Death Notices
Also see CHIEF ENGINEERS and SUPREME SACRIFICE
March 5, 1897: Reports of imminent death of Chief John Murphy
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 6 - Chief Murphy dies
March 6 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 9, 1897: Reporting Imminent death of Benny Doremus - Longest Living Firefighter and Civil War Veteran
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 23, 1897: George Sheldrake
January 4, 1900: Death Exempt FF William Casey
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 31, 1900: Death of Captain Joseph Kearney (still on job). Also served Volunteer PFD
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 16, 1904: Alfred Dawson
February 19, 1902: Firefighter (Volunteer & Paid FD) death
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March 2, 1903: James Madden of Engine 9
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 22, 1903: Civil War Vet and member of Columbia Hose 1 Jacob Mohrle dies
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 14, 1903: Death of Michael Grogan a former firefighter of Lafayette Engine 8
January 17, 1905: Frank Blakely (still active at time of death) of Engine 2 and 4
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 6, 1907: Francis Law - former member Protection Engine 5
January 6, 1907 NY Times - courtesy Jim Eifler
1891 Certificate signed by Acting Chief John Murphy and Mayor Nathan Barnert - courtey Michael Cleenput
November 26 , 1908: Engineer Charles Wiley (still active)
November 27 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 1 Morning Call
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March 3, 1909: Death of FF Abram Hartley Appointed 1899 Served Engine 4 9 years
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June 22, 1909: Former Volunteer FF David Almond (an Exempt for 58 years) dies. He served with Passaic Engine Company 1. He was an expert of the old-time fire engine hand tubs
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 10, 1910: Retired FF Michael Slattery passes
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 12, 1910: Passing of George Wassmer - likely a volunteer era fireman
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 11, 1911: Captain Christopher Cubby
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October, 1911: Lieutenant William Davis
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September 22, 1913: Death of retired FF Thomas Elvin who served Volunteer and Paid departments. Was the first tillerman hired.
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 27, 1915: FF Frank Connors
October 3, 1916: Volunteer FF Louis Hasser
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October 18, 1916: Thomas Donahue
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December 30, 1916: Death of FF James Brady ? Volunteer
December 31 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 6, 1916: FF Louis Hasser of Engine 8 Appointed December 1890
October 6 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Louis Hasser (Truck 2 1908 photo)
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October 18, 1916: Thomas Donahue, an original FF - Appointed March 1890 - Retired 1915. He was inventor of automatic fire lighters for used under steam fire engines while they were in quarters. Review his story on the RETIREMENT Page
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Thomas Donahue
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March 5, 1917: Assistant Chief James C. Mills
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 27, 1917: Volunteer Department Chief - James Kearney
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James Kearney
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February 27, 1918: FF Martin Brand - one of the first Paid PFD FF. Also served Volunteer PFD
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May 24, 1918: FF John Walsh
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April 25, 1919: FF George Muth
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October 3, 1932: Death of Joseph Titus [Uncle of FF and future DC Walter (Lester) Titus]
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 22, 1922: FF Edward Singland
April 8, 1924: Engineer Paul Wentink
November 19, 1924: FF John Brady (former FMBA President)
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February 13, 1926: Captain John Cluney - appointed in 1890 and promoted to Captain in 1912 and retired in 1920.
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Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 17, 1926: Captain John Cluney, appointed in 1890, dies - Funeral processions passes Engine 9 quarters (he had served as a lieutenant there).
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Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 26, 1926: FF John Lynch passes away
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 26, 1927: Captain William Boyle, a former alderman - father of subsequent PFD Captains William and Frank Boyle
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 12, 1927: Rites for FF Thomas J Woods Member of Engine 1 Appointed 1912
Paters9n Newsd courtesy dennis Morrison
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September 9, 1927: FF Frank Connors
February 4, 1928: Captain Stewart Taylor
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September 28, 1928: Leonard Chadwick death
Press Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 3, 1929: 44 year veteran of PFD passes
March 4 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 23, 1929: Captain Felix McCann appointed in 1895 but still active on job, passes away. Originally with the Paterson Volunteer Department.
