Appointment / Promotional History
1890 & 1895: At its origins (partially and then fully paid department) promotions were intradepartmental (and political) decisions - no formal testing required.
May 1, 1884: The introduction of horses to draw the engines and hose carts led aldermen to appoint permanent drivers and tillermen - the first step in the change from volunteer to paid department
William Whittaker was the first to be hired ad driver of Passaic Engine 1 at $700 per annum
Patrick Sweeney, Driver Jackson Engine E4
William Whittaker was the first to be hired ad driver of Passaic Engine 1 at $700 per annum
Patrick Sweeney, Driver Jackson Engine E4
Subsequent hires were:
1885:
Martin Brandt Truck 2
Cornelius F. O'Neill Engine 1
Christopher Cubby Engine 3
William Cook Engine 5
John Weber, Tiller of Truck 2
Martin Brandt Truck 2
Cornelius F. O'Neill Engine 1
Christopher Cubby Engine 3
William Cook Engine 5
John Weber, Tiller of Truck 2
Paterson Press
1886:
Thomas Elvin, Tillerman Truck 2
Daniel Leonard, Driver Engine 3 Hose Had served as Assistant Chief in 1881
David McAllister, Driver Engine 2 Hose
Peter Riley, Driver Engine 4 Hose (October 18)
William Stannard, (Driver Engine 5)
Michael Farrell (hired as permanent extra driver & sent to Chief Gig in 1887)
Thomas Elvin, Tillerman Truck 2
Daniel Leonard, Driver Engine 3 Hose Had served as Assistant Chief in 1881
David McAllister, Driver Engine 2 Hose
Peter Riley, Driver Engine 4 Hose (October 18)
William Stannard, (Driver Engine 5)
Michael Farrell (hired as permanent extra driver & sent to Chief Gig in 1887)
1887:
John Breen, Driver Engine 2
Allson Roswell Engine 6
Alfred Rogers Engine 7
John Ellis Engine 8
Michael Condon Engine 9
John Breen, Driver Engine 2
Allson Roswell Engine 6
Alfred Rogers Engine 7
John Ellis Engine 8
Michael Condon Engine 9
1888:
George Singland, special driver
George Singland, special driver
1889:
John Bowden, Driver Engine 6
George Bunting
Leonard Hartley
Andrew Knaus, Driver March 8, 1889 Later a Lieutenant (1912)
Abraham Perrius
John Bowden, Driver Engine 6
George Bunting
Leonard Hartley
Andrew Knaus, Driver March 8, 1889 Later a Lieutenant (1912)
Abraham Perrius
January 29, 1890: Committee on Reorganization of the Fire Department selects the applicants to staff each company. Paid drivers for each company had already been appointed between 1884-1889
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 19, 1890: Permanent firemen & company rosters named
February 20 Guardian
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November 25, 1890: Christopher Cubby appointed Captain of Engine 3 (Prospect Street)
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 6, 1893: New appointments made by aldermen: Christian Monderick, Charles Simonton, Michael Ryan and James Thoms become drivers
February 7 Morning call
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February 16, 1894: In transition to fully paid PFD, new appointments to be made
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February 17 Morning Call
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February 17 Paterson News
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February 19, 1894: New permanent firemen named
February 20 Paterson News
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July 2, 1897: George Muth, a former callman of Truck 2, nominated as F/F to replace George Sheldrake to passed away
July 3 Morning Call
March 12, 1899: Aldermen fail to appoint a new captain to replace the recently deceased Captain Reilly.
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March 13 Morning Call
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June 20, 1899: 5 new firemen appointed. Martin Gleason, Thomas Murphy, William Shane, John Gaynor and William Milne. Charles Simonton appointed Captain of Chemical Company
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 13, 1904: New "extra" firefighters go on duty: Thomas Daw (E1), Michael Guterman (E2), Jacob Porey (E3), George Doneley (E4), John Block (E5), William Malloy (E6), John Woods (E7), Edward Ball (E8), Thomas Dooley (E9), Wiliam McDowell (T1) and John McGill (T2)
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 14 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 6, 1905: PFD needs new FF
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 14, 1905: 21 new firefighters
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 19, 1905: Several new firefighters, including James Sweeney (future D/C and LODD), to begin by July 1, 10905
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 20 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 24, 1905: New FF assignments
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 6, 1905: Matthew Ferguson appointed
September 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 7, 1905: William Ward promoted to Superintendent of Machinery
September 8 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 6, 1906: Fire and Water committee to name new fireman Edward Ball
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 4, 1908: Patrick Sweeney elevated to Deputy Chief - first in PFD history. Charles Nolan becomes a Captain
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Patrick Sweeney
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Charles Nolan as a BC
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October 23, 1908: James Campbell, John Egan, John Anderson and John Kelly to be appointed as firefighters
October 23 Paterson News
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 8, 1908: Robert Giebelhausen appointed by aldermen to replaced the dismissed (for intoxication) FF Adam Banghart
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 2, 1910: Captain Charles Nolan, brother-in-law of Mayor Andrew McBride of Engine 7, becomes acting Chief Officer - Was nepotism at play?
