Early in its history firemen ran to fires and hand pulled apparatus. Starting 1884 horses and drivers (paid) were introduced and during the transformation to a paid department in 1890 all apparatus including the vehicles used to transport Chief Engineers were horse drawn. The term "GIG" originally referred to a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by one horse. However, the term has withstood time and continues to be applied to motorized vehicles used to transport Chiefs.
1890: Initial Chief's Driver: David Murray
1894: Drivers: Chief - George Pfitzenmeyer;
Assistant Chief - William Stannard & Samuel Miller
Supply Wagon - George Singerland
1894: Drivers: Chief - George Pfitzenmeyer;
Assistant Chief - William Stannard & Samuel Miller
Supply Wagon - George Singerland
Chief John Stagg and driver George Pfitzenmeier in their gig in from of the 10 Hotel Street (Later renamed Hamilton Street) Headquarters (early 1900 photo). Notice Dietz Fire King Lantern at rear.
February 11, 1897: 10:00 PM Accident with Chief Stagg's gig (returning from false alarm)
February 12 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 25, 1903: 89:35 PM - Responding to station 363 Assistant Chief Mill's Gig and Hose wagon of Engine 6 collide at Broadway and Carroll Street - gig driver injured
|
June 26 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
March 28, 1905: 742 6:30 PM 10th Avenue & East 33rd Street Oriental Silk Printing
Runaway Gig Horse
Runaway Gig Horse
May 2, 1905: Gig of Assistant Chief Gilmore driven by FF Kearney (likely Philip) struck a pedestrian
|
Mat 3 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
1907: Assistant Chiefs James Mills and John Gilmore posed at Hamilton Avenue Headquarters. From the postcard series published this year
October 27, 1907: From a review of PFD published in the Guardian -
At City Hall courtesy Dennis Morrison
At Water Street Firehouse with driver John Gorman
|
At Hamilton Street Firehouse with driver John McLean
|
November 14, 1907: While responding to a fire on Mercer Street, the assistant chief's gig was in accident at Edison Light on Prospect Street - driver was John McLean - Chief knocked unconscious.
November 5 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
November 15 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
May 23, 1908: Assistant Chief Gilmore's gig in accident at River and Paterson Streets while responding to station 651 at North York and Lyon Streets
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 12, 1908: Collision at Van Houten and Washington Streets between gig of Assistant Chief Gilmore (driven by Frank Shane) and DC Patrick Sweeney (driven by his son James)
|
Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
|
Paterson News
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
August 8, 1910: ~ 12:00 PM Gig axle breaks at Holesman and Water Streets responding to alarm
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 28, 1910: Crash as gig responds to Station 521
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
March 18, 1911: A Buick Touring Car, Model 26 automobile was purchased for Chief Engineer Stagg
|
This was the first motorized Chiefs automobile and never again was the Chief Engineer transported by horses. At right is a 1912 photo with Chief Thomas Coyle sitting in car |
|
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 1912: Chief's gig will be given to Deputy Chief Sweeney and new gig ordered for Chief - in the transition horse "Big Billy" is retired and horse "Ed" is the replacement
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 8, 1912: Department reorganizes from 1 chief, 1 Assistant Chief and 1 Deputy Chief to one Chief and two Battalion Chiefs. A new motorized gig ordered so that all 3 Chiefs now have motorized vehicles.
December 7, 1914: Station 732 Broadway and Summer Streets - 6 Lake Street Attic fire
En route Chief Coyle gig, driven by aide John Anderson collides with jam-packed police vehicle - both were sounding their bells at the times (no sirens in use in 1914)
En route Chief Coyle gig, driven by aide John Anderson collides with jam-packed police vehicle - both were sounding their bells at the times (no sirens in use in 1914)
|
December 8 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
August 5, 1916: Resolution passes fire commission for PFD to get new gasoline powered automobile for Chief.
