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 - Call signals changed from Unit # to EMS # June 2021
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91 - Madison Ave EMS 1 Madison Ave
92 - Hillcrest EMS 2 93 - Lakeview EMS 3 94 - Northside EMS 4 95 - Riverside EMS 5 |
96 - Southside EMS 6
97 - Headquarters EMS7 98 - Special Duty EMS 8 (1st spare) 99 - Special Duty EMS 9 (2nd Spare) 910 Spare EMS 10 (3rd spare)
911 Spare EMS 11 (4th Spare) 912 Spare EMS 12 (5th Spare) |
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
November 21, 1856: Need for alarm system
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November 21 Guardian
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March 13, 1857: Again need for alarm bell is demanded - because of Waverly Factory fire - Tower of the new City Hall suggested as the location
Guardian
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March 16 Guardian
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May 8, 1857: People and firemen demanding an alarm bell
Guardian
February 10, 1859: Paterson needs a Bell Tower to sound alarms
Guardian
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The Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph was introduced in 1872-73
Edward Gore was the first superintendent of fire alarm.
Edward Gore was the first superintendent of fire alarm.
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).
June 29, 1870: Fire alarm bell (weighing 2500 lbs) and tower - to be built at Police Station
The Press
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December 21, 1871: Letter to editor stressing the need for Paterson to obtain fire alarm boxes
Guardian
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
January 22, 1872: Demonstration of the Fire-Alarm-Telegraph at City Clerk's Office
January 23 Press
February 5, 1872: Fire and Water Committee determines fire alarm signal boxes
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The Press
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Boxes and company assignments - Passaic County Historical Society
March 6, 1872: Issues with the new fire alarm telegraph system
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The Press
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March 8, 1872: Newspaper question on new fire alarm system
The Press
October 24, 1872: The new American Fire and Police telegraph system invented by Gamewell initiates. Detailed article describes its operation.
Guardian
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December 17, 1872: Installation of all telephone poles for wires and signal boxes had some delay issues.
Paterson Press
January 20, 1873: Fire Alarm Telegraph will be setup within the month
The Press
January 23, 1873: FAT wires connected to 1st Baptist Church striker. Room at City Hall on 3rd floor being set up for FAT purposes
The Press
February 3, 1873: Bell striker installed at First Presbyterian Church. Room for fire alarm being prepared at City Hall
The Press
February 7, 1873: City Hall setup for Fire Alarm Telegraph
Press
February 13, 1873: Further construction of FAT at City Hall
Press
February 15, 1873: The new FAT system tested
February 21, 1873: Keys for fire boxes
Press
February 25, 1873: FAT system is fully operational
The Press
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March 1, 1873: The Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph went into service 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.
The first alarm ever received via telegraph was Box 25 for a fire at Riverside Hotel.
The first alarm ever received via telegraph was Box 25 for a fire at Riverside Hotel.
June 23, 1873: FA may set standard of time by striking once daily blow at a set time
The Press
July 12, 1873: Alarm malfunction
July 14 Press
March 3, 1874: First anniversary of Gamewell fire alarm telegraph system
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July 3, 1874: Fire alarm issues related to a fire at the Hamilton Mill.
July 6 Press
March 1, 1875: 2nd anniversary of fire alarm telegraph.
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Press
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May 23, 1876: Fire alarm malfunction
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 23, 1876: Fire alarm malfunctions
Press
August 18, 1876: Fire boxes painted red
The Press
December 2, 1876: Superintendent FA out with injured ankle
Press
February 19, 1877: Fire alarm malfunction
The Press
March 1, 1877: FA stats for last year
The Press
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May 23, 1877: repairs needed at fire alarm
Press
May 24, 1877: Issues with fire alarm boxes
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Press
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May 25, 1877: Further fire alarm issues
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June 20, 1877: Fire gong being installed in Chief Turnbull's home - first chief to receive one
Press
June 30, 1877: Keys for fire box 24 (Market & Vine) allocated
Press
September 22, 1877: Fire alarm boxes being improved so as all Truck and Hose Companies do not have to respond to every box
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1878: Fire Alarm Stations
Courtesy Jim Eifler
January 15, 1878: Aldermen to consider a striker bell tower for Wayne Avenue Firehouse of Lafayette Engine 8
Guardian
March 3, 1878: Annual FAO report
The Press
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March 1, 1878: Fire alarm system discussed at City Hall and bids from new equipment reviewed
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March 2 Press
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March 15, 1878: New equipment delivered by Gamewell
March 3, 1879: FAO Annual Report
Press
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June 20, 1879: New Fire alarm boxes
Press
July 18, 1879: Fire Alarm card used by Passaic Engine 1
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January 6 1880 Guardian
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August 2, 1879: Complaints about fire alarm system
Press
August 15, and 18th - 1879:
August 15 Press
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August 18 Press
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July 9, 1879: Superintendent Zeluff discusses fire alarm issues
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August 19, 1879: Mr. Gamewell, inventor of Fire Alarm Telegraph system, visits and comments on Paterson's system
Guardian
November 19, 1879: Fire alarm bell issues
November 20 Guardian
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Press
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December 22, 1879: Fire alarm set off by pistol cartridge
Press
December 30, 1879: Revised Fire Alarm boxes
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Press
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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.
