Current Radio Communication Handles
November 1, 2018: New Radio Communications are standardized
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Car 1 - Chief of Department
Car 2 - Chief of Operations/Special Operations Car 3 - Executive Officer/EMS Car 4 - Fire Prevention/Communications Car 5 - Chief of Staff Car 6 - Arson Unit Car 7 - Reserved Car 8 - Mechanic Shop Car 9 - EMS Supervisor |
Deputy 1 - Tour 1
Deputy 2 - Tour 2 Deputy 3 - Tour 3 Deputy 4 - Tour 4 Battalion 1 - Southside Battalion 2 - Riverside Battalion 3 - Northside Battalion 4 -Headquarters |
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Car 2A - Compliance Officer
Car 2B - Drill Master & Facilities Manager Car 2C - Public Fire Education Car 2D - Recruitment Car 4A - Investigation Captain Car 4B - Inspection Captain |
Car 5A to 5 F Modified Duty
Car 6A - On-Duty Arson Investigator Car 6B - On-Duty Arson Investigator Car 6 C - Special Call Arson Investigator Car 8A, B and C - Mechanic |
Engine 1 - Engine Company 1 - Madison Avenue
Engine 2 - Engine Company 2 - Hillcrest
Engine 3 - Engine Company 3 - Lakeview
Engine 4 - Engine Company 4 - Northside
Engine 5 - Engine Company 5 - Riverside
Engine 6 - Engine Company 6 - Southside
Engine 7 - Engine Company 7- Headquarters
Ladder 1 - Ladder Company 1 - Madison Avenue
Ladder 2 - Ladder Company 2 - Northside
Ladder 3 - Ladder Company 3 - Riverside
Rescue 1 - Rescue Company 1 - USAR - Southside Annex
Rescue 2 - Rescue Company 2 - Southside
Field-Comm - Mobile Command Unit - Headquarters
Canteen Unit - Canteen Unit Southside Annex
RAC Unit - Rehabilitation - Accountability - Communication Unit
RAC 1 - Accountability Officer
RAC 2 - Rehabilitation Officer
Engine 2 - Engine Company 2 - Hillcrest
Engine 3 - Engine Company 3 - Lakeview
Engine 4 - Engine Company 4 - Northside
Engine 5 - Engine Company 5 - Riverside
Engine 6 - Engine Company 6 - Southside
Engine 7 - Engine Company 7- Headquarters
Ladder 1 - Ladder Company 1 - Madison Avenue
Ladder 2 - Ladder Company 2 - Northside
Ladder 3 - Ladder Company 3 - Riverside
Rescue 1 - Rescue Company 1 - USAR - Southside Annex
Rescue 2 - Rescue Company 2 - Southside
Field-Comm - Mobile Command Unit - Headquarters
Canteen Unit - Canteen Unit Southside Annex
RAC Unit - Rehabilitation - Accountability - Communication Unit
RAC 1 - Accountability Officer
RAC 2 - Rehabilitation Officer
Ambulances
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91 - Headquarters
92 - Hillcrest 93 - Lakeview 94 - Northside 95 - Riverside |
96 - Southside
97 - Headquarters 98 - Special Duty 99 - Special Duty |
SOA-1 Paterson Fire Officers Association President
PFA-1 Paterson Firefighters Association President
PFA-2 Paterson Firefighters Association Vice President
PFA-1 Paterson Firefighters Association President
PFA-2 Paterson Firefighters Association Vice President
Fire Alarm Early History - Volunteer Fire Department
The Fire Alarm System in Paterson dates back to the Volunteer days. In 1821 the Board of Fire Wardens employed two watchmen to patrol the streets at night and search for fires. Once a fire was discovered the rest of the firemen were summoned by large noisemakers called rattles. Loud clacking sounds were made when the men twirled the rattle in their hands. The first improvement in this system was the muffin bell. These were composed of two brass saucer shaped halves with a clapper between them attached to a turned wooden handle. By swinging the handle and bell back and forth, the watchmen could create loud clanging sounds. As the town enlarged, persons living far from the center of town had trouble hearing rattles and muffin bells.
Rattle -- Dayspring Collection
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Muffin Bell -- Dayspring Collection
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In 1831, Church Bells were called upon to summon firemen. The first one used was St. Paul's Episcopal Church located at Market and Washington Streets (at the site of the City Hall). Over the next 50 years tower bells were located at:
- Second reformed church at the corner of Water and Temple streets
- First Baptist church at the corner of Van Houten and Washington streets
- First Presbyterian church at the corner of Ward and Main streets
- No. 6 public school at the corner Summer and Ellison streets
- No. 8 engine house, corner Wayne avenue and Liberty street.