June 12, 1917: BC Nolan's motorized-gig has accident
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 17, 1912: Upon retirement DC Patrick Sweeney wants to buy horse that pulled his gig
|
Morning call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
March 1913: BC Charles Nolan, Chief Thomas Coyle and BC Ernest Fields at 115 Van Houten Street Headquarters
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 (? Engine 2 on Highland Street) using autocar gig.
July 1, 1916: Two Platoon System begins: (Day and Night Shifts) goes into effect
Chief's Drivers are: James Campbell, John Anderson, Leo Kane, Edward Ball, Abe Perrius and Michael Comer
Chief's Drivers are: James Campbell, John Anderson, Leo Kane, Edward Ball, Abe Perrius and Michael Comer
Below: From rear to front: Deputy Chief, Chief and Battalion Chief Cars
at 115 Van Houten Street Headquarters. Chief Coyle is in the center car.
at 115 Van Houten Street Headquarters. Chief Coyle is in the center car.
Chief Coyle in center gig
Gig Driver James Campbell
January 10, 1915: 9 PM Chief Coyle's gig in accident responding to a west Street fire
|
January 11 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
July 20, 1915: Board of Fire and Police Commission meeting at Headquarters
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
August 16, 1916: Driver Abraham Perrius retires - was driver of Chief Specht and Nolan
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 12, 1917: BC Nolan gig accident - Hit trolley pole at Market and Straight Street and was badly damaged. PPD patrol wagon picket the chief up and transported him to the fire. Gig had to be towed back to headquarters
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrrison
September 14, 1922: Responding to Station 242 at 5:10 PM to a Madison Street garage fire, Chief Nolan's gig strikes a pedestrian -
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 2, 1924: 1:28 PM responding to Station 212, the Chandler touring car of Battalion Chief Specht driven by FF Edward ball in accident at Straight and Van Houten Streets
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 16, 1925: BC Gig accident (BC Specht)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1929: Headquarters with apparatus and Gigs
1929 photo oh Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street with apparatus and gigs
Type 61 Cadillac Phaeton -- Chief Coyle and Driver James Campbell
July 16, 1929: Headquarters reception for Chief's Aid John Anderson leaving for a 6 weeks vacation tour
|
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
December 4, 1929: Below is a proposal from Brogan Cadillac-LaSalle for a new LaSalle Fleetwood Phaeton for $3010. The car is pictured below.
Type 61 Cadillac Phaeton
1935 photo of A Shift Battalion Chiefs Charles Nolan, Michael Comer, and drivers John Murphy, James Smith, and Edward A. Hancock. 115 Van Houten Street.
1936 Ball Book Photos
1936 Ball Book
Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief and Head Chief Engineer gigs circa 1936 parked outside Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. This photo was in the 1936 Ball book.
Deputy Chief Michael Comer at left below
BC Michael Comer at left
April 10, 1936: Major purchase of 12 new Chevrolet Police Cars and Gigs (note bells on grills) lined up at Fire Headquarters - the PFD gigs are the 2 with bells on their front grills
August 3, 1940: Chief Thomas Coyle receives a 1939 LaSalle with white-wall tires and bell and siren mounted on a special front bumper mount.
courtesy Kevin Behnke
January 21, 1939: Accident report from Battalion Chief Michael Comer
Dayspring Collection
1944 Annual Report -
Chief Car: LaSalle Sedan
2 Chevrolet Roadsters One for Deputy Chief and one for Battalion Chief
Chief Car: LaSalle Sedan
2 Chevrolet Roadsters One for Deputy Chief and one for Battalion Chief
List of gigs purchased since January 1945. List composed in 1953
Dayspring Collection
Chief Engineer James Troy and Driver Joseph Dowd with Cadillac (received May 17, 1946 from Brogan Cadillac at a cost of $2734)) parked on apron at 37 23rd Avenue, Home of Engine Company 13, whose Ahrens Fox is seen in background. Photo is late 1940s. This car was quartered at Engine Company 4 on Slater Street as late as 1951.
