Paterson Fire Department Dogs, Pets
The history of most fire departments across the United States includes pets and the animal most commonly associated with firehouses, firemen and fire engines is the dog, especially the Dalmatian breed. These faithful and intelligent animals represent an old breed that were originally know as "carriage dogs." They had a natural affinity for horses and loved to run alongside their owners coaches. So it is easy to understand how they became known as "fire dogs" during the 19th and early 20th centuries when horses were prevalent in firehouses. Almost all of the old fire department lithographs and photos show dalmatians leading horse drawn steamers or even sitting on the later motorized engines. There have been many Dalmatians associated with the Paterson Fire Department but few records exist detailing their stories.
June 1, 1871: Neptune Engine Company 2 has two pets
August 1, 1877: Passaic Engine 1 keeping hen and rooster
The Press
January 22, 1879: Protection Engine company 5 has a rather aggressive dog called Potcheese (after company nickname) with similar characteristics to Vigilant 6 pet called Bulger
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June 20, 1879: Members of Neptune 2 seeking murderer of their pet dog
June 20 Press
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June 21 Press
March 1, 1881: Company dog to enter a dog show in New York City
Press
December 16, 1884: Potcheese the beloved company dog and firehouse protector passes away
Paterson Press
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December 19 Paterson Press
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January 11, 1887: Funeral of Vigilant 6 beloved dog "Bulger" - who died on January 10
Paterson Press
January 12 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 8, 1883: Paterson Volunteer Department - Vigilant Engine Company 6 of the Volunteer PFD was located at on Market Street very near Straight Street Below is the sad story of the mascot who met an unfortunate death - During a response the pet was "mildly" kicked by one of the firemen. Had an incredible, respectful funeral.
Courtesy Jim Eifler
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January 7 Guardian
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September 10, 1885: Passaic Engine 1 has a pet cat
Paterson Press
June 4, 1890: Pet cats (Maud and Minnie) at the Godwin Avenue firehouse
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 4, 1910: Death of company cat called "Wang Doodle Johnson" facetiously reported
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 15, 1917: Pet cat called "Red Mike" at Van Houten Street headquarters
Morning Call - courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 25, 1941: Paterson News Story on Department Dogs: Truck 3 has an 18 month old Dalmatian called Smokey. "Fritz" is a Dal at Engine 4 and had his own badge attached to his collar. Engine 3 has 3 month old pups called "Chief and Mate" and Engine 6 has a 14 month old "Buttons."
During the Ahrens Fox era several dogs were mascots in Engine Company 3, 4 and 6 ,Trucks 1 and 3. Truck 3's dog was called Smokey (seen below) and when he rode with the apparatus he was decked out with a red and gold blanket bearing his name. There is a famous picture from the Paterson News with Smokey sitting up high in the tiller seat with his front paws steering the apparatus.
Men of Truck Co 3 on Godwin Ave with "Smokey". L-R: William Flynn, Aurelio Riga, Captain Joseph Dayspring in center & Angelo Contini and Tommy Ingram
Circa 1949 -- Dayspring Collection
Below is a handwritten incident report filed by acting Captain Edward Heitzman regarding Smokey and some children |
Circa 1949 at Godwin Avenue -- Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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Below on driver's seat is the Dalmatian of Truck Co 1 on Jackson Street, circa 1940s
Dalmatian with men on apron of 72 Jackson Street and at "party scene" below
Beatrice and Dorthy Salmanowitz dancing! (Anthony Natoli Collection)
Engine Company 4's dalmatian was named Fritz and on his collar wore a special badge engraved with his and the Company name making it official for him to accompany the men as they worked. After he passed away, the men of E4 obtained a female dalmatian called "Princess."
Fritz sitting atop the Ahrens Fox pumper of Engine company 4 at the Slater Street Firehouse
Engine 3 on 12th Avenue had two Dalmatian pups called "Chief" and "Mate." The firemen of Engine 6 regarded their dog "Buttons" as a good luck charm. Engine 3 also had a Dalmatian called "Skipper" who is seen below (sitting in the driver's seat of the cab of the company's Ahrens Fox pumper) with Captain Lester Reiche.
Captain Lester Reiche and Skipper
1948 NJ Exempt Fireman's Parade in Paterson: L-R: Unknown FF, John Rankin and Paul Shaw with Dalmatian on Old Gooseneck float
September 11, 1950: Missing "Spot" the company Dalmatian of Engine 9 on Main Street
Paterson News
May 14, 1962: 3 alarm fire at 704-710 Main Street (across form St. Joseph's Hospital).Smokey is made an honorary department member/mascot by the FMBA. Photo is at Engine 9 at 586 Main Street. FF Robert Woodruff, Roger Dumas and Captain Joe Leonard. In rear is the company's 1953 Seagrave pumper.
