Awards, Dedications
Tributes, Resolutions
August 3, 1909: Paterson News runs Firemen's Popularity Contest -
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
|
|
August 7, 1909: Captain Weber gets his watch
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 21, 1938: Hero Medal Ceremony at Eastside High School
April 22 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
May 5, 1938: Captain John Holly of Engine 11 receives award for a heroic rescue. In photo are Chief Coyle, F/F of Engine 11 and their ALF apparatus in the background
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 27, 1951: William O. Stillman Award presented to Captain William McCorry, and FF Ed Ristan and John Sisco by the Passaic County Animal Welfare Society
|
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
June 27, 1953: F/F Thomas Sisco receives award for a rescue performed on June 13, 1953 at the Cliffs of Garret Mountain (Note official PFD Records have the F/F listed as John Sisco). Incident news clip describes Engines 1 and 9 responding but more likely it was Engine 9 and Truck 1.
June 15 1953 Paterson News
|
F/F Sisco. In official PFD records his name is listed as John and in ball books referred to as John or Thomas
|
October 18, 1957: Off duty Chief's Aide, Mario Colatarci, a former Army Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient, receives a new award for Heroic Duty - a Gold Commendation award from Mayor for disarming and capturing an armed criminal
October 11 Paterson News
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
Mario Colitarci in a later photo as a Captain
|
December 9 Paterson News
January 21, 1960: Fire and Police Commission to cite awards at their February meeting
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 9, 1960: New appointments and awards at Fire & Police commission meeting
February 10 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
Error in the text: is Joe's wife is Gloria Parkin and Ralph's wife was Phyllis DiGuglielmo.
January 29, 1963: Captain Fallous Baker receives VFW award for a rescue of children from Garret Mountain
November 1963: Mayors medal awarded to F/Fs William Shortway and Arthur Heydorn
|
Courtesy of Laura Shortway-Doud
|
January 28, 1964: VFW Hero award presented to Chief's Aide John Palonis for a Passaic falls rescue. Palonis served in U.S. Marines Corporal August 1943 thru July 1946 - Appointed to PFD January 16, 1949 - Engine 5, Chief's Aide - Retired September 1, 1975
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 10, 1965: FF William "Bill" Savage and Richard "Dick" Henches receive commendations fro Fire and Police Commission
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 16, 1968: Assistant Chief Comer to receive citation
Paterson Evening News
July 10, 1968: Fire and Police Commission citation for Assistant Chief Comer
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 28, 1969: Fidelians of American present awards to Paterson firemen (Al DeRitter, Captain Warren Gallagher, William Fillipelli) and police officers.
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 23, 1968: Award for D/C William Comer fr Moly Ann's brook rescue
September 24 Paterson News
March 11, 1969: Fire and Police Commission Meeting awards re a February 24th North 3rd Street fire
April 10, 1969 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 24, 1969: Commendation by NJ Governor Hughes for Paterson FF Engine Company 12 re the 96 North 3rd Street rescue: Alan DeRitter, Captain Warren Gallagher and William Fillipelli
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 10, 1969: Fire and Police Commission awards
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 13, 1971: A/C Comer is cited by VFW at Fire & Police Board meeting
October 16 Paterson Evening News
June 15, 1972: Fire and Police Commission Awards -
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 18, 1972: For his actions during a General Alarm on March 11, 1972 at the Sylvettes Store on Main near Broadway F/F Michael Ross receives the Mayor's Award
July 19 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 23, 1974: Valor Awards during FMBA, 49th Annual ball - Note no ball book was produced in 1974
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 3, 1975: Valor Award for a fire on December 20. 1974
June 1975: Truck Company 2 at 115 Van Houten Street receives a new Pirsch aerial which carries a memorial plaque for Captain Frank Mancinelli who made the Supreme Sacrifice in 1973
|
|
August 29, 1975: State FMBA awards
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
March 1976: Engine Company received a new Hahn Pumper which carried a dedication plaque in memory of Assistant Chief Richard Walmsley
|
|
1976 Ball Book
April 28, 1976: Ball program Valor Award ceremony to FF AL Kidd and Arnold Frey
April 29 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 17, 1976: F/F Edward McCran picked as VFW FF of the Year for actions at a March 20th rescue at Passaic Falls.