March 10, 1881: Tower of School 6 to get a fire-alarm striker
Paterson Press
May 1, 1881: Former Superintendent of FA Edward Gore passes away
May 2 Paterson Press
January 9, 1882: Suggestions for fire alarm system
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Guardian
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March 1, 1880: Fire Alarm statistics
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March 8, 1880: Aldermen meetimg re Fire Alarm issues
March 9 Press
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March 10, 1880: Fire alarm tampering and investigation
Press
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January 13, 1882: New box at Ryerson and Hill Streets
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 28, 1882: Fire alarm malfunction
March 1 Paterson Press
April 18, 1882: Issues with alarm at School #6
Paterson Press
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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June 2, 1882: Problems with proper use of fire boxes
Guardian
July 3, 1883: List of Fire Alarm Boxes
Paterson Press
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August 18, 1883: Need for a new repeater
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Guardian
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September 8, 1883: Fire alarm improvements to circuit 3 and new repeater on order
Guardian
December 21, 1883: Superintendent Zeluff ill - Fire alarm boxes painted
The Press
May 15, 1884: 8:30 PM Fire alarm malfunction due to break in line
May 16 Paterson Press
July 3, 1884: New fire boxes - 154 (Marshall and Paxton) and 156 (Marshall and Southard)
Paterson Press
April 16, 1885: Fire Alarm Superintendent shown below) announced that when President US Grant dies, PFD would sound the fire alarm bells every minute for 30 minutes. Kind of morbid to make such a proclamation three months before President Grant died!
Paterson Press
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July 1, 1885: Firealarm statistics
Paterson Press
August 25, 1885: New fire alarm card - new assignments and boxes
Paterson Press
September 4, 1885: Chief James Kearney introduces a new running card and steamers with horses cover the majority if the boxes
Paterson Press
October 16, 1885: Somone puling false alarms
Paterson Press
January 2, 1886: Fire Alarm stats for 1885
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Paterson Press
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February 3, 1886: Improper gong signal during bell installation at Patrick Sweeney home
Guardian
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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October 30, 1886: Firemen's Herald reports on alarm indicators in some of the firehouses. Photo below demonstrates what a Gamewell Indicator looks like (not from Paterson)
Paterson Press
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December 11, 1886: New running card
Paterson Press
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
April 1, 1887: Fire gong installed at Police Headquarters
Paterson Press
May 9, 1887: Fire Department Committee removes alarm gong from quarters of Columbia Hose 1 to that of Neptune 2.
January 19, 1888: Growth of fire alarm telegraph since its inception
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January 27, 1888: FAO Report of Superintendent Zeluff
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 18, 1889: Multiple alarms sounded due to a defect in a FA circuit
April 19 Paterson Daily Press
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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February 27, 1890: James Zeluff, Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph resigns but then is re-appointed to paid department
February 27, 1890: James Zeluff, Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph resigns but then is re-appointed to paid department
Paterson Daily Press
June 1890: Alderman meeting re Fire Alarm Telegraph
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 17, 1890: New circuits being installed
Paterson Daily Pres
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
August 14, 1891: Incident with fire alarm wire disabling Fire Box 45 at Main and Division Streets
August 15 Paterson Press
October 4, 1890: New fire alarm box orders by Chief Murphy
Paterson Daily Press
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
February 26, 1892: Chief Stagg issues new Fire Alarm card
Paterson Press
August 23, 1892: 12 new fire boxes and new signal card
August 23 Press
January 24, 1893: PFD historian, ex-alderman George Pollitt recalls the first alarm ever transmitted on the Gamewell system in 1872
Paterson Press
March 3, 1893: Report of February 1893 fires
Paterson Press
March 15, 1893: Main and Market Street to get a keyless fire alarm box (Station 471)
Paterson Press
April 10, 1893: Fire alarm signal malfunction related to horse
Paterson News
April 22, 1893: New fire boxes
Morning Call
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Paterson Press
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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
April 28, 1893: Callmen meeting
Morning Call
June 2, 1893: alarm report of May 1893
Paterson Press
June 14, 1894: Issues with fire alarm box at Lambert Mill
Morning Call
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August 30, 1894: Fire alarm malfunction due to fallen tree
August 31 Morning Call
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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 before 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 before 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
April 19, 1895: New fire alarm card adapted for the upcoming relocation of Engine 6 to its new firehouse.