Among the most famous Dalmatians was "Cindy" who was given to the men of Engine Company 3 on 12th Ave in 1956. Her markings were quite distinct in that she had a large patch over the right side of her face and ear. In her early years with the company she had her own seat on the apparatus and often entered buildings with the firemen. During her first pregnancy she became too heavy and then retired from active firefighter to house watchman. She developed a habit of gathering the men's scattered shoes and placing them at the rear of the firehouse after the apparatus left quarters.
Cindy's favorite fireman was Captain Lester Reiche who often took her swimming in a nearby park. The dog took it very hard when the Captain made the Supreme Sacrifice.
The most amazing statistic regarding Cindy was her abilities as a mother. In her years at Engine 3 she produced 90 pups, each of which found a home (many with firemen). In 1962 she made the transition to a new firehouse on Lafayette Street and became a good friend of the men of Truck Company 3. In the new location she became a formidable guard dog and few people could enter quarters without her approval. Legend has it that she was not particularly fond of chief officers or priests. There was also a story when a stranger was held captive in the firehouse for a number of hours until firemen returned from a call and rescued him. Cindy never failed to get excited over the ringing of the bells and never had a day off or vacation. She is seen below with the FMBA Softball team at Riverside Firehouse. Cindy had over 90 puppies over time.
Top- Joe Brower, Tom Alala, Howie Marcom, George Maloney, Frankie Calamita & Bill Savage. Middle- Joe White, Mike Ross, Fred Ricciardi, Bill Vitale, Mel Gabriel, Joe Saia & Randy Reid. Bottom-Angelo Maza, John Mauro, Tippy Nicolazzo, Frank Malzone, Bill Shortway & Red Mosca.
May 8, 1967: Dog rescue from Passaic River at North Straight Street
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 19, 1967: Cindy bites a policeman
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
It was a very sad day when she finally passed away in 1967. She was so famous that the Paterson Evening News ran a obituary story with a picture on September 12.
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1968 Ball Book: Smokey the Dalmatian: at left is 3rd Battalion and at right Engine Company 3
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
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Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
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An unusual way of obtaining a Dalmatian occurred in 1969 when then Assistant Chief William Comer wrote a winning essay in a contest sponsored by the International Municipal Signal Association. The puppy was presented at an official ceremony in the presence of the Mayor and Fire Commissioner.
January 5, 1969: 9:19 AM Engine 3 with F/F Hubie Donnellan rescues dog from icy river
January 7 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 1971: The men of Engine 3 adopted another Dalmatian to replace Cindy. He was named Smokey and was actually rescued from the dog pound by fireman Herbert Donnellan.
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Hancock Collection
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Smokey on Engine Co 3 Seagrave
April 14, 1989: Elmo the Dalmatian of Madison Avenue
Elmo the Dalmation
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June 15, 1989: Elmo returns to firehouse - was found by George Washington Bridge
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
Elmo in Truck 1 cab at fire scene
Mike McLean photo
January 1, 1990: Elmo, the Dalmatian mascot at Madison Avenue quarters struck by a car
January 2 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
Circa 1991: Below is "Nozzle" at Southside Firehouse with BC Robert Meyers (1st Battalion) and men of E6 and R2. L-R B/C Robert Meyers, F/F's Paul DiFalco, Charles Onorato, William Henderson, Captain Bruce Selowentich, F/F's Robert Poloniak and Andrew Ackerman circa post 1991. Nozzle passed in 1993.
March 1991: DC Ed Hancock and others with Elmo at Madison Avenue
Hancock collection
October 18, 1991: Elmo at Madison Avenue in front of Ladder 2 and with retired FF Frank Limongi
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
Circa 1992: Smokey of Engine 4 (Northside Firehouse)
Summer of 1992 - Craig Lauten photo
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Summer of 1992 - Craig Lauten photo
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Smokey with L-R: F/F Lou Vega, /FF Michael Spada, Captain Al Credidio, F/F Scott Parkin. E-4 Tour 3
Smokey was written up in the New York Times CLICK HERE
Smokey, works as a fire department mascot and guard dog in Paterson, N.J.; The firefighters at the Northside Firehouse on Temple Street in Paterson call Smokey, a friendly 9-year-old mixed breed who looks mostly like a German shepherd, a ''Paterson street dog.'' But it's a compliment to his street smarts, not a slur on his lineage. Smokey has lived and worked at the firehouse since he was a puppy and two firefighters brought him there from an animal shelter in Newark.
Dave Coughlan, a Paterson firefighter who usually watches after Smokey, says the dog doesn't go on as many fire calls as he did when he was younger. ''We watch him a little more carefully now,'' he said. ''We don't want him to get hurt.'' But that hasn't stopped him from working: when he's not on a fire call, he stays behind and guards the firehouse until the firefighters return.