1835: Establishment of a Voluntary Night Patrols
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The Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph was introduced in 1872-73, and went into service March 1st, 1873, with twenty-three street boxes, three tower bell strikers, six gongs, one three-circuit repeater and seventeen miles of wire. Its location was in the Old City Hall on Washington Street which later became the Police Department Edward Gore was the first superintendent of fire alarm. The first alarm ever received via telegraph was Box 25 for a fire at Riverside Hotel. |
Passaic County Historical Society
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Subsequent Fire Alarm Telegraph supervisors successors to Edward Gore during Volunteer era were Edward Swift (had served as Chief Engineer in 1865) , William Hobson and James F. Zeluff (served as Assistant Chief in 1883).
1878: Fire Alarm Stations
Courtesy Jim Eifler
1880 Annual Report mentioned that he fire department telegraph, under the management of the superintendent, was in good condition and had generally done its work satisfactorily. But event with the utmost care on the part of the superintendent, failures would occur, which might be attributed to the wires of the department being in collision with other boxes. New signal boxes were from time to time added in localities needing them, as frequency of alarm stations enhanced the chances for early alarms.
January 13, 1882: New box at Ryerson and Hill Streets
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 18, 1882 Guardian Fire alarm to be connected to Paterson Burglar Alarm Telegraph
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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James F. Zeluff - Eifler Collection
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Eifler Collection
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Eifler Collection
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Eifler Collection
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October 10, 1886: Annual report from Paterson's fourth Superintendent of Fire Alarm telegraph. Zeluff had been a member (and president) of Neptune Engine Company 2.
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1887: Need to move FAO batteries to Hose House on Bridge Street
Courtesy Jim Eifler
April 28, 1888 Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Battery moves to second floor of Hose House on Bridge Street
1888 - Courtesy Jim Eifler
January 27, 1888: FAO Report of Superintendent Zeluff
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Fire Alarm History - Paid Fire Department
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James Zeluff was appointed as Superintendent of Fire Alarm in 1878 (Volunteer Department) and kept the position when the department went professional in 1890. The 1893 Rules and Regulations stipulated that the Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph.
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First Superintendent of Fire Alarm of Paid Department: James Zeluff
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any interruption in the working of the lines or apparatus whereby there shall be a delay in giving or receiving an alarm of fire unless the same is immediately repaired.
- In such report he shall state what amount of delay will occur in repairing the same, and when repaired he shall see that the chief engineer has notice of the fact.
- Lineman. — The Fire Alarm Telegraph Lineman shall be under the supervision of the superintendent of fire alarm telegraph.
Location of Bell Strikers: was the way to summon the callmen
- Second reformed church at the corner of Water and Temple streets
- First Baptist church at the corner of Van Houten and Washington streets
- First Presbyterian church at the corner of Ward and Main streets
- No. 6 public school at the corner Summer and Ellison streets
- No. 8 engine house, corner Wayne Avenue and Liberty street.
1890: The page below is from the 1893 Fire service of Paterson book showing some of the box numbers and locations
February 17, 1890: Fire alarm service is better 1.5 years after being moved from City Hall single room location to the second floor of City Hose House on Bridge Street.
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 1890: Alderman meeting re Fire Alarm Telegraph
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 14, 1890: Alterations to Fire Alarm Signals and 8 additional Boxes. New ways of transmitting 2nd and 3rd alarms
September 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 5, 1891: Aldermen discuss what to do about the Bell Strikers in churches
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December 11, 1891: Abolition of the Bell Tower alarms -
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December 11 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 18, 1891: Fire Committee Meeting - Superintendent Zeluff mentions inoperability of the Baptist Church bell Tower
December 19 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 23, 1893: Keyless Box 451 set at Broadway and Main Street and 471 at Market and Main Streets - both on an iron post
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
The Evolving Alarm Systems
In the early days of the paid department, there were 8 Engine companies, one chemical company and 3 Truck Companies. By the time a third alarm was sounded almost all of the companies were involved. As the department expanded to 12 Engine Companies by 1912 and 13 by 1928, 4th and as they were called "General Alarms" (technically a 5th) became possible. If a chief commanding at a 4th alarm fire needed more help he would request a general alarm be sounded. Currently, the term General Alarm is never used except perhaps descriptively "after the fire."
In 1962 Engine Company 4 was disbanded and by the 1970s and 1980s the number of companies started to further reduce. Between 1928 and 1962 a 1st alarm sent 3 engine and 1 Ladder ompany: on a second alarm 2 more engines and another Ladder - on 3rd and 4th alarm 2 more engine companies each time - On the General or 5th alarm - all remaining companies (4 engines and 1 Ladder Company) responded (after 1962 it was 3 engines and 1 ladder). There was no such thing as a 6th or higher alarm.