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 27, 1910: New FF appointed - two will be assigned to the new Engine Company 10 as drivers
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 24, 1912: Morning Call published PFD vacation schedules
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 11, 1912: Ten Firefighters appointed
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October 19, 1912: with their probationary period over, the following were made permanent on November 1, 1912:
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Chiefs
Chief Thomas Coyle
Battalion Chief Ernest Fields Battalion Chief Charles Nolan |
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 18, 1912: Unusual - FF resigns after fighting one fire
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 22, 1912: Civil Service Law becomes operative and thereafter all appointments and promotions required testing
March 29, 1913: 8 FF were the first to pass a civil service test. 26 of 36 men who took the exam failed.
March 29, 1913: 8 FF were the first to pass a civil service test. 26 of 36 men who took the exam failed.
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Click on photos below for FF identification (no photo of Wm Dale)
October 13, 1913: Frank Dowdall and William Walsh are the first firemen appointed under the Civil Service Law. Dowdall ultimately became a Battalion Chief. Vineis was appointed December 16, 1913, Hickerson March 1, 1914, Dale and Haycock on April 1, 1914, Lawless on June 1, 1914 and Westphal on July 16, 1914.
October 13, 1913: Frank Dowdall and William Walsh are the first firemen appointed under the Civil Service Law. Dowdall ultimately became a Battalion Chief. Vineis was appointed December 16, 1913, Hickerson March 1, 1914, Dale and Haycock on April 1, 1914, Lawless on June 1, 1914 and Westphal on July 16, 1914.
December 5, 1913: Police and Fire Department appointments
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December 6 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 28, 1914: FF James Hickerson appointed
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Morning call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 19, 1914: Promotions - Michael Comer becomes a first grade F/F
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mortrison
November 6, 1914: Fire and Police board meeting - Arthur Fisher and William Meek appointed - Joseph Chapman retired
November 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 20, 1915: James McLoughlin appointed as F/F and Walter Mennell elevated to Engineer
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May 21 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 24, 1915: 3rd BC appointed: 1st Battalion at Headquarters, 2nd Battalion at Engine 9 on Main street (using horse pulled gig) and the 3rd BC to operate out of one of the Riverside houses (using autocar).
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John Specht
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1915
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 18, 1916: William Boyle promoted to Captain
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 24 1916: Scores of test for Lieutenant - Eugene Murphy, Michael Comer and Frank Dowdall top the list. For firefighters: Pete Vessart, Wilbur T Mariani, & Carl Rose
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 17, 1916: Due to new two platoon system 33 new FF hired and Ernest Fields named Deputy Chief
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 6, 1916: Issues with recent appointments
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 14, 1918: Results of Civil Service exam - Note that applicant John Millington who was appointed went into the Armed Forces and sacrificed his life. Also FF Edward Hancock was appointed and subsequently his son and grandson became PFD Deputy Chiefs (completing 100 years of service)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 2, 1921: FF James Kennedy and John B Holly promoted to Captain. Joseph Carr and Chares McBennett appointed as FF.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 23, 1922: Daniel Moore to become new Superintendent of Fire Alarm with John Beirne promoted to Captain as assistant to Moore. Cornelius also becomes a Captain
December 22, 1922: James Sweeney promoted to Battalion Chief, Peter Rege as a Captain and Matthew O'Neill as a FF. Sweeneys and O'Neill's fathers were Paterson firemen and sadly both J Sweeney & M. O'Neill made the Supreme Sacrifice in 1938 at Quackenbush Warehouse Fire
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Morning Call - Courtesy of Dennis Morrison
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Captain Peter Rege - Truck 1
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Matthew O'Neill
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February 21, 1923: Company changes
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 24, 1923: Michael Comer becomes Battalion Chief
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Press Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1925 Civil Service Appointment Letter
Dayspring Collection
June 24, 1925: Herbert Van Kirk a Captain and George Walls and Gary Jensen appointed as firemen
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mortrison
October 25, 1925: Retired Captain Weber honored by Wayne FD
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 25, 1925: Alderman Meeting
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 24, 1926: 32 firefighters pass Captain's Test - Because of the Depression era only the first five were promoted. John Devenport & Marinus Baker later made the Supreme Sacrifice Frank Dowdall eventually became a Battalion Chief and John Lawless went on to be Master Mechanic
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison - Press Guardian
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May 11, 1926:
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Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 25, 1926: John Davenport promoted to Captain. Made Supreme Sacrifice in 1938
May 26 Paterson News
July 13, 1927: New FF appointed: Ernest Wildermuth, John Craig and John Brosman. To begin service August 1, 1927.