June 18 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 15, 1976: Valor Award at FMBA Ball to F/F Robert Effenberger (a future Captain) for a high-rise rescue
)ct0ber 18 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
April 21, 1977: Valor awards presented by Chief Kane to F/Fs Richard Korger, Robert Effenberger and Ed McCran
April 22 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 26, 1977: State FMBA award for F/F Korger
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 27, 1978: Engine 3 at Riverside Firehouse receives a new American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumper painted yellow. The dedication plaque is to FF Ralph DiGuglielmo
|
|
May 19, 1978: Report of Valor Awards presented at FMBA Ball
May 19 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
Circa early 1980's: Dedication Plaques on back wall of Madison Avenue Firehouse for Assistant Chief Michael Fleming and Captain Michael Recca
Rear of Engine 1 bay
|
Assistant Chief Michael Fleming
|
Captain Michael Recca
|
Rear of Ladder 1 bay
|
April 7, 1981: Valor awards presented at Annual Ball
McGuire Collection
May 26, 1982: Valor awards at Annual Ball on May 18
McGuire Collection
McGuire Collection
June 13, 1982: Alexander Hamilton Hotel incident FF Anthony Puglia cited by Firehouse Magazine
From March 13 1983 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 1983: FMBA Ball and Valor Awards
McGuire Collection
May 8, 1984: Valor awards: L-R: Michael Ventimiglia (FMBA president), Captain Dominick Cotroneo, A/C Willie Comer, Mayor Graves, F/F Glen Brown, F/F William O'Neill and Captain James Carrie.
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 15 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morison
December 9, 1984: Mayor's Medals to 55 firefighters
December 10 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 9, 1985: Mayor Graves presents medals to B/C Terry Pelligrino, FF William Taylor and Ambulance Supervisor Jim Durkin for their actions at a July 18 Park Avenue fire
August 8 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 26, 1985: Valor awards presented at FMBA Ball
April 30 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 1985: FMBA Bulletin
1987: Valor award for John Platt for actions at February 17 fire
McGuire Collection
circa 1987: Valor Award: L-R: Mike Vonegosh, Marty Krupinski, Ronnie VanderVleet (Gary Knorr in background)
May 20, 1988: Herman Garrett receives award
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
In 1990 Engine Company 6's new 1989 E-One apparatus was adorned with a plaque in honor of retired Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring pictured below at Madison Avenue Firehouse ceremony with Chief of Department John Mauro |
|
Plaque presented by Chief Engineer John Mauro to retired Assistant Chief Dayspring at ceremony in Madison Ave Headquarters
|
Engine Company 6 E-One apparatus
|
April 3, 1990: William Filippelli receives award from Governor Florio
McGuire Collection
September 4, 1990: Civic groups presents awards to several Paterson FF
Herald
May 16, 1991: Valor awards announced at 66th Annual Ball CLICK HERE
May 18 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 25, 1992: Silver Valor Award from State FMBA to F/F Thomas Straube for a child rescue performed August 3, 1991. For more details CLICK
Passaic County American Legion
December 11, 1993: Valor Awards postponed
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrrison
June 14, 1995: Knights of Columbus Shield Award for F/F Ronald Dubiel and Captain Vincent Zito
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 26, 1995: For a rescue on July 12, 1994 - Lynn (Wendell) Tolbert of Ladder 3 receives the VFW of NJ Outstanding FF Award of the Year From the
July 16, 1995 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 25, 1996 Resolution by City of Paterson to Captain Edward Conklin
September 13, 1996: FF Marty Perrone and EMT Alison Murray inducted into Police and Firefighter's Insurance Association Heroes Hall of Fame for the rescue of an infant in a January 1996 North 5th Street fire
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 10, 1998: Unit Citation for Engine 8: for actions at 197 Liberty Street @ 22:55 Hrs. Captain Ave Fernandez, F/Fs Thomas Straube, Manuel Gonzales and Andrew S. Meyers
Displayed at Hillcrest Firehouse
Captain Fernandez
|
F/F T. Straube
|
F/F M. Gonzales
|
F/F A. Meyers
|
September 22, 1999 - Congressional tribute to Chief Pasquariello by Congressman Pascrell
June 10, 2001: Award ceremony at the Brownstone
June 12 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 20, 2002: Shield awards for responding to emergencies -
2004: Ladder 3 received dedication plaque for Chief James Pasquariello
|
Chief Pasquariello
|
April 2005: Ladder 1 carried a dedication plaque to former FMBA President William Fillipelli
Bill Filippelli
|
1999: The following tribute to Chief James Pasquariello was read on the floor of congress by Paterson's US House of Representative member Bill Pascrell Jr.
