During the year there had been 84 fires and alarms, an increase of 3 over previous year. There were 77 bell alarms and 7 still alarms. The Chief recommended the purchase of a new hose wagon for Engine Company No. 6, as the one they had was past its day of usefulness. He also said that the drivers and tillermen were not paid in proportion to the time; they had long hours, and he would be pleased to see their pay increased. He advocated the placing of heaters in the houses of Engine Companies Nos. 3 and 4, and in. all houses where it was intended to put horses; also, the appointment of a permanent engineer in the same. He also recommended the purchase of three thousand feet of first-class Fabric hose, which, with proper care, would outlast the rubber hose; and tenders could carry more of Fabric than of rubber hose. There was not a full quantity of good hose to give two changes, which every first-class city had.
June 1 1887 Morning Call
1888. — The Mayor paid a tribute to the efficiency of the department, as evidenced by the report of the Chief Engineer, John Stagg. He was rejoiced that his recommendations had been carried out, resulting in giving all the steamers horses.
The members of the Fire Department could be divided into four classes, viz : Permanent men, 18 ; partly paid or call men, 21 ; officers of companies, 40; members of companies, 596 — making a total of 675. Of these 511 were attached to engines; 74 to trucks; and 90 to hose companies.
The permanent men consisted of Superintendent of Fire Alarm, 9 drivers of engines; 2 drivers of trucks; 4 drivers of hose wagons or hose carriages, and 2 tillermen. The call men consisted of Chief Engineer and 2 Assistants, and 18 engineers for steamers.
The annual salary of the above and of the respective companies is as follows: Chief Engineer, $600; Assistant Engineers, $300; Fire Alarm Superintendent, $600; Drivers of engines, wagons and trucks, $750: Tillermen, $750; Steamer Engineers, $87.50; Engine Companies — No. 1,* $2,000; No. 2, $500; No. 3, $500; No. 4, $500; No. 5.
Passaic Engine company 1 owns its apparatus and horses and pays its own drivers out of the allowance named. W. Cook, Captain. W. Allen, Captain, E. J. Coleman, Captain, W. Boyle, Captain. $500; No. 6, $500 ; No. 7, $500; No. 8, $500 ; No. 9, $500; Truck Companies— No. 1, $340; No. 2, $340; Hose Companies— No. 1, $300; No. 2, $300; No. 3, $300.
In the year 1888 the board of aldermen took away from the companies the election of chief and assistant engineers.
1889. — There were in the department 9 steam fire engines. A partially paid fire department and the organization of “call" men was earnestly recommended; also the purchase of a chemical engine and that three steam engines be dispensed with; it being conceded by fire authorities that six steamers and one chemical engine would be more practical as well as economical, if the department be organized with call men, similar to the Newark system.
During the year the department had answered 141 alarms of fire. The loss on buildings. $43,875.50; insurance, $278,500.00. Loss on stock, etc., $65,217.90; insurance, $128,320.00. Total loss, $109,093.40; insurance $406,520.00.
The members of the department, divided into four classes, were as follows, viz : Permanent men, 19 ; partly paid, 21 ; officers of companies, 41 ; members of companies, 555. Permanent men consisted of superintendent of fire alarm, nine drivers of engines, two drivers of trucks, four drivers of hose wagons or carriages, two tillermen and one extra driver. The call men consisted of the chief, two assistants, and eighteen engineers for engines.
The salaries of the above and the companies per annum were as follows: Chief engineer, $600; assistant engineers, $300 ; fire alarm superintendent, $600; drivers of engines, wagons and trucks, $750 ; tillermen, $750; steam engineers, $85 engine companies— No. 1, $500; No. 2, $500; No. 3, $500 No. 4, $500; No. 5, $500; No. 6, $500; No. 7, $500; No 8, $500; No. 9, $500; truck companies— No. 1, $340; No 2. $340; hose companies— No. 1, $300; No. 2, $300; No 3, $300.
1890. — The radical change made from a volunteer to a paid system would, Mayor Burnett thought, eventually bring about the dispensing with some of the engines. He suggested that one chemical engine, with five or six steamers, would suffice. On March 20th the department was reorganized by appointing four permanent and eight call men to each company.
To the department, with the knowledge of their disbandment, the chief engineer said he appreciated the earnestness and zeal which the department evinced in their services to the public during the past year under the contumely which always seems part of the reward of a volunteer.
A review of this department for the past year would be partly as follows: Horses, hose wagons, etc., bought; drivers appointed in engine companies Nos. 2, 6 and 7; horses bought for hose carriages in engine companies Nos. 8 and 9; heaters bought for engines Nos. 3, 4 and 6; Babcock aerial truck bought for truck company No. 1; organization of truck company No. 3, with apparatus from truck company No. 1, driver and tillerman appointed, horse and wagon furnished chief; 1,500 feet cotton hose placed in service ; 69 hydrants were set during the year, making a total of 784.
During the year the department had answered 141 alarms of fire. The loss on buildings. $43,875.50; insurance, $278,500.00. Loss on stock, etc., $65,217.90; insurance, $128,320.00. Total loss, $109,093.40; insurance $406,520.00.
The members of the department, divided into four classes, were as follows, viz : Permanent men, 19 ; partly paid, 21 ; officers of companies, 41 ; members of companies, 555. Permanent men consisted of superintendent of fire alarm, nine drivers of engines, two drivers of trucks, four drivers of hose wagons or carriages, two tillermen and one extra driver. The call men consisted of the chief, two assistants, and eighteen engineers for engines.
The salaries of the above and the companies per annum were as follows: Chief engineer, $600; assistant engineers, $300 ; fire alarm superintendent, $600; drivers of engines, wagons and trucks, $750 ; tillermen, $750; steam engineers, $85 engine companies— No. 1, $500; No. 2, $500; No. 3, $500 No. 4, $500; No. 5, $500; No. 6, $500; No. 7, $500; No 8, $500; No. 9, $500; truck companies— No. 1, $340; No 2. $340; hose companies— No. 1, $300; No. 2, $300; No 3, $300.
1890. — The radical change made from a volunteer to a paid system would, Mayor Burnett thought, eventually bring about the dispensing with some of the engines. He suggested that one chemical engine, with five or six steamers, would suffice. On March 20th the department was reorganized by appointing four permanent and eight call men to each company.
To the department, with the knowledge of their disbandment, the chief engineer said he appreciated the earnestness and zeal which the department evinced in their services to the public during the past year under the contumely which always seems part of the reward of a volunteer.
A review of this department for the past year would be partly as follows: Horses, hose wagons, etc., bought; drivers appointed in engine companies Nos. 2, 6 and 7; horses bought for hose carriages in engine companies Nos. 8 and 9; heaters bought for engines Nos. 3, 4 and 6; Babcock aerial truck bought for truck company No. 1; organization of truck company No. 3, with apparatus from truck company No. 1, driver and tillerman appointed, horse and wagon furnished chief; 1,500 feet cotton hose placed in service ; 69 hydrants were set during the year, making a total of 784.