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July 13 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 10, 1927: James Sweeney appointed as Deputy Chief. Meyer Jaffe was secretary to Board of Fire and Police Commission. Sweeney would make Supreme Sacrifice at 1938 Quackenbush Warehouse Fire
Dayspring Collection
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August 11 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 2, 1928: James McLaughlin promoted to Captain - with Engine Company 1
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July 3,Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 11, 1929: Walter "Les" Titus, Edward Heitzman, Edward Peters, Harold N Kane, Allen R Sall (future Supreme Sacrifice) appointed to department
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Les Titus (future Assistant Chief)
Ed Heitzman (future Captain)
Edward Peters
Harold N Kane (future FMBA VP)
Allen Saal (LODD - May 1934)
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November 1, 1937: Civil Service list released for Captains Exam
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Paterson News
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December 23, 1931: Joseph Lester ("Les") Devenport appointed (effective January 1, 1932) - went on to become Director of Auxiliary FD during WWII and later in 1964 an Assistant Chief
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Les Devenport as a Captain
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May 10, 1938: Promoted to Captain: Al Lupenski, Bronie Daniels & Joe Carr. Captain Joe Bray, first on the list was skipped. Of interest, over time only Joe Bray rose to the Chief Officer's rank (Deputy Chief)
May 11 Paterson News
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June 2, 1938: Dinner ceremony for promotion of Joseph Carr to Captain
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 5, 1938: Civil Service test results
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October 5 Paterson News
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May 10, 1939: Ray Earles, Stanley Kecmer and Frank T. Coppo appointed as firemen
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 31, 1940: Civil Service announces tests results
Paterson News
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February 8, 1940: Meyer Cohen scores a PFD record high on Captains test
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 2, 1942: Ten men to be appointed November 1, 1942. The PFD list includes Harold J Kane who went on to be Chief Engineer and Andrew Offner who lost his life in service during WWII.
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November 22, 1941: Joseph Bray (appointed 1923) rose to rank of Deputy Chief and served as Acting Chief of department for a year after the death of Chief Strathearn in 1959. Here is a letter of advocacy for his promotion to Captain in 1941.
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Dayspring Collection
December 3, 1941: PFD promotions to Captain- James Coyle, John Craig, Joseph (Lester) Devenport, Herbert Dodds, Thomas Scholfield, Walter (Les) Titus
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 7, 1942: Gerard Dugan, Daniel Carroll, Ray Carr and Joseph Leitner appointed effective April 17, 1942. The first two rose to rank of Assistant Chief, Carr to Captain and Leitner to a Chief's Aide
Courtesy Richard Dugan
Fire and Police Commission letter to Gerard Dugan
Courtesy Richard Dugan
May 20, 1942: New firemen & 3 policemen appointed - Joseph Dayspring (future Assistant Chief), Solomon Reines (future DC), John J. Hess (father already on PFD) and Bernard Kennedy (who was already in the US army). Sadly Kennedy was killed in Holland on October 29, 1944.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Bernard Kennedy
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Joseph Dayspring as a FF
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Solomon Reines as a DC
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1942: New Captains Ray Thompson, Joseph Bray, Herbert Dodds, Lester Reiche (Supreme Sacrifice) and Deputy Chief James Troy (later Chief Engineer) with Mayor Furrey
October 1, 1942: New appointees - Robert Goldman, Richard Walmsley, James Burns, Harry Huber, Arnold Novick, Andrew Offner (lost life fighting in WWII), Joseph Nardella, and Harold Kane (future Chief Engineer)
Four FF excused to enter service: James McKelvey of E6, Watson Lauder of E4, Gerard Dugan of E1and Robert Campbell of E9.
Four FF excused to enter service: James McKelvey of E6, Watson Lauder of E4, Gerard Dugan of E1and Robert Campbell of E9.
October 2 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 2, 1943: New PFD appointments: Ted Tice, Al Hormanski, Leo Fitzsimmons, Ed Moore
February 3 Paterson News
March 1, 1943: Clipping from the Morning Call on February 3, announcing PFD appointments: Theodore Tice, Albert Horomanski, Leo Fitzsimmons and Francis Moore. Joseph Leitner was granted a military leave of absence. Tice and Fitzsimmons went on to become Assistant Chiefs, Horomanski a Captain and Leitner a Chief's Aide.
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Click on photos below to enlarge
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July 21, 1943: Peter Percarpio, John Feeney and John Sisco appointed
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 14, 1943: FF Edward Westhoven appointed John Hess (appointed in 1920) promoted to captain
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September 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 11, 1946: James Kennedy promoted to Deputy Chief
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February 8, 1947: Post WW II firemen's civil service test - Most were veterans (9 disabled) - many PFD relatives.
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 12, 1947: New appointments including future Chief Engineer William Comer
August 13 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 18, 1947: Captains Mina and Coppo appointed
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 16, 1947: New appointments
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 10, 1946: Joe Bray heads list for Battalion Chief
Paterson News
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September 10, 1946: James Troy elevated to Chief Engineer and Hobart Strathearn becomes Deputy Chief
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September 11 Paterson News
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October 30, 1946: Testimonial dinner for new Chief Engineer James Troy
October 31 Paterson News
July 16, 1947: New appointees - all veterans - and Frank Stevens, Frank J Dalton (father a Paterson F/F), Fred Armona, Richard Shortway and Earl H Plavier.