|
|
2015: The new Pierce Tower Ladder was dedicated to the service of FF Joe Parkin Sr. The new state of the art Fire Headquarters was also officially opened at this ceremony. More views of Joe's helmet can be seen at the memorabilia page. |
Joesph Parkin Sr.
|
May 28, 2015: Military Commemorative award
May 29 Herald
February 2, 2016: Congressional letter of commendation for F/F Michael Hook - 15 other F/F received the award for a River Rescue
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 30, 2017: Father John Piccione, OFM Dedication Plaque - Headquarters Display
Chris Keenan (Chaplain), FF Robert Allen --
Vince Matchese Photo
Father John Piccione was born on September 25, 1964. Following his vocation, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1995 and assigned to St. Bonaventure’s Roman Catholic Church. He would become pastor of St. Bonaventure’s on July 1, 1999 and was appointed Chaplain of the Paterson Fire Department in 1998. Throughout his tenure as Fire Department Chaplain, he was a common fixture at fires and other emergency scenes, at all hours of the day and night. He accompanied our firefighters to the World Trade Center on the fateful day of 9/11/01 and several days thereafter. Father Piccione passed away on February 22, 2009. “Padre” as he was commonly known, is recognized for his unwavering friendship, loyalty, support, and spiritual guidance to all our members.
Affixed to Headquarters exterior late 2017
June 30, 2017: Mullen-Wild Family -- Headquarters Display
|
Paterson Fire Headquarters is built on the site of a homestead occupied by one family from the late 19th century until the early years of the 21st century. The house was originally built in 1891 by Peter and Mary Doughaen and was then inherited by their daughter Mary and her husband, Police Captain Eugene Wild,
|
Mayor Torres & Chief Postorino present plaque -- Vince Marchese Photo
|
whose family had also lived in this section of Paterson from the 1840’s. In 1970, Captain Wild left the house and property to his daughter Eleanor and her husband, Dr. Richard W. Mullen. Throughout these many years, members of the family have devoted themselves to the Fire, EMS, Police and Educational Services of the City of Paterson
On exterior of Headquarters (McBride Avenue) Firehouse late 2017
June 30, 2017: Hancock Family Dedication Plaque for Engine 1
|
The Hancock Family plaque commemorates their (so far) 104 years of cumulative service to the PFD. The family is also unique as it also represents 99 years of continuous service. Three generations of Hancocks have served the Paterson Fire Department. Edward A. Hancock
|
June 30, 2017 Vince Marchese Photo
|
was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department on February 16, 1918. He was promoted to Chief’s Aide and served until his death on Sept. 3, 1956. His son, Edward J. Hancock was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department on February 1, 1954 and retired as a Deputy Fire Chief on March 1, 1991. Kevin, who was the third generation Hancock, was appointed first to the Paterson Police Department on April 1, 1985 and then to the Paterson Fire Department on April 11, 1989. He is presently a Deputy Chief and serves as the Chief of Operations. Collectively, the Hancocks have over 100 years of service with the Paterson Fire Department, and are approaching 100 years of “consecutive service” as there has been a Hancock with the Paterson Fire Department dating back to 1918. For the full story of the Hancocks & additonal photos click here and scrol down
L-R: Mayor Torres, Chief Postorino, FF Robert Allen, BC Charles Onorato, DC Kevin Hancock, his wife Pat, his son Officer Kevin S. Hancock of the Port Authority Police Department. Behind Pat is DC Hancock's brother Edward. Not seen behind Officer Hancock is DC Hancock's Aunt Pat. -- -- Vince Marchese Photo
Edward A. Hancock
|
Edward J. Hancock
|
Kevin Hancock
|
Affixed to Engine Company 1 in2018
February 16, 2018 - Plaque on Engine 1 - DC Kevin Hancock
|
December 27, 2018 - Dayspring photo
|
June 30, 2017: Captain Jose Diaz Dedication Plaque for Engine 4
Northside FH
|
Jose “Joe” Diaz was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico on January 16, 1945. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 until 1971 and subsequently in the New Jersey Army National Guard. He was temporarily appointed to the Paterson Fire Department as a CETA Firefighter prior to his permanent
|
|
appointment as a Firefighter on November 26, 1979. On February 1, 1989, Diaz was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain. His promotion to Fire Captain was monumental as Diaz became the first Latin-American Officer in the history of the Paterson Fire Department. Diaz served at Ladders 1 and 2 and also in Engine Companies 3, 8, and 2 until his retirement on August 1, 2008.