Technically, a 3rd alarm now depletes all Paterson Companies; and mutual aid companies start to cover vacated firehouses. If the fire is still "doubtful" at the time, the Chief may establish a staging area & have the next Engine Co(s) & Ladder Company report to the designated staging area. When that happens a 4th Alarm is transmitted. If the staged companies are eventually sent to the fire scene, a 5th Alarm will be transmitted & the 5th alarm companies will be sent to staging to replace the 4th alarm companies. However unlike earlier days, no on scene Chief gets on the radio and requests a "General Alarm."
The problem with the alarms terminology is that some departments do not consider it a 4-alarm fire if the 4th alarm companies are assigned to the staging area. They only "count" the alarm if they were assigned to the fire scene. So is no uniform way of counting the # of alarms, and every department counts it differently. The other problem is the staging area is used depending on the status of the fire. It could be the same 3-alarm fire, but if it does not appear to be "darkening-down", they may stage the 4th alarm companies. If the fire scene is not darkening they will not transmit a 4th alarm & stage any companies.
The general alarm may be a term used for reports and for press releases, but as noted it is not used when requesting additional companies. Thus current understanding of the term General Alarm is when all Paterson Companies are depleted and mutual aid companies are deployed to the fire regardless of whether it technically was a 4th, 5th, 6th or higher alarm fire. The phrase or term general alarm may used for reports and for press releases, but it is not used when requesting additional companies. Thus current understanding of the term General Alarm is when all Paterson Companies are depleted and mutual aid companies are deployed to the fire.
But what about the old days when alarms were still transmitted by bells?
When a street box was pulled by a citizen, 4 "rounds" would sound through out the department. For example Box 195 if pulled would make the gongs sound "1-9-5" 4 times - In each round the bells would chime once - slight pause - then chime 9 times - slight pause then chime 5 times. That sequence would occur 4 times in succession. If a citizen called in the fire in that area by phone Fire Alarm would dispatch the first due company and then transmit "1-9-5" only two times.
What happened if a second alarm was needed:
2nd alarm - bell would chime 2-2 then the station # twice
3rd alarm - bell would chime 3-3 then the station # twice
4th alarm - bell would chime 4-4 then the station # twice
General - and they did not occur very often in the old days - the bell wound ring ten times before the station was sounded twice
In the era after radios (1950s) extra alarms were called for by the commanding chief on scene or his aide (when they still had them). Technically for a serious conflagration a first due captain could request an extra alarm but it almost never happened. Prior to radios the commanding chief went to the local fire box itself and using a telegraph key built into all boxes would manually transmit 2-2 or 3-3 or 4-4 or ten clicks and then pull the box
In 1962 Engine Company 4 was disbanded and by the 1970s and 1980s the number of companies started to further reduce. Between 1928 and 1962 a 1st alarm sent 3 engine and 1 Ladder ompany: on a second alarm 2 more engines and another Ladder - on 3rd and 4th alarm 2 more engine companies each time - On the General or 5th alarm - all remaining companies (4 engines and 1 Ladder Company) responded (after 1962 it was 3 engines and 1 ladder). There was no such thing as a 6th or higher alarm.
Technically, a 3rd alarm now depletes all Paterson Companies; and mutual aid companies start to cover vacated firehouses. If the fire is still "doubtful" at the time, the Chief may establish a staging area & have the next Engine Co(s) & Ladder Company report to the designated staging area. When that happens a 4th Alarm is transmitted. If the staged companies are eventually sent to the fire scene, a 5th Alarm will be transmitted & the 5th alarm companies will be sent to staging to replace the 4th alarm companies. However unlike earlier days, no on scene Chief gets on the radio and requests a "General Alarm."
The problem with the alarms terminology is that some departments do not consider it a 4-alarm fire if the 4th alarm companies are assigned to the staging area. They only "count" the alarm if they were assigned to the fire scene. So is no uniform way of counting the # of alarms, and every department counts it differently. The other problem is the staging area is used depending on the status of the fire. It could be the same 3-alarm fire, but if it does not appear to be "darkening-down", they may stage the 4th alarm companies. If the fire scene is not darkening they will not transmit a 4th alarm & stage any companies.
The general alarm may be a term used for reports and for press releases, but as noted it is not used when requesting additional companies. Thus current understanding of the term General Alarm is when all Paterson Companies are depleted and mutual aid companies are deployed to the fire regardless of whether it technically was a 4th, 5th, 6th or higher alarm fire. The phrase or term general alarm may used for reports and for press releases, but it is not used when requesting additional companies. Thus current understanding of the term General Alarm is when all Paterson Companies are depleted and mutual aid companies are deployed to the fire.
But what about the old days when alarms were still transmitted by bells?
When a street box was pulled by a citizen, 4 "rounds" would sound through out the department. For example Box 195 if pulled would make the gongs sound "1-9-5" 4 times - In each round the bells would chime once - slight pause - then chime 9 times - slight pause then chime 5 times. That sequence would occur 4 times in succession. If a citizen called in the fire in that area by phone Fire Alarm would dispatch the first due company and then transmit "1-9-5" only two times.