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 10, 1947: More veterans appointed to PFD and PPD
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October 22, 1947: 6 Vets named as firefighters
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 22 Paterson New
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November 17, 1947: First Captains Civil Service list after WWII (pages 1 & 2)
Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
November 19, 1947: New appointments and promotions
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 20 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 19 Paterson News
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December 1, 1947: News photo below shows the 11 new Captains
Dayspring Collection
September 11, 1948: Captain promotion possibilities
Paterson News
May 19, 1949: 3 new firefighters Anthony Corbo, James O'Neill and Joe Bushnauskas Jr
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Bushnauskas Jr., Joseph
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June 3 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 15, 1949: Appointment of Joseph Cucci (a future Assistant Chief) and Joe Bauer (a future Captain)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 1. 1949: Battalion Chief appointments: George Walls and Joseph Lester Devenport
Dayspring Collection
George Walls
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Lester Devenport
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December 30, 1949: Promotions and new appointments including Walter Pikethkly to Chief 's Aide (a LODD in 1951)
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April 11, 1951: Joe Nardella, Ted Tice, Leo Fitzsimmons, and Mike Fleming promoted gto Captain. Donald McKenzie appointed as a FF and Aloysius Lynch (grandson of Supreme Sacrifice FF William Lynch) appointed to police department
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 12 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 12 Paterson News
August 15, 1951: Edward ("Eddie the Hat") Westhoven promoted to Chief's aide. Joseph A Dougherty appointed as fireman
Paterson News
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January 9, 1952: PFD Changes at the top
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 24, 1952: New PFD appointments for June 1; Harry Rippey, Robert Fisher, Modestino Saveriano, Umberto Urciuolo (not on any subsequent list) Paul Ferraro and Tommy Ottavino
Paterson News
February 6, 1953: Civil Service Battalion Chief eligibility List. The top 3 were appointed
Dayspring Collection
Joseph Dayspring
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Daniel Carroll
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George Peppinghaus
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February 13, 1953: Civil Service Deputy Chief List
Dayspring Collection
Joseph Bray
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James Chaplain
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Walter Titus
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Joseph Lester Devenport
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February 19, 1953: New appointments
February 20 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 20, 1953: Promotions for DC, BC, Captains and Chiefs Drivers
Dayspring Collection
B/C Dayspring's copy of Chief Srathearns Order#26 announcing promotions
August 28, 1953: 3 new Captains appointed: Al Hormanski, Ferd Pelleschi, and John Feeney
Paterson Evening News
January 20, 1954: new PFD appointees before they got their uniforms. Front L-R: Joe McCabe, Patsy Giglio, Anthony Gaita, Frank Bergen, Russ Redmond, Frank Havryluke. Back row L-R: Edward Gulacz, Ed Hancock Jr., Frank Mancinelli (who later made the supreme sacrifice), Elmer White, Anthony La Raia.
January 20, 1954 hires before getting uniforms: Leon Sopuch (the father), Leo Quigley, Don Salmanowitz, Carmine Caposella, Alfred Gallagher, Vincent Mandara. Back row L-R: William McMasters, John Toth, Robert O'Neill, Allan De Ritter, Henry Kettmann, John Bachetti, James Johnstone
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 23, 1954: Fire and Police Commission and Mayor Lester F. Titus appoint 7 new firefighters: Thomas W. Hannenberg, William H. Bradley, Robert Wagner, Edward Hunt, Thomas Bolen Jr., and Charles Simpson. Ralph DiDuglielmo also appointed but not in photo. In second row of photo is acting Chief Joseph Bray and FMBA President Dan Dowd.
August 24 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 30, 1954 Paterson News
December 17, 1954: New PFD and PPD appointees
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 24, 1954: Appointments: Thomas Hannenberg, William Bradley, Robert Wagner, Edward Hunt, Thomas Bolen Jr., and Charles Simpson. Ralph DiGuglielmo also appointed but not in photo.
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 25, 1955: Walter "Lester" Titus appointed to Deputy Chief
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February 5, 1955: Civil Service list for assistant Master Carpenter
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Pelleschi as a Captain
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February 14, 1955: Lester Titus as D/C and Ferd Pelleschia as assistant Master Carpenter sworn in
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 24, 1955: William Siss (rom PPD) , Raymond Cusack and Alexander Kidd. Cusack was preceded on PFD by 2 other Cusacks - grandfather Captain Ed and FF Uncle Ed
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Bill Siss
Al Kidd
Ray Cusack
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April 11, 1955: Dick Henches, John VanderHook, Paul Villano, Armondo Botte, Tom Mercadante, Warren Gallagher, Don Cunningham, Henry Kocian, Ken West, Bill Savage
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 9, 1956: Joe "Les" Devenport, Rudolph Peppinghaus and George Walls promoted to Deputy Chief rank
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 30, 1955: Civil Service releases Police and Fire Exam lists
Courtesy Steven Malzone
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March 5, 1956: Testimonial dinner for just promoted DC George Walls
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May 9, 1956: New appointments: Dick Henches, Roy McGinnis, Anthony Capello, Dan Hartman
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 19, 1956: Captain Sal Madama to head Combustible department
Paterson News
November 7, 1956: New appointees: Edward Kane, Thomas Alala, Ed McLaughlin and Arthur Heydorn Jr. Tommy Ottavino and Patsy Fusaro designated as Chief's Aides.