|
|
Mayor Torres, Chif Postorino, FF Robert Allen and Captain Jose Diaz with family -- Vince Marchese Photo
June 30, 2017: McLauglin Family Dedication Plaque for Engine 5
|
Four generations of McLaughlins have served the Paterson Fire Department. Joseph McLaughlin was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department as a Firefighter on July 1, 1912 and served until May 1, 1944. His son, Edward was appointed Dec. 1, 1956 and served as a Deputy Fire Chief until his retirement on April 1, 1989. The third
|
|
Joseph McLaughlin Truck 3 1936 photo
|
D/C Edward J McLaugghlin Sr.
|
generation McLaughlin, Edward Jr., was appointed Firefighter Nov.26, 1979. He rose to the ranks of Deputy Fire Chief, serving as Executive Officer, until his retirement on July 1, 2010. The fourth generation McLaughlin, Matthew, was appointed Firefighter on June 18, 2012 and is presently
|
DC Edward McLaughlin Jr.
|
Matt McLaughlin
|
assigned to Ladder Company 1. Collectively, the McLaughlins have over 100 years of service (and counting) with the Paterson Fire Department. Of interest is that Joseph also had a brother that served at PFD: Captain James McLaughlin appointed in 1915.
- Firefighter Joseph McLaughlin: Served – July 1, 1912 – May 1, 1944
- Deputy Chief Edward J. McLaughlin Sr. Served – Dec. 1, 1956 - April 1, 1989
- Deputy Chief Edward J. McLaughlin Jr. Served – Nov. 26, 1979 – July 1, 2010
- Firefighter Matthew McLaughlin Served – June 18, 2012 – present
McLaughlin Family with Mayor Torres,Chief Postorino & Retired DC Ed J McLaughlin. FF Matt McLaughlin at the right rear -- FF Robert Allen at microphone -- Vince Marchese Photo
Engine 5 plaque - December 27, 2018 - Dayspring photo
June 30, 2017: Captain Larry Franklin Dedication Plaque for Engine 6
Michael Saggeau Photo
|
Larry Franklin was born February 7, 1951. He served in the United States Air Force from 1973-1977 and was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1977. He was appointed as a Firefighter on June 30, 1980 and promoted to the rank of Fire Captain on January 9, 1994. His promotion was monumental as Franklin
|
|
He was appointed as a Firefighter on June 30, 1980 and promoted to the rank of Fire Captain on January 9, 1994. His promotion was monumental as Franklin became the first African-American Fire Captain in the history of the Paterson Fire Department. During his tenure he served in a variety of assignments including the Company Officer of the Rescue 1, was well as the Department’s Recruitment Officer. Franklin retired from the Fire Department on Aug 1, 2005. Larry is the father of Tyron Franklin, who made the Supreme Sacrifice while serving as a Paterson Police Officer.
|
March 7, 1994 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
|
Chief Postorino, Captain Franklin & wife Yvette Atkins and Mayor Torres -- Vince Marchese Photo
Plaque on apparatus - AJ Woods photo
Courtesy Captain AJ Woods - January 2019
|
|
June 30, 2017: Chief John Mauro Dedication Plaque for Engine 7
|
John A. Mauro was born March 25, 1942. He was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department as a Firefighter on September 27, 1963. He was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain on July 1, 1972, Battalion Fire Chief on October 1, 1977, and Deputy Chief August 1, 1987. During his tenure, he served in a variety of assignments, most notably as the
|
Bill Tompkins Photo
|
Director of the Emergency Medical Service Division. On April 9, 1990, he became the 8th Fire Chief of the Paterson Fire Department where he served until his retirement on January 1, 1996. John and his wife, Anne, have three children, two of whom are current firefighters with the Paterson Fire Department. For more on Chief Mauro click here and scroll down.
L-R. Nancy Mauro, wife of Fire Fighter Michael Mauro, . Alex Mauro. son of Captain John Mauro, Jr. Captain John Mauro, Jr and Chief Mauro's daughter, Maryanne Mauro . Up front is Chief Mauro and his wife Anne. -- Vince Marchese Photo
FF Michael Mauro, Chief John Mauro and Captain John Mauro Jr.