What happened if a second alarm was needed:
2nd alarm - bell would chime 2-2 then the station # twice
3rd alarm - bell would chime 3-3 then the station # twice
4th alarm - bell would chime 4-4 then the station # twice
General - and they did not occur very often in the old days - the bell wound ring ten times before the station was sounded twice
In the era after radios (1950s) extra alarms were called for by the commanding chief on scene or his aide (when they still had them). Technically for a serious conflagration a first due captain could request an extra alarm but it almost never happened. Prior to radios the commanding chief went to the local fire box itself and using a telegraph key built into all boxes would manually transmit 2-2 or 3-3 or 4-4 or ten clicks and then pull the box
Fire Alarm Offices
Over time the fire alarm office had the following locations: Old City Hall on Washington Street, Fire Headquarters on Hotel Street and Hose House (Bridge & Tyler Street: housed signaling equipment), new Paterson City Hall (1900), back to Hose House after Great 1902 Fire, back to rebuilt City Hall on 3rd floor (1903), Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street(1959), the Municipal Complex at 111 Broadway (1977), and the Northside Firehouse
The glass enclosed device is a "repeater"
City Hall - James Duffy at right - Eifler Collection
An older Superintendent Zeluff seen at left with straw hat. Lineman James Duffy at right. Large repeater in center.
1909 Ball Book Photo: L-R James Zeluff, Joseph Chapman, Harry Abbott, John Burns, James Duffy
J Biernes, Sup Zeluff, J Duffy, J Fitzsimmons, Jos Chapman,
From 1909 Pension Fund Ball Book - Appointment dates - Zeluff is misspelled
March 31, 1895: 17th Annual Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph
for Year Ending March 31, 1895
for Year Ending March 31, 1895
5 Bell Strikers still exist
16 engine House Gongs
57 small tappers
During the year there were 96 bell alarms: 3 were seconds, 1 third and 1 General
1 Horse and 1 wagon
Advised to take the gongs from call men houses off main circuit
Advised connecting telephones in Engine Houses be connected to fire alarm central office
16 engine House Gongs
57 small tappers
During the year there were 96 bell alarms: 3 were seconds, 1 third and 1 General
1 Horse and 1 wagon
Advised to take the gongs from call men houses off main circuit
Advised connecting telephones in Engine Houses be connected to fire alarm central office
August 28, 1895: Owing to the large number of persons who congregated at almost every fire and hampered the firemen in their work, it was decided to discontinue ringing the tower bells. with Box 451 being the last sounded on those bells.
September 6, 1895: The first alarm sent over the "still" system, meaning the big bells were not sounded) was box 651.
June 26, 1896:
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June 26, 1896: Census of Fire Alarm Box use over the 19 years of its existence
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1900: Fire Alarm & Telegraph office moved to basement of new City Hall on Market Street
February 19, 1900: New system operational at Room 1 of City Hall The first alarm (box) pulled was from station 19 at Temple and North seventh Streets
February 20 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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At the end of the century alarm boxes were made that could be opened without keys. Once the signal reached the Fire Alarm Office located at the (originally at 10 Hotel Street firehouse) an operator would transmit it to the firehouses or bells located in the Chiefs homes. By counting the number of times the bell was struck or sounded the firemen knew where to respond
Within firehouses were gongs, many encased within oak cases, to sound the alarm. Legend has it that fire horses actually memorized the more common "boxes" (signals) and knew where to go without being directed. There were mechanisms ("jokers") in the firehouses which automatically opened the stable doors when an alarm sounded allowing the horses to run to the front of the apparatus immediately.
July 11, 1900: Description of Fire Alarm system ow back at the new City Hall
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 4, 1900: FA Superintendent Zeluff elected VP of Association of Municipal Telegraphers
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 1, 1901: New fire station card issued
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 7, 1901: Fire alarm wires being buried
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August 22, 1901: Riverside FA circuit damaged
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 24, 1901: Superintendent Zeluff's horse
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 10, 1902: Great fire destroys City Hall and the fire alarm system. Within 10 days the FAO was up and running again at the Hose House on Bridge Street.
1903: System moved back to third floor of the rebuilt City hall on Market Street
1903: System moved back to third floor of the rebuilt City hall on Market Street
A citizen could summon the fire department by opening the fire box with a key and pulling a lever. The keys for the boxes were kept in nearby buildings, meaning a person had to obtain the key before sounding the alarm. The newspaper article below explains how to use the street boxes!
December 10, 1904: Superintendent Zeluff suspended
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 27, 1905: FAO receives a register. New fire box installed at Crosby and Sheridan Avenues and Chief Stagg gets a map of Paterson with box locations on it
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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PFD Register take up reel - Dayspring Collection
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June 24, 1905: Changes to the firehouse watch system
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 6, 1906: Fire and Water committee to name new fireman and schedule trial for Superintendent Zeluff.
