CAPTAIN JOHN WEBER

Captain John Weber

1884: John Weber a former tinsmith was hired by Paterson Fire department as one of the first drivers (Tillerman) when horses were introduced. The Company was Germania Hook and Ladder 2, located at 77 Prospect Street firehouse (between Ellison and Market Streets). His Volunteer Badge # was 42.

March 20, 1890: The transition from a totally volunteer department to partially paid "Call System" occurred. A full-time, fully paid, Captain was appointed for each of the 9 Engine Companies and 3 Truck Companies. John Weber was appointed the original captain at Truck Company 2 then located at 77 Prospect Street Firehouse.

From 18932 AE Costello Book

19112 Paterson News Review article

April 15, 1890: Alderman Committee on Fire meeting - Weber appointment

April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Truck 2

Badge       Name                           Rank
125         Gustav Specht              Callman
126         Charles Fahrenbach     Callman
127         Samuel Close                Callman
128         George Muth                 Callman
129         Albert Mercier               Callman
130         Felix McCann                Callman

Badge       Name                           Rank
120 John Weber              Captain
123         John Vesey                 Tillerman
122         John Grotty                 Laddernan
124        Adam Banghardt          Driver

November 24, 1895: The department becomes fully paid as all call men are replaced (many were rehired) by full time firemen who all live in firehouses. The Volunteer Department ceases.

November 15, 1895: the Fully Paid Department begins
First Manpower Assignment for Truck 2 (Badge #s)

Captain John Weber #120
Tillerman John Crotty #122
Ladderman Adam Banghart #123
Driver William J. Post #124
Ladderman Felix McCann #126

Ladderman Josiah Barton #125
Ladderman Morris Rozelle #127
Ladderman George Pfitzenmeyer #128
(detailed as Chief Stagg's Driver)

May 4, 1897: Members of Truck 2 elect officers with John Weber as secretary and then sit down to a clam chowder dinner

April 8, 1901: Annual meeting of Hook and Ladder Company 2 Officers elected with Captain Weber as secretary

Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

September 11, 1905: Members of Truck 2 present Captain Weber a gold badge for his 20 years of service to paid PFD

September 11, 1905 Paterson Daily Press

September 11 Paterson Morning Call

April 16, 1906: Drill of Truck 2 and its aerial at Colt Building - the 75' aerial reached to the top floor

Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

July 27, 1906: Captain Weber receives a special woven rope for the doors of Truck 2 quarters from the Providence RI fire department

Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 16, 1906: Bizarre shooting episode possibly directed at Captain Weber at Prospect Street firehouse

May 22 Paterson News

March 6, 1907: Truck 2 rescues dog from icy Passaic River

January 8, 1907: Captain Weber receives presentation helmet from Passaic Hook and Ladder Rescue Truck

January 10 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison

Morning Call

March 6, 1907: Truck 2 rescues dog from icy Passaic River

March 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

October 27, 1907: PFD series published in the Guardian Truck 2 with captain Weber - first at left on side running board

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

Truck Company 2 with its 75 foot Seagrave Aerial with a Hose Tower attachment is pictured below in front of the Prospect Street Firehouse. Captain Weber standing on turret.

1908: Men of Hook and Ladder 2 - Standing left to right: Leonard Chadwick, Louis Haster, John Gorman, Charles Harrison, John Anderson, George Pfitzmeyer, Peter J Breen. Sitting - Lieutenant William Marshall, Captain John Weber