1947: Dodge coupe Deputy Chief gig at unknown location
Note 3 crossed trumpets on door side panel
Front of the '47 Dodge Coup gig, showing bell and siren is at left in this October 1950 bus accident at Slater and Marshall Streets
November 25, 1947: Collision between Battalion Chief gig (B/C Joe Bray with driver Ray Carr) and Engine 5 (driver George Findlow, acting Captain Willie Comer)at Straight and Market Streets
November 26 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
|
|
July 15, 1950: List of Chief's Aides & appointment dates
|
John B Murphy - July 1, 1916
Joseph H Dow - February 16, 1916 Edward A Hancock - February 16, 1916 Richard Hickerson - March 1, 1914 James H Kelley - April 1, 1922 |
Charles A Wullard - May 16, 1915
Harold J Kane - November 1, 1942 Raymond Carr - April 16, 1942 Joseph Nardella - November 1, 19942 |
1950 Ford Deluxe sedan parked outside 115 Van Houten Street at right
Circa 1950: Chief's Cadillac outside 115 Van Houten Street. Note Truck Company 2 Ahrens Fox aerial in its center bay.
The above Cadillac was involved in a fatal accident at Broadway and Madison Avenue in which Driver Joseph Dowd was killed while driving Acting Chief Kennedy to a fire
Post 1952 photo: Meeting of the Chiefs of Clifton (left) and Paterson (Hobart Strathearn) with Commissioner Jack Stern in between. PFD gig driver: ? Ed Hancock
April 4, 1952: Chief's gig with driver John B. Murphy
December 4, 1953: From Morning Call Series on PFD Companies
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
December 4, 1953 Morning Call and 1954 FMBA Ball Book
Chiefs aides outside headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. Left-right: Mario Colatarci, Joseph Leitner, John B. Murphy, Edward Westhoven, Edward Hancock, William Evans, Charles Wullard, William Comer (future Chief Engineer), James Kelley, Raymond Carr.
August 7, 1955: Gig stolen right out of Headquarters on Van Houten Street
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
|
|
August 8 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 16, 1957: New gig for 2nd Battalion then at 17th Avenue Firehouse
Morning Call - courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 17 Paterson Evening News
1958: Main Street fire scene with gig and Engine Company 4 new FWD pumper
February 6, 1958: 7:42 AM Gig accident at Madison Street and 21st Avenue. Chief's Aide Ray Carr was driver
Paterson News
June 26, 1959: 7:30 PM B/C Madama's gig in accident at Madison and Getty
June 27 Paterson Evening News
May 9, 1960: A 1960 Ford Ranch Wagon (OE62W205232) Photo below is a 3rd alarm fire at Trinity Methodist Church (143 Carroll Street). This gig saw service as Car 71 (Assistant Chief), on Match 20, 1963 as Car 72 in 1st Battalion, on February 2, 1964 as Fire Alarm Superintendent. Iy went out of service in July 1971
Hancock Collection
April 30, 1962: Responding to an alarm, the gig (Car 72) of D/C Sal Madama driven by F/F Joe Pericelli collides with Engine 5 pumper, driven by F/F Ralph Van Dyke on Church Street
Paterson Evening News
|
D/C Sal Madama
Chief's Aide Pericelli
|
1964 Fire: Chevrolet Wagon acquired February 9, 1961 - originally used by Car 74 in 3rd Battalion. Transferred to Fire Prevention February 1964 and sold March 10, 1973.