November 8 Paterson News
May 2, 1957: Civil Service Battalion Chief list released
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 15, 1957: Fire and Police Commissioners announce purchase of 5 new FWD pumpers, permanent appointment of Police Chief Murphy and 3 new Battalions Chiefs: Leo Fitzsimmons, Gerard Dugan and Michael Fleming with Acting Chief Joseph Bray presiding.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 12, 1957: Celebration for newly promoted Battalion Chief Gerard Dugan
October 10, 1957: New Battalion Chief Leo Fitzsimmons honored at a dinner - B/C Joseph Dayspring was toastmaster
October 12 Paterson News
October 15, 1957: Dinner for two new Battalion Chiefs. Chief Kane's father was a Paterson Tax Assessor and head of the purchasing board
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 25, 1958: 10 temporary PFD appointments to be made
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 15, 1958: Dinner for newly appointed Battalion Chief Ted Tice
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Morning Call
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May 29, 1958: B/C Sal Madama testimonial dinner
May 31 Paterson News
June 13, 1958: Departmental promotions
June 30, 1958: D/C Solomon Reines heads Combustible Bureau
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 9, 1960: New appointments and awards at Fire & Police commission meeting
February 10 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morison
Error in above clip: Joe's wife is Gloria Parkin and Ralph's wife was Phyllis DiGuglielmo.
March 1, 1960 appointments: including future Assistant Chief Joe Forbes. Laurens Jansen resigned from the job & re-enlisted in the Marine Corps. Spent a couple tours in Vietnam. Received several decorations. Retired with the rank of major.
Morning Call February 11 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 1960 Selection of Chief Engineer
January 1, 1961: Eight new Deputy Chiefs appointed: Sal Madama, Albert Captor, Ted Tice, Leo Fitzsimmons, Richard Walmsley, Gerard Dugan and Michael J. Fleming. All later became Assistant Chiefs
August 5, 1961: 9 new Captains (Willie Comer, Eugene & Wilbur Mariani, Michael Weiss, Al Nicozzi, Harold Schoonmaker, Joe Cucci, George Kilgour and Paul Peterson and 5 Lieutenants (Joe Bauer, Joe Donnelly, Harry Davitellis, Harry Asher and Mario Colitarci
Paterson Evening News
January 3, 1962: 4 members PPD transfer to PFD - Emil Peri, Baptiste Rigamonte, Albert Roth and John Kerr
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
John Kerr
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Baptist Rigamonte
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Albert Roth
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April 1, 1962: Testimonial dinner for Captain Rotella
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 13, 1962: Dinner for three new Captains: Joe Daly, Milton Katz and Joe Dougherty
Paterson News
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February 2, 1963: New chaplain, Rev Maxwell Tow gets PFD gear
Patersonj News
March 24, 1963: 24 pass F/F exam with William Shortway and William Mosca Jr at top of list
Paterson News
June 21, 1963: Dinner planned for D/C William Comer
Paterson News
July 12, 1963: In preparation for the new 4 Tour System, 21 new FF appointed including sons (Michael P Fleming and Albert H Capter) of two Deputy Chiefs. Three members of PPD also transfer to PFD: Frank T. Calamita, Joseph W. White and John J. Daly.
July 13 Morning Call
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Paterson News
July 3, 1963: Dinner for newly promoted to D/C William Comer
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 22, 1964: William Casperson promoted to Captain and Al Micozzi and Eugene Mariani to Deputy Chief
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 1, 1964: Edward J Hancock promoted to Captain and cited for an off-duty rescue
Hancock Collection
September 13, 1964: 14 new firefighters appointed: Al Rosiello, Frank Crampton, Al Weiss, George Maloney, Sal Califiore, John Mauro, Joe Pelligrino, Ed Cusack, Randolph Reid, Leonard Saia, Rodney Sasso, John Platt, Richard Maddy and Larry Mazza
September 14 Paterson News
December 19, 1964: 2 FF (Al Graf Jr and Herbert Stride) and 5 FAO operators hired
Paterson News
April 14, 1965: New appointments / promotions Captain Joe Roca and Warren Gallagher - FF Elliot McGuire, Edward Allen, Patrick Tuohey, William Filippelli and James LaNeve
Paterson Evening News - courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 16 Paterson Evening News
December 17, 1965: Harold Schoonmaker promoted to Deputy Chief
Paterson Evening News
April 6, 1966: Paul Peterson and Jesse McCavitt promoted to Deputy Chiefs
April 23 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 10, 1966: Gerard Dugan elevated to Assistant Chief
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Gerard Dugan
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August 24, 1967: Civil Service tests results announced - Among several future F/F Robert Monteyne topped the list - also listed were Earl T Plavier (future B/C) and James Pasquariello (future Chief Engineer)
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November 17, 1967: Doug Sidney, Richard Warner, Richard Korger, William Rasp, and Lawrence Goffredo all appointed effective December 1.