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
1907: A series of post cards on the PFD was issues, one of which highlighted the Fire Alarm Office at City Hall.
Chief John Stagg is at right - card courtesy Jim Eifler
June 29, 1907: Fire alarm system dysfunction creates havoc
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 27, 1907: From the PFD series published in the Guardian
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December 3, 1911: Chronicle published a history of the Paterson Fire Alarm System
The Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 18, 1907: Fire alarm telegraph upgrades
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 27, 1907: FAO operator resigns after charges were about to be brought
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 25, 1909: Fire Box issues
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 11, 1910: State of the Fire Alarm System - now back at City hall
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 18, 1911: Fire alarm system malfunction
Morning Call - Courtesy Jim Eifler
December 14, 1912: Shift alteration for Fire Alarm - Due to retirements work shifts go from 8 to 12 hours
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 23, 1913: Electrical Storm plays havoc with FA
Chronical - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 22, 1914: Station 653 sounded by lightning strike
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1915 Vote for Two Platoon System on November 2 1915. A small folding pamphlet listing Paterson Fire Alarm Boxes - (2.5 by 5.5 inches). Dayspring Collection
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1918 Ball Book Roster --- Fire Alarm Headquarters
Superintendent James F. Zeluff
John Beirne
Henry A. Abbott
James Duffy
James Fitzsimmons
John Chapman
Superintendent James F. Zeluff
John Beirne
Henry A. Abbott
James Duffy
James Fitzsimmons
John Chapman
There have been four Superintendents of Fire Alarm in the paid department starting with James Zeluff. Following him were Daniel Moore, Joseph Gaugan and Donald Walker. The position was eliminated in the 1970s.
Fancy oak cased gong photo courtesy of the Moore Family: ? origin from quarters at 298 Tyler Street (176 12th Avenue) that housed both Engine Company 7 (1890-1895) and then 3 (1895-1962). Looks to be a Gamewell Electro-Mechanical Excelsior Bronze gong.
Moore Photo
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Dayspring Photo
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The gong below was installed in the new Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street and served until 1977. In the center of the glass is a hole in which the wind up key is inserted
Note wind up key protruding thru glass door -- Dayspring Collection
May 20, 1920: FAO Lineman dies at PFD repair house
Guardian: Curtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 3, 1922: Lineman Daniel Moore elevated to Superintendent
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Daniel Moore was appointed as a lineman to Police and Fire telegraph May 21, 1920 and became Superintendent of Fire Alarm on February 16, 1922. At that time they had 253 Fire Alarm boxes, 108 Police Boxes and 108 Police flashlights. Notice the unique hat badge. Served as Sergeant in US Army September 8, 1917 thru September 1918 |
Daniel Moore
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 16, 1923: Fire Alarm system issues
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Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 24, 1925: Temple Hill Civic Association requests a fire box be placed at Clinton and North Tenth Street. Ultimately Station 195 would be placed there
Morning Call - courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 14, 1927: Board of Finance approves new fire alarm boxes
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 18, 1928: Article from the Chronicle which explains in depth the fire alarm system. News clips courtesy researcher Dennis Morrison.
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December 19, 1928: State of the fire alarm system in Paterson
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1935 Photo: Fire Alarm detail: J Brady, J Downey, J Chapman, J Fitzsimmons
October 14, 1935: Obituary of former Superintendent James Zeluff
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 27, 1935: Fire alarm wires moving underground
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1944 Annual Report of Chief Engineer:
Superintendent Fire Alarm: Daniel F. Moore
James Downey (appointed July 1, 1905)
James Brady (appointed November 1, 1919)
Hubert O'Connor (appointed April 1, 1920)
Alonze Space (appointed July 1, 1923)
Thomas Walsh (appointed March 16, 1926)
1939 Ball Book
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In 1951, Fire Alarm was still in City Hall. They had eight dispatchers, all first grade firemen. Fire alarm had a store room t the Valley of the Rocks and a repair shop in old school 5 on Totowa Avenue. There were 206 Street boxes and 31 building boxes located in public buildings. Response to street boxes is 3 engine companies,
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1949 PPD Ball Book
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one truck company and a battalion chief. Some boxes in the business and factory districts call for 4 engine companies a truck, a battalion chief and a deputy chief. All hospital boxes get 4 engine companies, two truck companies on a first alarm and two chiefs.
April 9, 1949: Fire Alarm Office at City Hall gets a new repeater (repeating the one installed in 1901)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 11, 1951: Cold War Era Air Raid Siren Instructions from Acting Chief Kennedy (from Journal of Engine Company 1 at 115 Van Houten Street(.