Hancock Collection
1964: Car 72 (Battalion Chief Gig) a 1964 Chevrolet Biscayne 4 door sedan at 16th Avenue 2nd alarm (#412697184407). In 1969-70 this gig was used by community relations and then sold in 1973
R Salmanowitz/Natoli Collection
June 22, 1964: ~ 7:00 PM Gig of D/C Joe Cucci, driven by F/F Joe Ranieri accident responding to oxygen request has accident at Market and Summer Streets
June 23 Paterson News
Mid 1960s: Gig pulling float in parade
1967: Several Chiefs and their aides seen below with the car (Chevrolet) used by the Assistant Chiefs (Car 71) inside Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street:
Left: Front to back: Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring, Assistant Chief Dan Carroll, Deputy Chief George Findlow, Deputy Chief Michael Weiss and Assistant Chief Leo Fitzsimmons. Right side rear to front: Chiefs aide Charles Simpson, Ray Carr, John Palonis, Eddie Westhoven, Joe McCabe, William Savage and Tony Mercadante.
Left: Front to back: Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring, Assistant Chief Dan Carroll, Deputy Chief George Findlow, Deputy Chief Michael Weiss and Assistant Chief Leo Fitzsimmons. Right side rear to front: Chiefs aide Charles Simpson, Ray Carr, John Palonis, Eddie Westhoven, Joe McCabe, William Savage and Tony Mercadante.
Courtesy Jerry Behnke & Sellitto Family
Car 71: Assistant Chief Theodore Tice, Assistant Chief Michael Fleming, Assistant Chief Gerard Dugan, Assistant Chief William Comer. Chief Aides John Rankin, Fred Ricciardi, Joseph Leitner, James Johnstone, Thomas Ottavino, Pellegrino Vitale
Courtesy Jerry Behnke & Sellitto Family
Chief's Office: posed in front of Truck 2's 1962 Pirsch Aerial at Headquarters. First row: Captain Ferdinand Pelleschi, Assistant Chief Al Capter (drillmaster), Deputy Chief Solomon Reines, Chief Harold Kane, Captain Joseph Bauer; Standing L-R Captain William Flynn, Francis R. Moore, Antohny J. Corsetto, Carmine J Grossi, Russell Stephenson
Courtesy Jerry Behnke & Sellitto Family
Second Battalion (Car 74): Assistant Chief Alfred Micozzi, Deputy Chief Howard Schoonmaker, Assistant Chief Richard Walmsley. Chief's Aides Carmine Caposella, Joseph C. Perricelli at Lakeview Firehouse
Courtesy Jerry Behnke & Sellitto Family
1967: Third Battalion Chief Aides John Mauro, Joseph Ranieri, Assistant Chief Joseph R. Cucci, Assistant Chief Salvatore Madama at Riverside Firehouse. Car 73 - 1964 Chevrolet
Courtesy Jerry Behnke & Sellitto Family
1967 Third Battalion: Deputy Chief Jessie McCavitt, Deputy Chief Wilbert Mariani. Chief's Aides Tommy Waterson Richard Tullo, John Maccanico at Riverside FH with Car 73
Courtesy Jerry Behnke & Sellitto Family
April 1968: - Gig (partial view) at Market & Clark Street 3 alarm fire
Truck 2 1962 Pirsch to the right
Gig at the shop (Lakeview Firehouse). Angelo Contini at left and Vince Valois on right
Shown is a Paterson Chief's Car Bell circa 1960s: very few gigs after 1960s had bells
|
|
Drill Masters car at a fire scene in 1970s
Early 1970s Ford LTD Wagon
Car 70 (a 1970 Mercury) at an October 1973 3rd Alarm on Union Ave
November 7, 1974: The position of Chiefs aides are eliminated for Assistant and deputy Chiefs.
1976 Ford Gig destroyed at the Fulton Street Fire April 30, 1978
Car 70 with driver Tony Ziza 1978
Assistant Chief Dayspring and Gig (Car 71) - 1981
May 11, 1981: Aide for Chief Engineer (Car 70) is discontinued
October 1983: Chief's (Car 70) gig parked at Municipal Safety Complex on Broadway
|
|
At Madison Ave - but no longer top Chief gig
1983: Second Battalion Chief's Gig at Riverside Firehouse
2nd Battalion Car 73 -- E10 and T3 in their bays
1983 Photo
90th Anniversary Parade (Hancock Collection)
Chief Gig at Madison Avenue House - William Comer era (Anthony Natoli collection)
1985 Parade: Chief's Gig
Chiefs Gig Antonio DeFranco photo
1985 photo of Tour Commander gig at Hillcrest FH with ambulance 91
1985 photo of Tour Commander gig at Madison Avenue Headquarters
1985: Third Battalion at Hillcrest Firehouse
Engine 8 in background
First Battalion Gig at a winters fire scene
Madison Avenue Headquarters
Circa late 1980s: Madison Avenue FH: First Battalion Chief's Gig
1990: Chief Gig (Chief John Mauro)
May 1991: PFD purchased four Chevrolet Suburbans: 3 going to battalion chiefs 1 to ambulance supervisor. This ended the era of chief's using station wagons.
1995 100th Anniversary Parade: Tour Commander gig
1996: Tour Commander parked at Northside FH
1996: First, Second and Third Battalion Chief Gigs
Second Battalion Riverside Firehouse
|
First Battalion Southside Firehouse
|
3rfd Battalion Northside
2000: Tour Commander at Madison Ave Firehouse
2000: Battalion 1 Gig
January 22, 2007:
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
2011: Fire Prevention Vehicle
Gig at work - Todd Hollritt photo
2014 Battalion Chief Chevrolet Tahoe's
Bill Tomkins Photo
Fire Prevention Vehicle 2011
2014 Ball Book Battalion 2, Car #74, Tour 3.
2015: Tour Commander
March 2016: Third Battalion gig at Northside FH (Brandon Marsch photo)
May 2016 Third Battalion gig visiting Hillcrest FH
Todd Hollritt photo
2016: Battalion 1
Ron Bombaro photo
November 16, 2016 Tour Commander and Mobile Command Unit -- Ron Bombaro photo
EMS Commander at Madison Avenue FH Bay December 2016
December 15, 2016: Battalion 1 Gig at Lakeview Firehouse BC Brian Rathbone
|
|
June 2017: Battalion 1 Gig with BC Michael D'Arco
courtesy BC D'Arco
Bay at Southside Firehouse - courtesy BC D'Arco
B1 gig with gear - courtesy BC D'Arco
B1 in Bay at Southside FH - courtesy BC D'Arco
October 2017: Battalion 1 responding on Madison Avenue at Broadway - Ron Bombaro video
December 28, 2017: Northside FH: Battalion 3 gig with covering Battalion Chief Orlando Rodriquez
|
|
January 4, 2018: Battalion 4 opens at McBride Avenue Headquarters and covers center city, Stoney Road and most of Hillcrest.
February 20, 2018: Tour Commander gig at Headquarters (McBride Avenue) - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
|
|
Deputy 3 - William Henderson
Spare BC Gig (Battalion 4) at McBride Avenue FH
Todd Holritt Photo
June 3, 2018: Gigs at rear of McBride Avenue Headquarters
Chief McDermott with 51
Deputy Chief Spots - 51 (DC K Hancock) at left and 52 (DC Ryan Murray) at right
|
At left 51 - Chief of Training & Operations - 52 at left
|
Battalion 4 Gig
|
|
June 23, 2018: Battalion 3 responding - Ron Bombaro video
July 19, 2018: Deputy Chief Michael Fleming - Tour Commander Tour 4
Vince Marchese photo
August 2018: First Responder News - Tour Commander's Chevy Tahoe Gig at Southside Firehouse
November 2018: First Responder News
Northside Firehouse
October 13, 2018: Paterson Library "Touch a Truck" event - Bob Connell photo
October 26, 2018: McBride Avenue
Todd Hollritt photo
December 27, 2018: Deputy Chief Kevin Hancock - Chief of Operations but on this evening also running as Tour Commander. Here at McBride Avenue FH
Dayspring Photo
|
Dayspring Photo
|
December 27, 2018: Battalion 4 at McBride Avenue Firehouse with BC Orlando Rodriquez
Tour 1 B4 Dayspring photo
Dayspring photo
|
Dayspring photo
|
Dayspring photo
|
Dayspring photo
|
Vincent Marchese photo
December 27, 2018: Battalion 1 at Southside Firehouse with BC John Bradle (Tour 1)
Dayspring photo
Dayspring photo
|
Dayspring photo
Dayspring photo
|
December 27, 2018: Battalion 3 at Northside Firehouse with BC Luis Cruz (Tour 1)
Dayspring Photo
Dayspring Photo
|
Dayspring Photo
|
Dayspring Photo
|
Dayspring Photo
|
December 27, 2018: Battalion 2 at bay in Riverside Firehouse
Dayspring photo
Rear of Car 2 at right - Dayspring photo
|
Dayspring photo
|
Dayspring photo
|
Double trumpet insignia of Battalion Chief - Dayspring photo
|
December 27, 2018: Car 9 (formerly 90): EMS at Madison Avenue Firehouse (Tour 1)
Captain Cruz and Antoci - Dayspring photo
|
Captain Cruz and Antoci - Dayspring photo 91 in background
|
January 16, 2019: Battalion 1 - Brian Rathbone
March 2019: Tour Commander Ford Explorer
March 8, 2019: Battalion 1
Courtesy Orlando Garcia
|
Courtesy Orlando Garcia
|
March 13, 2019: Firematic toy becomes available
March 29, 2019: New Tour Commander Gig - lights are in the upper windshield.
|
|
April 2019: New Gigs at Headquarters
Jerry Spieziale Director of Public Safety, Mayor Sayegh & Chief Brian J McDermott
Chief McDermott and Director of Public Safety Jerry Speziale
Chief Brian J McDermott - Marchese Photo
Chief Brian J McDermott - Marchese Photo
Marchese Photo
Marchese photo
Marchese photo
April 18, 2018: At McBride Avenue Headquarters - Acting BC Mike Caposella
M Caposella Photo
M Caposella Photo
|
M Caposella Photo
|
April 2019: Fire Inspector Gigs- at McBride Avenue Headquarters
May 27, 2019: PFD gigs at Hawthorne's Memorial Day parade
Chief McDermott
|
Battalion
|
June 2, 2019: McBride Avenue Firehouse
Battalion 4 - T Dayspring photo
|
Battalion 4 - T Dayspring photo
|
Battalion 4 - T Dayspring photo
|
Battalion 4 - T Dayspring photo
|
|
|
June 2019: 2 white Ford Explorers were repainted red and new graphics added. Two white Ford Escapes were stripped clean and one had the front end repainted (both stayed white) and are used by Fire Inspectors
June 6, 2019 - Samuel T Gaita Sr photo
June 12, 2019: Ron Bombaro slide show of new B4 gig
July12, 2019: Car 6 Fire Investigation Unit
July 25, 2019: Car 6 (Fire Investigation Unit) at McBride Avenue Forehouse
Vince Marchese photo
July 28, 2019: McBride Avenue Firehouse
Todd Hollritt photo
August 24, 2019: Car 6 at 5 alarm fire on Straight Street
September 1, 2019: Battalion 4 at McBride Avenue headquarters and Battalion 1 at 21st Avenue second alarm
Todd Hollritt photo
|
Chris Tompkins photo
|
September 11, 2019: Battalion 1 at Liberty State Park
Photo by Bill Tompkins
September 25, 2019: Chief of Department Brian McDermott with Car 1 at McBride Avenue and Battalion 1 Tour 1 B/C Mike Cleenput at Southside Firehouse (Dayspring photos)
|
|
December 2019: Car 7a (at Northside firehouse)
Captain Melhourne
April 12, 2020: @0748 Hrs #20-2087 2nd alarm Tour 1 379 East 26th Street -
Mark Rosetti photos
Mark Rosetti photos
|
|
|