Paterson News
December 12, 1967: William Comer promoted to Assistant Chief on December 1.
December 12 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 20,1968: Captain Promotions
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrsion
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January 23, 1969: New Captains sworn in by Mayor Kramer: Al Gallagher, William Ristan, Joseph Pericelli and John Sellitto.
February 12, 1969: Joseph Rocca promoted to Deputy Chief - Dinner at Wayne Manor
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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D/C Joseph Roca
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March 28, 1969: 8 new F/F appointed: Ron Vandervliet, James D Tice, Leon J Sopuch, Edward Moore, Pat Giglio, Tim Donovan, Robert Emriick & James O'Neill. 3 others are pending - Phil Gorla, Arnold Frey and Vito Mangini
Paterson Evening News
April 29, 1969: Dinner for newly appointed Captain John Sellitto
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 1969: New group of firefighters, appointed November 1, 1969 receive official swearing ceremony at City Hall. Included is Paterson's first Puerto Rican FF, Avelino Fernandez (top row left).
E McCran Collection
February 17, 1970: Promotions of Joseph C Bakanauskas. Joseph A Dougherty and Charles S Walker to Deputy Chief
Joseph C Bakanauskas
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Joseph A Dougherty
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Charles S Walker
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March 1, 1970: Deputy Chief Albert Capter advanced to Assistant Chief
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May 15, 1970: Oaths given to Assistant Chiefs Richard Walmsley, Albert Capter, Salvatore Madonna and Alfred Micozzi; Deputy Chiefs Joseph Bakanauskas, Joseph Dougherty and Charles Walker. Captains and firefighters also appointed
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 17, 1971: New applicants with FMBA President Red Mosca. In the photo: Carmen Galese later resigned from Paterson. FF with "Afro" is Robert Baker
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 15, 1972: Police and PFD promotions Wilbert Mariani, Charles S Walker & Paul Peterson become Assistant Chiefs. Joseph Forbes, John Grochowski and Edward McLaughlin promoted to Deputy Chief
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
1972: Captain swearing in Ceremony Mayor Arthur Dwyer: Top row Bob Gabriel, Norman Morley, Dominic Cotroneo, Dennis Diguglielmo, Frank Giordino, Frank Crampton
2nd row John Elwood, Joe Pelligrino, Carl Larson, Jim Tasca, John Minardi
Bottom row Bill Shortway, Jack Gregg, Ed Hancock (being promoted to Deputy Chief) , John Mauro, Terry Pelligrino
2nd row John Elwood, Joe Pelligrino, Carl Larson, Jim Tasca, John Minardi
Bottom row Bill Shortway, Jack Gregg, Ed Hancock (being promoted to Deputy Chief) , John Mauro, Terry Pelligrino
April 4 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 1, 1972: First woman to pass Paterson FF tests and become eligible for appointment
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 14, 1972: 8 F/F promoted to Captains
Paterson News
October 14, 1972: Dinner for new Captain Herbert Stride
Paterson News
October 1977: note the error in the clip below: The Earl H Plavier who was appointed in 1949 was the Uncle of the Earl T Plavier who was being promoted to Captain on this date
Courtesy Edward Allen
April 1, 1985: Walter Bitner, John Daly Jr., Joseph Douglas, Marty Krupinski, Lee Mondelli.
L-R: Joe Douglas, Walter Bitner, John Daly Jr, Lee Mondelli, Marty Krupinski
Marty Krupinski and John Daly Jr
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Lee Mondelli, Marty Krupinski, Walter Bitner
Marty Krupinski and Walter Bitner
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Mayor Graves administering the oath
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Chief Comer
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June 28, 1992: 21 new appointees
June 29 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 21, 1993: New appointments including FF Joseph Henderson Jr (son of retired Captain William Henderson Sr and brother of FF William Henderson) and David Alexander (son of Captain John Alexander and brother of FF John Alexander).
Courtesy Pat Henderson
Joseph Henderson
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David Alexander
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Much later photo of DC Joseph, DC William and Captain William
January 28, 1995: New firefighters
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrtison
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July 22, 1995: New firefighter appointments
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 24, 1998: Promotional Ceremony - Capt. C. Ricciardi, FF R Poloniak, B/C E. McLaughlin, Capt. J Parkin, B/C M Postorino, Capt M Krupinski, Capt. A Maldonado and FF A Cortes.