To All Company Commanders: From James Kennedy Acting Chief
Subject: Information relative to Air Raids
Effective immediately; when 8 straight blows are received on company gong, the company commander shall immediately sound the warning siren on the roof of company quarters in the following manner "Three minutes of fluctuating Notes on siren."
Subject: Information relative to Air Raids
Effective immediately; when 8 straight blows are received on company gong, the company commander shall immediately sound the warning siren on the roof of company quarters in the following manner "Three minutes of fluctuating Notes on siren."
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Upon receiving 8 blows, followed by 8 blows followed by 8 blows "(888)" on the company gong, it will be an "All Clear" signal and the company commander shall then sound the warning siren in the following manner - "Three - one minute steady blasts of the sirens - with two minutes of silence, between each blast"
This order will be effective until further notice by orders of James A Kennedy Acting Chief of Department |
James Kennedy had become acting chief 9 hours before issuing this order (sudden death of Chief James troy)
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Dayspring Collection
January 13, 1951: The first test of the gong/air raid system performed and 8 taps sounded at 11:59AM. The 8-8-8 all-clear signal on gong received 12:20 PM.
Main Gamewell Gong at 115 Van Houten Street Watch desk - Dayspring Collection
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Engine 4 on Slater Street Watch Desk 1960s
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March 18, 1953: Death of Fire Alarm Superintendent Danny Moore
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1954 Ball book photos: Fire Alarm (Police and Fire Telegraph) at City Hall - L-R: James Brady, Captain John Holley, William Blanchfield, Joseph Recca, Edward Cusack, David McGrady, Charles, McGhee, John Mial.
L-R: Frank Delmonico, Harry Gourley, Daniel Weslh, Joseph Gaughan, Acting Superintendent John Dougherty, Donald Walker, Vincent Scarmozza.
1954: Joe Gaughan became acting Superintendent of Fire Alarm and in 1955 Superintendent
1960s era photo of the Watch desk at 115 Van Houten Street. Sitting at desk. The firemen are (L-R) John DeMattia, Joe Forbes and Ed Hancock. Sitting at desk is Tom "Tomahawk" Meneely (McNeely) who worked at Paterson sewer department
Courtesy Joseph Forbes
Four rounds are transmitted for a street box or a city box within a building. If a still alarm requires a full box assignment, two rounds are tapped out and the first due company is notified by phone. Second, third and 4th alarm signals are 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 followed by the box number. A general alarm is ten consecutive taps followed by the box number. The time signal at 8:00 AM, 12:15 PM and 6:00 PM is four consecutive taps.
A first alarm response was 3 engine companies, a truck company and a Battalion Chief with the exception of several Master Boxes (hospitals, schools, etc) to which 4 engine companies and 2 trucks responded. A second alarm response is two engines and one truck, a third and fourth alarm two engines each and a fifth (general alarm) is 4 engines and one truck. Notice in the 1952 alarm book below that company response is listed in numerical order whereas in the 1961 version, companies are listed as first, second and third due.
A first alarm response was 3 engine companies, a truck company and a Battalion Chief with the exception of several Master Boxes (hospitals, schools, etc) to which 4 engine companies and 2 trucks responded. A second alarm response is two engines and one truck, a third and fourth alarm two engines each and a fifth (general alarm) is 4 engines and one truck. Notice in the 1952 alarm book below that company response is listed in numerical order whereas in the 1961 version, companies are listed as first, second and third due.
FMBA Pamphlet listing fire stations - 1952 and 1961 editions
1952 Pamphlet - Dayspring Collection
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1961 Pamphlet - Dayspring Collection
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1952 FMBA Booklet
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1961 Version
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Note the "19" stations above. The 1925 letter below is from the Temple Hill Civic Association requesting a box for the corner of North 9th and Clinton Streets. Their request was fulfilled.