Morning Call
June 24, 1895: Calls for May 1895
Paterson Daily Press
August 12, 1895: Lightning causes circuit malfunction - hot & dry weather
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August 16, 1895: Fire Committee - To tear down and renovate front of Engine 5 Water Street firehouse. Issues with doors of the Gould Avenue Firehouse (referred to, as Engine 10)
August 17 Paterson News
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.
August 28 Paterson Press
September 6, 1895: The first alarm sent over the "still" system, meaning the big bells were not sounded) was box 651.
November 5, 1895: October 1895 alarms
Paterson Daily Press
December 24, 1895: New fire alarm box tested
December 25 Morning Call
February 1, 1896: Aldermen make decisions re Fire Alarm
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Paterson Press
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July 15, 1896: Responses during first 2 weeks of July
Paterson Daily Press
June 17, 1898: Fire boxes painted
Paterson Daily Press
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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July 26, 1898: Mayor orders Fire Alarm and Superintendent to be under command of Chief Stagg
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July 27 Morning Call
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July 27, 1898: Chief Stagg wants to layoff FAO workers
Paterson Daily Press
August 13, 1898: Chief Stagg presents accusations re Superintendent Zeluff
August 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 25, 1898: Fire Alarm Telegraph and Superintendent Zeluff put under the command of Chief of Department, John Stagg,
August 26 Morning Call
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August 26 Paterson News
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August 28 Paterson Daily Press
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September 27, 1898: City Hall bell rung by prankster
Paterson Daily Press
December 17, 1898: New fire boxes
December 17 Paterson News
January 30, 1899: Chief Stagg has installed glass key guards on several boxes
Paterson Daily Press
March 13, 1899: Evening test taps to be changed to 8:15 PM (from 9:15 PM). Taps at 8 AM and 2:15 PM will continue.
Paterson Daily Press
March 29, 1899: Chief Stagg issues new fire alarm response card: on 46 of the boxes only company hose wagons, not the steamers will be part of the first alarm response. This will spare horses from making futile calls pulling the heavy steamers.
March 29, 1899: Chief Stagg issues new fire alarm response card: on 46 of the boxes only company hose wagons, not the steamers will be part of the first alarm response. This will spare horses from making futile calls pulling the heavy steamers.
Morning Call
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March 29 Paterson Daily Press
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May 22, 1899: New private fire alarm station (#252) at John Royle Mill
May 22 Morning Call
May 31, 1899: Committee investigates bungled alarms
Paterson Daily Press
June 1, 1899: Chief Stagg charges Superintendent Zeluff
Paterson Daily Press
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Paterson Evening News
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June 3, 1899: Superintendent Zeluff answers Stagg
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Morning Call
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June 3 Paterson News
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June 22, 1899: New fire boxes at John Royle Complex tested
Paterson Daily Press
July 26, 1899: Report of the Paterson FA system by an ouside expert
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Paterson Evening News
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October 9, 1899: Key guards put on several fire boxes
Paterson News
November 15, 1899: payment for removing FA batteries to City Hall Basement
February 1900: The Fire Alarm System was moved to City Hall from the Bridge Street Hose Station and thereby greatly improved.
February 2 Paterson Daily Press
February 19, 1900: Fire Alarm & Telegraph office moved (over a period of several months from Bridge Street Hose House to Room 1 on ground floor (basement) of new City Hall on Market Street. The first alarm (box) pulled was from station 19 at Temple and North seventh Streets.
Paterson Evening News
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.