Courtesy Armindo Cortez
January 30, 2002: Captains Promotion - (L-R) Chris Babcock, Robert Stemmler, Eddie Leogrande, Michael Fleming, Brian Rathbone, John Hensz
December 10, 2002: Reversal of demotions
Herald courtesy dennis Morrison
March 20, 2003: Issues regarding upcoming promotions
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 24, 2003: Swearing-in Ceremony at city Hall (courtesy Captain William Taylor)
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March 24, 2003: Deputy Chief swearing in ceremony with Mayor Torres. L-R: Chief James Pasquariello, Mayor, and 4 new deputies- Scott MacGilvray, John Duffy, Michael Postorino(future Chief of Department), Kevin Hancock. At far right are parents of DC K Hancock (Retired DC Edward Hancock and his wife Jospehine).
Marty Pelta photo
Marty Pelta photo
Captain promotions: L-R: FF Joseph Henderson, retired captain William Henderson, and new captains William Henderson, William Mee, Robert Poloniak, Michael D'Arco, Charles Onorato, William Taylor. To the far right is FF Steve D'Arco.
Marty Pelta photo
FF Joe Henderson, Captain William R. Henderson, retired, William Henderson Jr, William Mee, Robert Poloniak, Michael D'Arco, Charles Onorato, Steven D'Arco (back row, not promoted), William Taylor
Courtesy William Taylor
November 21, 2003: Madison Avenue Firehouse - Battalion Chiefs promotional ceremony L-R: new BC Edward Olszewski, new BC Martin Krupinski, Chief James Pasquariello, DC (executive officer) Scott MacGilvray, new BC Peter Crampton, new BC Chris Ricciardi, and new BC Joseph A. Murray.
Marty Pelta Photo
BC Olszewski
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BC Ricciardi
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BC JA Murray
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BC F Cramptom
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November 13, 2004: Captains (Abreu, Selby, Statuto, Bradle, Langevin, Crampton, Marini, Mangini Jr, Perez) and B/C (Selowentchich, Puglia and Hrib) promotions
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 6, 2007: Tour 3 Rescue 2 at BC promotion ceremony for Captain Chris Babcock. L-R - FF Jason Macones, FF Charles Gander, FF Jack Panico, Captain Chris Babcock, FF Scott Wilson, FF Jerry Behnke.
June 22, 2012: Pablo Camacho, Angelo Marzella, Steve Higgins, Chris Huber and Pete Lobosco were promoted to Captain in Mayor Jeffery Jones’s office just before the list was due to expire.
May 27, 2016: Appointment ceremony
May 28 Herald
February 15, 2017 Promotions: L-R BC Orlando Rodriquez and Captains Steven Crampton and Michael Scherer (McBride Avenue Firehouse)
New Captain Michael Scherer
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New BC Rodriquez
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New Captain Crampton
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June 30, 2017: McBride Avenue Headquarters (Vince Marchese Photos)
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DC Kevin Hancock, Mayor Torres. Chief Postorino on left
L-R: M. Rivera, S. Harris, A. Cruz, M. Hook, T.Dyk, P. Bazaz. Back Row: L-R: A. Salina, S. Cintron, S. Falcone, R. Should, W. MacDonald.
DCs Frank Calamita, Tour 2. Pablo Del Valle, Tour 1, William Henderson, Tour 3 and Ryan P Murray, Communications.
June 6, 2018: New Captains and Deputy Chief ceremony. Elizabeth Fournier becomes first female captain in PFD history.
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Deputy Chief Hector Almeyda and family
Chief McDermott, Father Ryan, Mayor Jane Williams-Warren, DC Hancock
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L-R: Michael Gallo, Isaac. Feliciano, Walter. Tovar, and E. Fournier
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L-R: front - Daniel Morales, Christopher Antoci, and Cesar Collazo
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Deputy Chief Hector Almeyda, Family, Chief McDermott, D/C Hancock and Mayor Williams-Warren
January 2019: Retirements
April 30, 2019: Captain, Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief promotion ceremony
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April 30, 2019: Scenes from the ceremony - Click on photo to enlarge & see descriptive legends or hold cursor over photo
L-R: New BC Jason Macones, Ret BC Chris Babcock, and new BC Charles Gander. Both new BC as FF served under the Captain Babcock at rescue 2
Herald News
Grandson Chris Parkin with Ret FF Joe Parkin Sr and his son Captain Scott Parkin
April 30, 2019: Captain Lamar Colclough becomes first African American Chief Officer at Paterson Fire Department FULL STORY CLICK HERE
New BC Lamar Colclough with Mayor Sayegh
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June 11, 2019: New Captain, Battalion and Deputy Chief promotions
Click photos to enlarge - (by Jerry Speziale)
New Captain Ryan Higgins, Chief Brian McDermott and Captain Steve Higgins
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Thomas Gander and Chief Brian McDermott
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August 9, 2019: Promotion Ceremony Program
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February 24, 2020: PFD appoints 33 new firefighters including 2 women
FF Ashley Sanchez and Mishynn Squire
Chief McDermott addressing the crowd
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Class of 2020
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Class of 2020
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First Responder News April 2020