Dayspring Collection
1956: The FMBA Ball Book lists all of the current Fire Stations
January 16, 1957: Donald E. appointed Superintendent of Fire Alarm - Served U.S. Army - December 26, 1942 thru November 29, 1945 - Temporary Appointed Lineman Fire Alarm Telegraph February 1, 1948 - Permanent Appointment August 1, 1949 - Badge # 188 - Assistant Superintendent of Fire Alarm March 1, 1956 - Retired June 1, 1977
Don Walker 1948 appointment photo
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Donald Walker 1971
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Superintendent Donald Walker 1971
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1959: Fire Alarm Office moves to 115 Van Houten Street Fire Headquarters
Hancock Collection
1960s: Fire alarm switch board at 115 Van Houten Street - Note rotary phone: PFD phone # was SHerwood 2-9100
115 Van Houten Street Fire Alarm Switchboard
1950s - 1960s: Alarm bells which were installed in the homes of Chief Officers
Dayspring Collection
Hancock Collection
1960's: This card was at every watch station in every Paterson Firehouse
Courtesy Vince Zito
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March 16, 1961: Charles A. Baumann was appointed to FAO as a dispatcher. He retired on January 1, 1973 |
Charles Bauman
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July 13, 1964: Daniel Walsh who served in U.S. Air Force January 15, 1942 thru Nov. 12, 1945 received a temporary appointment on March 1, 1948 and a full appointment to the Police Telegraph on August 1, 1949. He was appointed to PFD Telegraph July 13, 1964, and promoted to a senior lineman on November 1, 1968. He retired December 1, 1979
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Daniel Walsh
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Joseph Allen
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February 19, 1964: Joseph Allen Fire Alarm operator appointed: Served in US Army PFC May 1957 thru January 1958 |
December 19, 1964: Fire and police commission appoint 5 FAO operators. Ronald and Kenneth Foster, Joseph Allan, James Shearn and Al Cabrino
Paterson News curtesy Dennis Morrison
January 16, 1967:
Below was a Gamewell box (from St Joseph's Hospital). It served as a Master Box (8112 is the block on which the hospital is located in Paterson) - Also shown is the key that would open the door - When FF arrived at scenes where boxes were pulled, the box would have to be opened and then the coil rewound again (using a hand knob/spring mechanism). Prior to 1977 when bells were still operative in Paterson firehouses, although 8112 signal would be received in FAO, station 263 would be sounded on FH gongs. Once voice alarms went in effect in 1977 SJH became station 50. A first alarm response was 4 engine and two truck companies
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
Vince Marchese collection
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Dayspring Collection
1967 photo: Superintendent Donald Walker and linemen Alfred Romeo, Daniel Walsh, John J. Dougherty, Raymond Fitzpatrick and E Scerback
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
1969: False Alarms
Late 1960s-1970s Fire Alarm Operators - Bill Feeney and Jim Farrell
2019 Emerald Society Meeting - Vince Marchese photo
June 7, 1972: New directive re portable radio transmissions
September 17, 1974: Paterson plans to transition Fire Alarm Boxes
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 28, 1976: Superintendent Walker to retire - Assistant Chief Katz assigned to Fire Alarm office
Assistant Chief Katz and firefighter Tony Ziza
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A/C Katz with Captain Warren Gallagher
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1981 - AC Katz and Dayspring (on his retirement day)
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June 30, 1977: The old bell alarm system was replaced by the EVRS system. The last alarm transmitted over the old system was station 623 for a car fire on 5th Avenue. All of the old fire alarm boxes were replaced with yellow boxes inside of which is a telephone. This enabled a citizen to speak directly with a fire alarm operator. The dispatcher then communicates with the different firehouses directly over a speaker system. bells were no loner sounded. |
Dayspring Collection
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June 10: 1977: Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring announces start date (July 29) for new alarm system
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 20, 1977: Change to telephone fire boxes to begin
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
1977: FAO office with new EVRS - Andrew "Drew" Taccinneli, James Walsh. Standing is Captain Earl Plavier
1977: Captain Bob Gabriel - Box is at Main and van Houten Streets
July 22, 1977: Fire bells discontinued and Emergency Voice Response System (EVRS) goes into effect. All fire alarm stations were renumbered and company assignments reorganized;
July 29, 1977: New fire box system
July 30 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 31, 1977: Paterson's fire boxes, no longer in use presented to many of the surrounding towns by Mayor Kramer and Acting Chief Dan Carroll
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 16, 1977: Centrex Telephone System placed in service
115 Van Houten Street
111 Broadway Fire Alarm Office
October 14, 1977: New alarm statistics
October 14 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 11, 1984: 325 series of boxes ready for action
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 25, 1984: Orders from the Chief's Office regarding radio call signals:
July 13, 1984: Public Safety Director over-rules Chief's radio code signals
December 28, 1984: "Hold" and "X" Boxes
January 30, 1989 - Chief's order notification of Alarm dispatching to be done via computers
June 12, 1992: New Emergency Communications Vehicle
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 17, 2005: Northside FH addition for Communications Center
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
Around 2000 Fire Alarm was reorganized into the Communications Division. On the air they are addressed as Fire Dispatch. There location is in the 2nd floor addition to the left of the bays on the Northside firehouse. The center is dedicated to Battalion Chief Domenick Cotroneo
Early 2000's: FF Lou Iandoli at Communications Center
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The state of the art Field Com Unit plays a major role at fire scenes when employed. It has a meeting room with a telescoping / zoom camera and TV screens etc.