March 2, 1900: Pay for PFD Linemen increased
Paterson Daily Press
March 5, 1900: New marble switchboard for FA installed at City Hall
Paterson Daily Press
July 11, 1900: Description of Fire Alarm system now 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
November 2, 1900: Fire alarm system in the firehouses
Paterson Daily Press
December 10, 1900: Hospital auxiliary alarms
Paterson daily Press
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Paterson Daily Press
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December 20, 1890: Telephone system adapted so engine hoses can have rapid access to the Chief
Paterson Daily Press
1901: New storage batteries installed at Paterson Fire Alarm
Fire & Water Engineering Magazine
1901: Fire and Water Engineering Magazine - James Zeluff as VP of Municipal Electricians
April 12, 1901: Fire department committee to try charges re FF Thomas Murphy and Chief Stagg complains about Superintendent Zeluff
Paterson Daily Press
Apri; 13, 1901: Committee recommends Zeluff be suspended
Paterson Daily Press
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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November 13, 1901: Tragedy resulting in death of a PPD Telegraph lineman George Phelan who was assisting PFD linemen. Telephone pole collapse at Redwood and Crosby
November 14 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
Paterson Press courtesy Jim Eifler
November 25 Call courtesy Jim Eifler
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November 25 News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Inquest to be held November 27
November 27 Morning call courtesy Jim Eifler
Reports of Inquest which concluded December 2
December 3 Morning Call courtesy Jim Eifler
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December 3 Paterson news courtesy Jim Eifler
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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.
April 11, 1902: Annual Reort of Chief Stagg describing status of Fire Alarm System and the incompetence of Superintendent Zeluff
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February 13 Paterson Daily Press
May 14, 1903: System moved back to third floor of the rebuilt City hall on Market Street
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 5, 1903: Captain Cook of Chemical Engine 1 tests box at Main and Market Streets
Paterson Daily Press
November 18, 1903: 6 new boxes installed at Trolley Company sheds
Paterson Daily Press
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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December 10 Paterson Daily Press
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December 12 Paterson Daily Press
February 9, 1905: Entire FA system overhauled
Paterson Daily Press
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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October 23, 1905: Station 722 placed in the Empire Theatre on Ellison Street. It called for 4 Engine, the Chemical Company and two Truck Companies for the first alarm response.
October 30, 1905: New lieutenants given fire alarm box keys
Paterson News
November 3, 1905: New Box and accessory boxes for St Joseph's Hospital
Paterson Daily Press
January 6, 1906: Fire and Water committee to name new fireman and schedule trial for Superintendent Zeluff.
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 5, 1906: New gong for E1 firehouse at 112 Van Houten Street
Paterson Daily Press
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
May 22, 1907: Chief of Department given command of fire alarm
May 23 Paterson News
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Maym 18 Paterson Daily Press
June 29, 1907: Fire alarm system dysfunction creates havoc
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 15, 1907: Lineman suspended for sleeping in the job
July 16 Paterson Daily Press
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
March 4, 1910: Chief Stagg report on February 1910 alarms
Paterson Press
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
March 3, 1915: Fire alarm issues
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Paterson Press
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March 5 Paterson Press
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August 22, 1914: Station 653 sounded by lightning strike
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 5, 1914: Civil Service releases Lineman Test results
Paterson Press
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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March 12, 1936: Annual report of Fire Alarm Superintendent Daniel Moore
Paterson News
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.
August 16, 1948: FAO operations at City Hall
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 27, 1948: PFD to order an up-to-date but second hand repeater
Paterson Evening News
April 9, 1949: Fire Alarm Office at City Hall gets the improved repeater (replacing the one installed in 1901)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 15, 1950: Staff of Fire Alarm Office & appointment dates
Daniel F Moore Superintendent May 21, 1920
F/F James A Brady November 1, 1919
F/F Hubert A. O'Connor April1, 1920
F/F Charles P. McGee November 1, 1922
F/F David Quackenbush July 1, 1916
F/F William Blanchfield April 16, 1922
F/F John Mial April 16, 1922
F/F James A Brady November 1, 1919
F/F Hubert A. O'Connor April1, 1920
F/F Charles P. McGee November 1, 1922
F/F David Quackenbush July 1, 1916
F/F William Blanchfield April 16, 1922
F/F John Mial April 16, 1922
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
August 3, 1954: PFD considers hiring women to work at FAO in City Hall
December 17, 1958: Fire Alarm Headquarters moved from City Hall to Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street.