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April First Responder News
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July 2, 2020: Promotion Ceremony at Headquarters. (all of photos are by Vincent T Marchese)
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Mayor Andre Sayegh
Group Photo
L-R : Captain Robert Ziedler, Supervising Mechanic Chris DeBlass, Captain Michael Mauro, Captain Kenneth Beekman, Captain Steven Ali, Captain Sean Duffy, Battalion Chief Michael Hall, Battalion Chief Frank Liscio, Battalion Chief AJ Woods, Battalion Chief Jose Castro, Chief Operator Edith Anderson, Director Jerry Speziale, Chief Brian McDermott, Assistant Chief Gabe Aboyoun, Deputy Chief William Bucher, Deputy Chief Orlando “Andy” Rodriguez, Deputy Chief Alejandro “Alex” Alicea, Chief of Apparatus Tony Diaz, Captain Matthew Campagna, Captain Jesus Garcia, Captain Jonathon Salmond, Captain Harrison Holmes, Captain Ricardo Vargas, Captain Sonny Gotay
1st Responder News August 2020 - courtesy Bill Tompkins
The on and off again Rank of Assistant Chief reintroduced - It had disappeared in 1978
Gabriel Aboyoun becomes the 26th AC in PFD History - to review the others
Gabriel Aboyoun becomes the 26th AC in PFD History - to review the others
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New Deputy Chiefs For all others CLICK HERE
DC John Bucher, Orlando Rodriquez, Alejandro Alicea
New Battalion Chiefs For all others CLICK HERE
BCs Frank Liscio IV, Arthur J. Woods, Jose M. Castro, Michael R. Hall
Shirt Patch - Courtesy AJ Woods
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Courtesy AJ Woods
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Captains
Not listed in order: Jonathan E Salmond, Steven Ali, Harrison L Holmes, Robert W Zeidler, Ricardo Vargas, Jesus M Garcia III, Sonny L Gotay, Kenneth H Beekman, Sean C Duffy, Michael Mauro, Matthew A Campagna.
1st Responder News August 2020 - courtesy Bill Tompkins
Chief McDermott & Apparatus Chief Tony Diaz
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New BC of Apparatus and new BC Frank Liscio IV
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Chief Operator Edith Anderson & Mayor
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Captain Howard Anderson, BC Frank Liscio IV, BC AJ Woods, Captain Kenneth Beekman
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Apparatus Chf Tony Diaz, BC Frank Lisco. Ret BC Michael D'Arco, BC AJ Woods
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BC Dante Destefano wearing new style white BC cap and AC Gabe Aboyoun
New Captain Michael Mauro with his father retired Chief John Mauro
Historic Captains badge worn by Chief John Mauro, Captain John Mauro Jr and now Michael Mauro
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Captain Brothers - Michaël Mauro at left and John Mauro at right
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Ret BC Michael D'Arco, Chief Operator L. Howe & Captain Beth Fournier
September 9, 2020: Promoted to Battalion Chief was Mike Walker, now in his 20th year and to Captain John Candelo, a 17-year veteran of the Paterson Fire Department whom McDermott referred to as a “quiet leader,” Firefighter Troy Ayers, who since 2010 has been leading the Public Education and Community Relations division first sworn in to the Paterson Fire Department in 2006, was appointed to serve as the Department’s Coordinator of Emergency Management. Mayor Andre Sayegh who also praised the men for their bravery and service to the community administered the oath.
Michael Walker
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John Candello
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Mayor Sayegh, Chief McDermott, B/C Caposella, Director Speziale & Troy Ayers
February 3, 2021: Promotions: 3 Deputy provisional Chiefs (including PFD's first African American D/C), 4 Battalion Chiefs (2 of which are provisional), 10 Captains. As the number of promotions exceed the civil service lists, the 3 DC’s and 2 of the BC’s will be provisional appointments. This includes the 1st ever Director of Communications (Provisional) and Chief of Communications (Provisional) both promoted from ranks of dispatchers. Ten fire inspectors are moved to title of Fire Marshals. Also appointed was a Deputy OEM Coordinator and a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
With these promotions Communications will have a Director, Chief, 10 supervisors, 4 Seniors and 32 dispatchers.
With these promotions Communications will have a Director, Chief, 10 supervisors, 4 Seniors and 32 dispatchers.
Captains taking the oath
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June 30, 2021: Promotional Ceremony - Left to right: Provisional DC Joseph Henderson, BC Sal Brigati, BC John Mauro, Captain Gustavo Guitierrez, Captain Kyle Hughes, Captain Raphael Chavez
August 16, 2021: 23 new firefighters sworn in
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Chief McDermott and DC Alex Alicea
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Chief McDermott, new FF Jerry Behnke and FMBA, President Frank Lozada
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Class President Matthew Abreu
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March 4, 2022: 7 new appointees to the Academy Training class sworn in at City Hall - For details CLICK HERE
Chief McDermott and DC Alex Alicea
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mayor Sayegh at podium
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