Plaque on Engine 7
June 30, 2017: Fleming Family Dedication Plaque for Ladder 3
|
Three generations of Flemings have served the Paterson Fire Department. Michael J. Fleming was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department on February 16, 1943. He rose to the rank of Assistant Chief before his retirement in 1977. His son, Michael P., was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department on Sept. 1, 1963 and retired as a Battalion Fire Chief in 2003. Michael Jr., the third generation Fleming, was appointed to the Paterson Fire
|
Assistant Chief Michael J Fleming
|
Department on May 7, 1991. He rose to rank of a Deputy Fire Chief served as the Tour Commander of Tour 4 and retired in 2019. Collectively, the Flemings have 100 years of cumulative service with the Paterson Fire Department.
- Assistant Chief Michael J. Fleming Feb. 16, 1943 – July 1, 1977
- Battalion Chief Michael P. Fleming Sr. Sept. 1, 1963 – March 1, 2003
- Deputy Chief Michael P. Fleming Jr. May 7, 1991 – June 1, 2019
Chief Postorino, Mayor Torres, Ret D/C Michael P Sr & D/C Michael P Jr and family -- Vince Marchese Photo
The Flemings with Ladder 3. Ret. D/C Fleming holding plaque -- Vince Marchese Photo
February 13 2002 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
|
|
Tour 4 July 19, 2019 D/C Michael Fleming Jr at McBride Avenue
|
D/C (Tour Commander) Michael Fleming Jr
|
January 17, 2018: The Bronze Heat Society wins education award at Paterson's Annual Martin Luther King Ceremony (this year held at St Joseph's Hospital). Organization represents African American FF at PFD.
Captain Alton Dickson (L1) at left.
January 29, 2018: Retired Chief Michael Postorino was presented with the dedication plaque that will be affixed to the new Pierce Arrow Ladder Truck that just entered service on January 10, 2018 at Ladder 1
|
|
April 27, 2019: NJ FMBA Awards dinner
|
EMS Medal of Distinction: FF Zach Panzarella and FF Scott Matthews. State FMBA VP Wayne Wolk at left
|
Humanitarian Award - FF Thomas Giliberti, FF Kyle Hughes, Captain Marco Miranda
|
|
Bronze Award
|
|
May 2019: NJ FMBA Awards Ceremony
FMBA Bulletin - May 2019
June 3, 2019: Valor Award Ceremony at headquarters - Vince Marchese Photos
Chief McDermott, Mayor Sayegh and BC Cruz accepting Mayors Award for FF Frank Lozada
|
Chief McDermott congratulates Captain Ganci - a Unit Citation for Ladder 1
|
Chief McDermott & FF Dave Van Tassel
|
Chief McDermott, FF Kyle Hughes, FF Tom Giliberti, FF Marco Miranda
|
Chief McDermott, FF Robert Allen, - Awards to Captain Scott Parkin, FF's Frank Petrelli and Rob Zeidler
Click to enlarge Bill Tompkins Photos below
February 24, 2010: Dedication Plaque for High Water Truck in honor of Ret. FF Luis Vega
FF Vega and Chief McDermott
|
|
June 6, 2021: Valor awards announced at Annual Memorial Service
|
Rescue 2
|
October 14, 2021: FF Frank Lozada (appointed 2015) received a Hispanic Heritage award (nominated by Council President Davila) for saving the life of a young boy
FF Lozada and Chief Brian McDermott
June 5, 2022: Annual Memorial Service and Valor Awards.
|
|
City of Paterson Director's Award to Chief McDermott
|
Mayor Sayegh, Chief McDermott, BC Michael Walker & FF Frank Lozada
|
Mayor's Award to DC Matthew Hyman
|
DC James Sweeney Valor Award presented to BC Kenneth Kiefer
|
FF William Conklin Award to Rashon Dixon
|
Chief John Stagg Award to FF Robert Allen
|
Chief of Department Medal to Ms Larice Tucker
|
|
Unit Citation
|
December 2022: Members of L3 T2 receiving citations from Elmwood Park Police for their actions on November 8, 2022 in rescuing a jumper from the edge of a bridge on the border between Paterson and Elmwood Park
L3 Captain Mike Hook 2nd from right
|
|
May 9, 2003: Passaic County 200 Club homored members of Ladder 3 Tour 2 for rescue of a suicidal woman hanging onto a Broadway Bridge over Route 20 and Passaic River - November 2022
|
|
FF Lucas Zarate, FF Andrew Mingione, Captain Michael Hook - Chief Brian McDermott
|
|