BADGES: Volunteer Era

VOLUNTEER ERA BADGES (pre 1890)

The following badges can date as early as the 1860s. The numbers in the center are specific to a given fireman. The hose border suggests they may have been hose company badges.

Dayspring Collection

Jim Eifler Collection

Above badge type can be seen on Foreman (standing) of Columbia Hose Company #1

Germania Hook and Ladder 2 (77 Prospect Street)

Shield shaped badges were use by all of Paterson's Volunteer Companies starting in the 1870s and continuing until the department became paid in 1890. Exempt firemen used "silver" (nickel plated) color and non-exempts the brass ones. The badges all have a steam fire engine on the bottom, the company number in the center and the fireman's badge number at the apex. Hook and Ladder Companies had crossed ladders around the Company Number and Hose Companies display a circular hose around the Company Number.

At right are men of Germania Hook and Ladder Company 2 with badges outside of the 77 Prospect Street Firehouse

Neptune Engine Company 2

No. is the abbreviation for number. There never was an Engine Company 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 in the Volunteer PFD. The proper terminology was Passaic No. 1, Neptune No. 2, Washington No. 3, Jackson No. 4, Protection No. 5, Vigilant No. 6, Liberty No. 7, Lafayette No; 8, Paterson Steam Fire Engine (SFE) No. No 9, Columbia Hose No. 1, Cataract Hose No. 2, Hibernia Hoe No. 3, Eagle H&L No. 1, Germania H&L No.2. Once an Engine company obtained a steam fire engine the names changed to Passaic Steam Fire Engine (SFE) No. 1, Neptune SFE No. 2, etc. If one states Engine 4, that immediately refers to the paid department starting in 1890.

Passaic Engine Company 1