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Felix McCann as Lieutenant T1 in 1913
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May 22 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 7, 1929: Edward Kerwin - a "Hero" of the 1902 fire Not on paid PFD roster
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December 8 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 23, 1932: FF Michael Ryan - Was a Paterson Volunteer firemen and an early driver for Chief Stagg - also served as Engineer in Engines 6, 9 and 7. An FMBA president
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April 7, 1934: Passing of David Taylor
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 25, 1934: Retired FF Matthew Ferguson passes
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 16, 1934: FF John J Kelly dies
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 19, 1937: Retired Captain James O'Neill - Served as Volunteer and Paid PFD (as Call man & FF, Lieutenant and Captain 33 years of service Retired 1920
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April 20 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 5, 1937: Captain William Boyle Appointed July 1905
April 12 1938: Retired FF John Duncan
April 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 1, 1938: Retired F Jacob Smith
October 6, 1938: Adam Berghorn former volunteer FF
October 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 13, 1938: FF Elmer Probert Appointed 1916
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November 3, 1938: retired FF Ed Ball
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November 4 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 25, 1939: FF John Chapman served Volunteer & paid PFD
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 11, 1939: Retired FF Robert Giebelhausen appointed 1903
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 25, 1939: FF Dennis Toomey served PFD 30 years
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 12, 1939: Famed FF Captain Charles Siminton
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 12, 1939: Captain Thomas Hunt 33 year PFD service
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 12, 1939: FF James DaCosta, a WWI vet, still on the job, dies
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 6, 1939: William Fielding former Volunteer FF and a Call Man in early paid department
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 22, 1939: William Shane a 36 year veteran FF
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 23 Morning Csll
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June 12, 1941: Volunteer & Exempt FF John W. Hogan
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September 27, 1941: Joseph Sheapard (original name = Owczarysck) Appointed November 1, 1926
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 7, 1941: Captain Thomas W Halliwell Sr 25 year member of Engine 8
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 24, 1941: FF Leo Walsh of truck 3 passes
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May 8, 1942: Abram Shouger - 26 year career
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 18, 1942: FF Joseph Matthews
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 20, 1943: FF Stephen A. Bergen Appointed 1905
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May 21, 1943: FF Andrew Bruno Appointed PFD 1908
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September 20, 1943: Fatal accident for B/C Michael Comer
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 1, 1947: FF Chris Garrity (26 years of service) dies while on duty at Engine 8
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September 2 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Chris Garrity 1936 E8 photo
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August 31, 1947: FF James McKelvey a veteran of WWI with 25 years PFD service (Brother of FF William McKelvey)
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September 4 Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 27, 1945: Dr Harry Briody - Fire Surgeon
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January 21, 1946: Captain John "Jack" Long - Assistant Master Mechanic
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 5, 1948: Rites for retired BC Charles Nolan
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 30, 1948: Retired FF Jose[h McLaughlin
May 18, 1948: Captain Paul Schaub of Truck 3. Appointed PFD in 1916 but left for service in WWI
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 3, 1948: Death retired FF Andrew Greene - appointed 1912
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 24, 1949: Death of retired FF Charles Firstbrook (Engine 8) - 40 years on job
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 22, 1949: Death of retired FF John Brown - appointed 1916
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 1, 1950: Engineer Richard T. Cheevers Served Engine 3
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 20, 1950: FAO Lineman Alonzo Space dies
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 27, 1951: Captain John Crowley Sr - a veteran of the great 1902 fire
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March 18, 1953: Death of Fire Alarm Superintendent Danny Moore
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May 22, 1953: Passing of FF George Kuyl (appointed 1916)
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 30, 1954: FF Henry Bush, appointed 1916, passes
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 8, 1955: Appointed 1905 and served 38 years - Longtime F/F at Engine 2 on Highland Street. Father of Leo Fitzsimmons who became an Assistant Chief
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February 9 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
1908 photo at Engine 2
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May 26, 1955: Engineer John J Eagan Sr. Appointed 1908 36 years of service at E4 and E2
May 27 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 19, 1956: FF William Kievit Sr WWI Veteran Served PFD 1925 - 1949
May 21 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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William Kievet 1936 E2
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October 20, 1956: Still active FF Frank Corr, appointed in 1924, passes away.
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January 26, 1957: Retired FF Harold Lane Appointed January 5 1918 - Served at Engine 9
January 28 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Harold Lane 1936 Engine 9
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February 20, 1957: Retired FF Ed Slingland Appointed 1916 Served 34 years
February 21 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Edward Slingland
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February 26, 1957: Retired FF John Brett 36 years of service
February 25 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 10, 1957: Retired FF Robert Simpson WWI veteran Appointed 1918
June 11 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Robert Simpson 1936 Engine 7
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February 20, 1958: FF Herbert Snook (Note error in clip: Godwin Ave quartered Truck 3 not Engine 3)
February 21 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 31, 1958: FF Stephen Wall - 35 years of service - retired 1943
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April 1 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 25, 1959: Martin O'Rourke driver of DC Sweeney and 30 year PFD veteran
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 8, 1959: Retired FF Vincent Davies 23 year PFD veteran
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 29, 1959: Death FF Charles Bobrowski
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 22, 1959: FF Edward Heinzelman Served Engine 4 and 13
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 6, 1960: Passing of FF Richard Kane (Uncle of Chief Harold Kane)
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March 21, 1961: Former Master Mechanic John Lawless passes
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 14, 1961: Captain James Campbell who served for 45 year dies
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FF James Campbell
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February 21, 1962: Captain Peter Rege - Appointed 1916 and became Captain in 1921. Retired in 1955. Served at E6, E1 and E7.
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February 3, 1966: Frank Dalton - WWII veteran - Appointed August 1, 1947 - FMBA President - Served as Truck 1 tiller
February 4 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 29, 1966: FF Herman Meyer Appointed 1909 Retired 1933
October 31 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 2, 1967: James Rafferty - Served PFD for 36 years
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 15, 1968: FF Ernest Wildermuth
October 17 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Wildermuth
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November 18, 1968: Captain Peter Howden
November 20 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Howden
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December 25, 1968: Appointed July 1, 1916
December 27 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 7, 1969: Death of retired Captain Ray Flynn 40 year PFD veteran WWI vet
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain ray Flynn
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January 30, 1970: Assistant Chief Joseph Cucci - US WWII Naval veteran
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May 7, 1972: Death of B/C Frank Dowdall - the first Paterson FF to pass a civil service test (1913) and served 44 years, retiring in 1957. Became a B/C after being on job 37 years and was then assigned to Combustibles.
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May 8 Paterson News Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 18, 1975: Retired FF Arthur Lutz Appointed November 1, 1919
August !9 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Arthur Lutz at Engine 8 1936
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October 7, 1975: Retired Captain Herbert Dodds
October 8 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 23, 1975: Deputy Chief Rudolph Peppinghaus
December 25 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 2, 1976: Assistant Chief George Peppinghaus
April 3 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 10, 1977: Retired FF Joseph Rushton 27 years of service WWI Veteran
May 11 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Joseph Rushton E10 1936 photo
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December 8, 1977: FF Ralph Di Guglielmo dies on duty at Riverside Firehouse
December 10 Paterson News
May 26, 1978: FF Thomas Walsh WWI Navy veteran
May 27 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Thomas Walsh
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October 17, 1979: Ex Chief's aide, WWII vet, John Rankin 30 years on PFD
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 5, 1980: Death of D/C and one time Acting Chief James Kennedy - erroneously identified as Captain
January 7 News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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D/C James Kennedy
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April 21, 1985: Retired Assistant Chief Gerard Dugan (retired 1981) passes away.
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Geard Dugan as a BC
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June 13, 1985: Chief's Aide Joe Leitner passes
June 15 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Joseph Leitner
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March 5, 1991: A/C Leo Fitzsimmons (son of PFD F/F James Fitzsimmons) WWII Navy veteran. Appointed PFD 1943 and served 28 years. Retired in 1971.
The March 7 Record courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 19, 1991: Captain George Stanton 36 years service WWII US Army veteran
May 21 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 11, 1992: Captain Russell Ferguson,a 12 year PFD veteran dies after being assaulted
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrrison
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Russ Ferguson as a F/F
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March 19, 1993: 40 years of service 1923-1963 Long time Guardian of PFD History
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Official PFD Record
September 28, 1994: FF George Reid passes away.
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF George Reid
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January 4, 1995: Captain Steve Tubman - Appointed November 1977 - Captain in 1994
January 5 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 12, 1996: Captain Edward Conklin - Viet Nam Veteran - Appointed to PFD in 1972 - 24 years of service. Famed PFD illustrator - for Ball Books and F/F retirements, etc
June 14 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Edward Conklin
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Ball Book with Conklin Illustrations
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December 25, 1996: FF William Savage, a US Army & US Merchant Marine veteran
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December 19, 1997: Retired Captain Ray Allex 30 Years Service WWII Navy veteran
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Captain Ray Allex
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September 22, 2007: Captain James Kehoe 38 years of service WWII Army Vet Retired April 1, 1986
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Captain James Kehoe
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December 24, 2007: Death of FF Thomas Daunno 13 years of service
December 27 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Thomas Daunno
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February 4, 2008: Captain Patsy Fusaro WWII Army Vet Appointed 1950
February 7 courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Patsy Fusaro
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February 17, 2008: Captain Don Salmanowitz
February 18 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Don Salmanowitz
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April 7, 2008: Captain Neil Vander Linden: served 29 years at PFD and was WWII army vet
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Neil Vander Linden
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June 19, 2008: Captain Walter McMahon Appointed 1956 Captain 1966 Retired March 1, 1981 WWII veteran with Purple Heart and the Air Medal
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Walter McMahon
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September 21, 2008: FF Thomas Donohue Naval & Viet Nam Vet
Appointed 1986 - Retired 2002
Appointed 1986 - Retired 2002
September 25 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrion
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Thomas Donohue
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October 8, 2008: Death of Henry Otis Harris - Paterson's first African American FF. Appointed 1960 and retired 1988
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FF Harris
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October 19, 2008: Assistant Chief Salvatore Madama - Appointed 1939 Retired 1978
November 4, 2008: Jack Nargiso WWII Army Vet Appointed 1952 - Retired 1983
November 6 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Jack Nargiso
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November 29, 2008: Captain Elliot McGuire - Served PFD 34 years -
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February 13, 2009: Captain Fiore Malzone Appointed 1957 - Retired 1986 WWII Navy Vet
February 14 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Fiore Malzone
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March 27, 2009: John Brzezowski (Breeze)
March 28 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 27, 2009: Captain Earl H Plavier Served 31 years Retired 1978
March 31 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Earl H Plavier
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July 5, 2009: Bruce Greenough 25 years of service
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Bruce Greenough
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December 7, 2009: Captain George Kilgour death
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain George Kilgour
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April 8, 2010: Retired FF Anthony Lott WWII Vet
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Anthony Lott
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May 11, 2010: Captain Joe Carr served PFD 33 years WWII vet
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Joseph Carr
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October 16, 2010: FF Harold "Unc" Nicholas 25 years of service WWII Navy Veteran
October 18 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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FF Harold Nicholas
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October 31, 2010: D/C Harold Schoonmaker, a decorated veteran of WWII. Appointed in 1947 and retired in January 1973.
November 7 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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D/C Harold Schoonmaker
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March 15, 2012: B/C Terrance Pellegrino - brother of D/C Joe Pellegrino
March 17 Herald News courtesy Dennis Morrison
B/C Terry Pelligrino
August 12, 2012: Deputy Chief Joe Pellegrino - 39 years of service
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Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Deputy Chief Joe Pellegrino
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January 22, 2013: FF Rodney "Ronnie" Sasso - a member for 26 years and a US Army Veteran, retiring in 1990 as a Fire Investigator. He was an active member of FMBA Local #2 during his career, serving on numerous committees. He was also a member of St. Anthony's Men's Club, The Passaic County Golf Course, and the Paterson Retired Firefighters Association. Rodney was a proud recipient of a heart transplant over 22 years ago. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Barchi), a son, Ron of Rapid City SD, a daughter, Michele of South Amboy, his step son Richard Lankes of Lyndhurst, nine grandchildren and two sisters. He was predeceased by a stepdaughter, Dawn Bahr, and a brother. Visitation will be Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Scillieri Funeral Home, 351 5th Ave, Paterson. Funeral mass on Friday January 25, 2013 at 11 AM, St Brendans Church, Clifton NJ, with burial to follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery.
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FF Ron Sasso
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February 26, 2017: B/C Thomas "Tommy" Coppo, son of famed Truck 2 Captain Frank Coppo. Originally was with PPD. Served in US Air Force during Koran conflict. Came to PFD in 1964 and retired in 1991. Received several awards.
B/C Tommy Coppo
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March 10 Wayne today - courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 16, 2017: Death of Deputy Chief Edward J Hancock 37 Years of service
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August 28, 2019: Funeral procession of Captain Dexter Paul at Funeral Home
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December 15, 2019: Death retired Battalion Chief Arthur Menzo
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January 27, 2020: Joseph Parkin Sr. Oldest living Paterson FF age 95, Served from1957 until his retirement in 1982. WWII Naval Veteran. For more photos CLICK HERE
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Bill Tompkins photos
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First Responder News March 2020
First Responder News March 2020
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April 14, 2020: Captain John Ferrarella Sr Served USMC (Viet Nam veteran). Below is Ron Bombaro video of funeral procession
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