2016: Fire Alarm Office
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2016 Deputy Chief Ryan Murray Communications |
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Station 371 14th Avenue and East 27th Street
Restored by Firefighter (East Joliet, IL) & Gamewell Collector Ray Brandolino
Restored by Firefighter (East Joliet, IL) & Gamewell Collector Ray Brandolino
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Station 162 Market and Spruce Streets
Dayspring Collection
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Note in the bottom of the box, is a telegraph-like transmitter key: a chief officer could
transmit a second or third alarm manually
transmit a second or third alarm manually
1948 Gamewell Advertisement and a Paterson Gamewell Box circa 1948 (Station 162)
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Below are Boxes 359 from Union and Linwood Avenue and 376 from Park Avenue and East 29th Street
Hancock Collection
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Hancock Collection
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Station 8112: Master Box for St Joseph's Hospital -- 8112 was the property lot # for the hospital
V Marchese Collection and Photo
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V Marchese Collection and Photo
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Below left is the Gamewell Stanchion that stood at the intersection of Main St and Broadway, beneath the Port Arthur restaurant. Unique were "street strikers" which consisted of a fire gong that sat on top of the stanchion (the actual one is at right). This alerted policemen directing traffic in downtown Paterson to know that apparatus would be coming by. The entire stanchion shown below is at the NJ Firemen's Museum in Boonton, NJ.
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Dayspring Collection
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March 10, 1910: Three such stanchions were installed in downtown Paterson
- Station 451 - Originally Main Van Houten - later Main & Broadway
- Station 472 - Main and Market Streets
- Station 145 - Originally Market and Paterson - later Market and Church
Paterson Press - Courtesy Jim Eifler
Called Street Strikers
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Dayspring Coillection
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Dayspring Coillection
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Dayspring Coillection
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Three views of another Paterson Stanchion on top of which was a street lamp.
This also now is located at the Boonton NJ Firemen's Museum
This also now is located at the Boonton NJ Firemen's Museum
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Dayspring Coillection
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Paterson Police Call Boxes and Stanchions
Dayspring Collection
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Gamewell Stanchion with Alarm Bell, Fire and Police Boxes - Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
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Complete Gamewell PPD Stanchion with box at NJ Firemen's Museum, Boonton, NJ - front view
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Front of Box on Stanchion at NJ Firemen's Museum, Boonton, NJ - Dayspring Coillection
Rear of Box on Stanchion at NJ Firemen's Museum, Boonton, NJ
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Stanchion with box at NJ Firemen's Museum, Boonton, NJ (rear view)
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Front Door open - Box Insides: Stanchion with box at NJ Firemen's Museum, Boonton, NJ
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Front Door open - Box Insides: Stanchion with box at NJ Firemen's Museum, Boonton, NJ
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January 23, 2019: Police and Fire Department Dispatch Centers to potentially consolidate at Police Headquarters. |
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November 2019: By ordinance all Office of Emergency management (OEM) and Communications city wide now falls under PFD. The plan is to use a renovated facility at 163-177 Pennsylvania Avenue which will become a multi-use facility for: Central dispatch, OEM, Logistics Procurement Center, Job Training Room, Family Reunification Center, Community Room and Emergency Operations Center
Two new ranks have been created In the "Public Safety Telecommunications" department: Chief PST and 4 senior PSTs were promoted.
Two new ranks have been created In the "Public Safety Telecommunications" department: Chief PST and 4 senior PSTs were promoted.
July 2, 2020: Edith Anderson appointed Chief Operator joining L Howe
L Howe
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Edith Anderson with Mayor Sayegh
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August 4, 2020: - A citywide system used to alert residents in case of future emergencies will be tested today at 10:00 AM, according to an announcement by Mayor Andre Sayegh's office. Citizens were warned the siren test will be heard throughout the city and is not a cause for alarm, the alert read.
Note PFD had sirens on all firehouses thru the 1950s. The sirens were tested every Saturday at noon time. I remember old E-7 on Gould Ave. The firehouses built post 1960 never had them; Lakeview, Southside, Riverside or Hillcrest. When Harold Kane was still the chief, probably the late '70's or early '80's the City wanted the FD to remove the sirens from all the old FD buildings. PFD didn't have the proper equipment to dismantle the sirens & their bases and remove them from the roofs and PFD did not install them there in the first place. The city people who would be responsible in removing the sirens didn't want anything to do with them. In the end they were removed but PFD didn't do the job.
Note PFD had sirens on all firehouses thru the 1950s. The sirens were tested every Saturday at noon time. I remember old E-7 on Gould Ave. The firehouses built post 1960 never had them; Lakeview, Southside, Riverside or Hillcrest. When Harold Kane was still the chief, probably the late '70's or early '80's the City wanted the FD to remove the sirens from all the old FD buildings. PFD didn't have the proper equipment to dismantle the sirens & their bases and remove them from the roofs and PFD did not install them there in the first place. The city people who would be responsible in removing the sirens didn't want anything to do with them. In the end they were removed but PFD didn't do the job.
October 22, 2020: Construction is in full swing at the new communications center at 167 Pennsylvania Ave. The ground breaking is next week. Opening planned for June 2021. A CAD (Computer-Aided-Dispatch) system is in the works