''He's had his share of battle wounds -- stitches for cuts from broken glass and stuff like that,'' Mr. Coughlan said. When Smokey goes to a fire, he often beats the firefighters inside a burning building. ''He's looking for people and pets,'' Mr. Coughlan said. ''Many times he's beaten me into a building and then come out choking while I'm still getting my gear on. Later, he'll check to make sure we're all safe.'' Mr. Coughlan sometimes takes Smokey to his house for a visit. ''But after a few hours, he wants to get back to the firehouse,'' Mr. Coughlan said. ''It's his home.''
Smokey, works as a fire department mascot and guard dog in Paterson, N.J.; The firefighters at the Northside Firehouse on Temple Street in Paterson call Smokey, a friendly 9-year-old mixed breed who looks mostly like a German shepherd, a ''Paterson street dog.'' But it's a compliment to his street smarts, not a slur on his lineage. Smokey has lived and worked at the firehouse since he was a puppy and two firefighters brought him there from an animal shelter in Newark.
Dave Coughlan, a Paterson firefighter who usually watches after Smokey, says the dog doesn't go on as many fire calls as he did when he was younger. ''We watch him a little more carefully now,'' he said. ''We don't want him to get hurt.'' But that hasn't stopped him from working: when he's not on a fire call, he stays behind and guards the firehouse until the firefighters return.
''He's had his share of battle wounds -- stitches for cuts from broken glass and stuff like that,'' Mr. Coughlan said. When Smokey goes to a fire, he often beats the firefighters inside a burning building. ''He's looking for people and pets,'' Mr. Coughlan said. ''Many times he's beaten me into a building and then come out choking while I'm still getting my gear on. Later, he'll check to make sure we're all safe.'' Mr. Coughlan sometimes takes Smokey to his house for a visit. ''But after a few hours, he wants to get back to the firehouse,'' Mr. Coughlan said. ''It's his home.''
Northside Temple Street Firehouse: Battalion Chief Michael Fleming, "Smokey" and Company members: Tour 4, Battalion 3, Engine 4 and Ladder 2. Smokey was adopted from the Newark Humane Society.
July 8, 1994: Elmo passes away
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 20, 1994: Dino becomes new Dalmatian at Madison Avenue
July 21 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 11, 1995: Liberty Street fire scene with Smokey on porch
August 17, 1995 - Incident # 953208 – 347 Belmont Ave. @1322 Hrs. Tour 4 on-duty. Mutual aid to Haledon.
L-R: Captain Tony Maldonado, F/F Robert Stemmler. F/F Carlos Pagan, F/F Glenn Calamita,
Captain William Henderson,
Battalion Chief Mike Fleming, F/F Andrew Ackerman, F/F William Taylor, F/F Rocco Alliotta, Smokey "the dog. "
1995: 100th Anniversary Parade
1995 100th Anniversary Parade: L-R in front: Thomas Alala Jr with the Dalmatian from Southside, Andy Ackerman (shades), Victor Stewart, Anthony Vindeed, Captain Vince Zito. Behind Alala is Carlos Pagan, Manny Rivera and Wayne Walden
Chief - of Engine 5 at Riverside Firehouse
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Below in the Captain's seat is "Chief" of Engine 5 at The Riverside FH: So beloved that a commemorative memorial plaque exists on the Firehouse outside entry wall |
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Chief on Engine 5
Chief and F/F Joe Parkin Jr
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1996: Captain Edward Conklin holding Chief the Dog |
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June 14, 1996 -- Hancock Collection
November 5, 1997: Riverside had just adopted a new mascot who was named "Eddie" in memory of Captain Ed Conklin. Unfortunately within 3 months he disappeared.
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 6, 1999: Smokey - Mascot of Engine 4 at Northside Firehouse
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Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 20, 2001: Smokey the fire dog responds to its last alarm. The plaque reads: SMOKEY - A True and Loyal Fire Dog - Date of Appointment October 15, 1991 - Answered Last Alarm July 28th 2001 - Sadly missed by members of Eng Co. 4 - Ladr Co 2 - Batt 3. Smokey's ashes are encased within wall of the firehouse.
February 27, 2004: Dog rescued from Passaic River and adopted by retired B/C Larry mazza
Record courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 28, 2012: Glover Avenue dog rescue
March 28 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
F/F John Jones
2016: Engine Company 6 and Captain Mike Caposella - with dog at fire scene
2018: Dog rescue at Passaic Falls
April 3, 2019: PFD attends funeral of LODD police dog Leo at Garett Mountain - Flag displayed from two Ladder Trucks
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April 2019: New fire prevention mascot