December 19 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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. Walker 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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Courtesy of Jack Baker
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
Malzone photo
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Malzone photo
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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
November 9, 1960: FD/F LaRue, working as FAO operator has heart attack. 6 days later he passed away
Paterson News
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F/F LaRue
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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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1961: (Summer) -- PFD installed two-way radios in the apparatus. Here is Engine Company 5 in front of Headquarters with Captain William Comer demonstrating the radio. Driver is Joseph Forbes
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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 Allan
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February 19, 1964: Joseph Allan Fire Alarm operator appointed: Served in US Army PFC May 1957 thru January 1958 - Served 30 years - Died May 16 1995 |
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
Fire Alarm Telegraph Truck at Station 347 - Valley of the Rocks
Malzone photo
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Lineman Ernie Scerbek
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Rear of FA Truck - John Dougherty and Danny Walsh
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Superintendent Walker with John Dougherty6 in driver's seat
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Superintendent Don Walker
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Fire Box Demonstrations
Superintendent Walker - FA Building in Valley of the Rocks
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Demonstration Fire Box - There was no Box 649 in use at Paterson
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Pulling the Box - Transmitting the alarm
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Engine 12 FF Charlie Gorla
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Station 153
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1969: False Alarms
Captain Frank Malzone photo
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
1970s: FAO with operators Glenn Strkyer, Jack Baker and Joe Assal Tour 3
Courtesy Jack Baker
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)
Personal Correspondence from AC Joseph Forbes describing the immense task of redoing the "Running Cards" to operate during the ERVS
Courtesy Assistant Chief Joseph Fotrbes
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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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One of the retired boxes, showed its age
- Station 733 located at Straight and Van Houten Streets -
- Station 733 located at Straight and Van Houten Streets -
Courtesy Captain Price
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 1987: Senior Dispatcher Patti Mandel
Courtesy Tricia Czornomor
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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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 Letitia Howe
Letitia 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 for future at the new communications center at 167 Pennsylvania Ave. Ground breaking to begin in a week. Opening planned ? A CAD (Computer-Aided-Dispatch) system is in the works. Below is architect drawing and building as it now exists. The PFD plan is to consolidate Emergency Communications and the Office of Emergency Management along with logistics, support services, code blue sheltering, job training and a host of other ideas.
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February 1, 2021: Promotions: Communications will have a Director, Chief, 10 supervisors, 4 Seniors and 32 dispatchers.
Director of Communications - Marilyn Watkins
Chief of Communications - Stephen Kaznica
Chief of Communications - Stephen Kaznica
April 14, 2021: Dispatchers Appreciation Day ceremony at Headquarters
June 15, 2021: Central Command - New combined PPD-PFD Communications center at 111 Broadway which is a gap facility until new building on Getty Avenue is complete.
Logo design by Scott Parkin
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April 14, 2022: PFD led by the mayor and Chief McDermott honors its 52 dispatchers
CLICK HERE TO READ
CLICK HERE TO READ
Courtesy of "Tap into Paterson"
June 2002 Issue of 1st Responders Newspaper - NJ
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September 23, 2022: Mayor Andre Sayegh led a groundbreaking ceremony for Paterson’s new Communications Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. The new $6 million site, officials said, will streamline emergency calls and serve as home to the Emergency Dispatch Center, which will include 15 active high-tech Dispatch Consoles, a Training Room, Supervision Offices, a decompression area for the city’s Dispatchers, and ADA accessibility. The consolidation will house all dispatchers because Paterson who now receive over 200,000 calls for emergencies annually. CLICK HERE
Tap Into Paterson Newsletter
January 17, 2023: PFD Chief Brian McDermott releases 2022 alarm statistics
Courtesy BTF photos
June 24, 2023: Chief McDermott announced a NJ grant award that will save lives by upgrading Paterson's 911 emergency call center (now under construction on Pennsylvania Avenue)
North Jersey.com
February 2024: Chief Alicea released - PFD 2023 statistics - Last year your Paterson Fire Department responded to 43,338 Fire & EMS Calls. That averages to approximately 118 calls per day! In 2022 PFD ran 41,775 calls which is an increase of 1,563 calls.
February 2024: Director Marilyn Watkins after 41 years of service to PFD and Chief of communications Steve Kaznica after 39 years of service retire.
Retirees with Chief Alicea
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August 5, 2024: In 2003, Letitia "Lefty" Howe embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining the City of Paterson Fire Department as a Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee. Over the course of two decades, she has risen through the ranks, demonstrating remarkable growth, humility, determination, and hard work. Today, she serves in the position of Director of Communications for the Paterson Fire Department.
CLICK HERE FOR STORY |
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May 23, 2024: Seven OEM dispatchers promoted CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
- Brittany Hunt – Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator (Provisional)
- Maribel Pica – Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator (Provisional)
- Ashley DeJesus – Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator (Provisional)
- Kevin Perez – Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator (Provisional)
- Steven Jimenez – Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator (Provisional)
- Escha Bates-McDuffie – Chief Communications Officer (Provisional)
- Letitia Howe – Director of Communications (Provisional)
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DC Molina at the podium
Chief Alicea
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Mayr Sayegh
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July 10, 2024:
