Ambulance Service / EMS History
December 26, 1915: This is the first automobile ambulance in the city. It belonged to the Paterson General Hospital.
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
The ambulance service that existed in Paterson prior to 1970 had deteriorated and the Medical Society and Paterson Hospitals lobbied for better service.
Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
Photo of Metzler's Ambulance Service (East 18th and Ellison Streets)
Courtesy Alan Crawford
September 16, 1970: Firemen declared eligible to work part-time on the proposed ambulance service
September 29, 1970: City Fathers have a decision to make regarding proposals by Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring
Dayspring Collection
November 14, 1970: The Fire department Ambulance service is established under the command of Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring.
Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
November 14, 1970: Here is the first page of the official journal documenting the first ever response of the Paterson Ambulance Service. The crew of unit 92 at Southside FH was Robert Wagner and George Roper and they reported for duty at 11PM on November 14th. Note that Mayor Kramer and both Chief Harold Kane (very unusual for that time of night) and DC Paul Peterson were in quarters. Just 5 minutes into the new day - November 15 at 12:05 AM the first run occurred. It was an auto accident at Main and Leslie Streets and the victim was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital. Within 13 minutes #92 was back in service. (Patient names redacted)
Unit 92 In bay at Southside FH Alan Crawford photo 1972
November 14, 1970: Below is the first page on the official journal of Ambulance 91. The crew were John and Emory Merlino who reported for duty at 10:45 (changed to 8) PM at quarters of Engine Company 8 at 71 Wayne Avenue. Erroneously the attendants forgot to write in the new date - Saturday, November 15, 1970. The first run was at 1:03 AM to an auto accident at Arch Street and Presidential Boulevard. Of interest, is they referred to the ambulance as Car 91. Also note that DC Bakanauskas dropped off a battery for a police radio. During a transition period changing ambulance dispatch from PPD to PFD, ambulances could respond to PPD or FAO directives
November 14, 1970: Below is the first page on the official journal of Ambulance 93 located at the quarters of Engine Company 10 at 198 17th Avenue. The initial crew were H Bickel and Al Cabrino who reported for duty at 10:05 PM. Their first response was on November 15th at 12:42 AM to 435 Hamilton Avenue.T hey had a total of 8 runs before 9 AM.
Unite 93 at 198 17th Avenue Firehouse - 1970
Paterson EMS starts smoothly
Ambulance Service functions well. Initial units were at Wayne Avenue Firehouse (91), Southside Firehouse on Getty Avenue (92), 17th Avenue (93) with Car 90 as the supervisor. Units ultimately added to 17th Avenue (93) and then Riverside Firehouses (94)
November 16, 1970: Newspaper clip from 2 days after service started
Dayspring Collection
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November 17, 1970: Newspaper Editorial re the new PFD ambulance service
November 20, 1970: 91 receives a new (different) ambulance with 8137 miles on it
Shown is the first official PFD ambulance incident report - Form was filled out for every run
Dayspring Collection
April 2, 1971: Ambulance 91 receives new Ford Van, with bodywork by Superior Coach . Within 4 months 7600 miles were put on the vehicle.
From rear inside rear cover of journal
EMT Tom Dayspring and Car 91 Ford in bay at Hillcrest FH in spring 1972
April 29, 1971: From PFD Annual report - section relating to ambulance service
Paterson Evening News
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May 5, 1971: PFD is only paid fire department with state certificate of approval
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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May 16, 1971; Below is the first page on the official journal of Ambulance 94 located at the Riverside Firehouse on Lafayette Street. The initial crew were Robert Morgan and Jim Farrell who reported for duty by 12:00 AM. Their first response was 44 minutes later at12:44 AM to 175 Harrison Street. They had a total of 3 runs before ~8 AM. Director, Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring was present at onset and a frequent visitor that day.
Ambulance #94 at Riverside Firehouse 1971
Ford Van: Body by Superior - T Dayspring photo
At bay at Riverside Firehouse - T Dayspring photo
T Dayspring photo
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EMT Tom Dayspring cleaning the rig
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May 25, 1971: 9:00 PM From the Journal of Ambulance 94. To check on operations, Sister Loretta Agnes, accompanied by Assistant Chief Dayspring (Director of the Ambulance) visited the Riverside Firehouse to observe operations of the newly opened unit. (Patient names redacted)
May 25, 1971: 10:47 PM A/C Dayspring, closely monitoring the new service, responds on a 94 call
June 1971 PFD News:
June 9, 1971:
Dayspring Collection
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June 11, 1971: 7 months after it was established the FMBA and PBA objects to civilians working on ambulance under Fire and Police Commission control
Dayspring collection
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June 30, 1971: 4:00 PM Ambulance 91 moves from 71 Wayne Avenue Firehouse to the new Hillcrest Firehouse at 221 Union Avenue. The official opening of the new Firehouse was July 1, 1971.
Written inside front cover of original journal
June 28 and 29, 1971: EMS aids Board of Recreation
Dayspring Collection
September 2, 1971: Article on ambulance service
Dayspring Collection
In May 1981, Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring retired. Former Mayor Arthur Dwyer (who was mayor during the formative 1971-1972 ambulance years) wrote a letter detailing Chief's Dayspring's contribution to the ambulance service
October 6, 1971: Assistant Chief Dayspring becomes PFD's Director of Planning and Development and Deputy Chief Paul Peterson becomes Director of Ambulance Service
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Mortrison
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DC Peterson
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AC Paul Peterson and AC Joseph Dayspring taken May 1981 during the latter's last day on the job
November 24, 1971: Ambulance attendant Richard Murphy and F/F Andrew Babyak deliver a baby at 461 Ellison Street and later (January 1972) are named Godfathers
January 6 Paterson Evening News
January 28, 1972: 341 7:05 PM 495 Union Avenue 4th Baum Textile Co.
EMT's Thomas Dayspring and Lou Backus of Unit 91 at scene
EMT's Thomas Dayspring and Lou Backus of Unit 91 at scene
Offical logbook entry from unit 91
March 1972:
1972 - Dayspring Collection
Journal of Unit 91 March 24, 1972
March 1972: Statistics from the 4 ambulance companies (after 16 months of existence)
1972 Great Falls Festival
Great Falls Festival 1972 Alan Crawford photo
August 24, 1972: 8:35 AM 64 and 66 Madison Street 2nd alarm dwelling fire
EMTs Pete Botbyl (at left) and Art Heimel (in center) apply oxygen to Captain Kerr
Late 1972: Ambulance Division Headquarters established at 71 Wayne Avenue
Unit 95 at Wayne Avenue
Ambulance Supervisor Hank Kettman on right and FF Bill McMasters on left at
Ambulance Headquarters at 71 Wayne Avenue
April 1973 Directive on Command of Ambulance Services. At this time Assistant Chief Paul Peterson was director of the Ambulance Division
October 12, 1973: Civil Service testing required for ambulance division
Firefighter Charles L Walker (hired by EMS in 6/1//73
June 2, 1975: 5:15 AM 4th Avenue and East 24th Street - Delivery of infant in a car
June 3 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 21, 1975: A/C Peterson discusses ambulance service and EMT training
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 10, 1975: Anniversary Dinner for Ambulance Corps
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 16, 1977: Route 20 Ramp incident (fatal)
EMT at left John Ferrarella and at right John Thomas. PPD in center is Jack Izzo - June 17 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 10, 1977: Review of PFD EMS - Note service started 1970, not 1971 as stated in the article
Courtesy Bill Mulcahey
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October 5, 1978: Hazmat incident at Passaic County Community College
Squad 1's Gary Giese on left. EMT Jack Baker in center and Mark Veenema on right -- Haycock Collection
March 22, 1979: One night on the FD ambulance with FF/EMT Steve Tubman and Mike Mincey
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
Unit 91 - Lime Green
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~Early 1980s: EMS Supervisor's Helmet (Jim Durkin)
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March 17, 1983 directive re spare ambulances
November 11, 1983: Ambulance 94 relocates from Riverside FH to to Highland Street
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 15, 1984 rescue at railroad. On right carrying stretcher is then EMT Director and future Chief of Department John Mauro. To the left is EMT John Thomas and to right of Mauro is EMT Bob Flaker.
Driver Steve Tubman ? 1985 90th Anniversary Parade
1985 views of EMT supervisor gig and 91 at Hillcrest Fire House on Union Avenue
John Mauro (future Chief Engineer) at right -- Courtesy Michael Ventimiglia
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Captain Michael Ventimigia w white shirt & radio
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May 15, 1985: EMS Drill - Supervisor Pat Wright conducting CPR training. FF to the rear is Greg Lisowski. Ed Conklin and Brice Vander Voort are doing the CPR.
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 12, 1985: SJH paramedic vehicle and auto collide at Straight Street & 16th Avenue
EMT is Robert Flaker - Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 25, 1988: Jersey and Grand Street - heart patient flown in to get to St Joseph's Hospital
from the Herald - courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 16, 1988: EMS incident regarding fatality
August 17 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 30, 1988: Disaster Drill 5th Avenue and East 5th Street
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1990: The 20th Anniversary Dinner for the PFD EMS was held CLICK for full PROGRAM
Courtesy Bill Mulcahey
Collage of 1970s PFD Ambulance members 0 courtesy Frank Malzone III
May 5, 1992: Wounded man shows up at Riverside Firehouse
May 6 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 2, 1992: Passaic County tech students construct a backboard for PFD EMS, represented by Captain Ventimiglia in photo below
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 4, 1993: PFD Mass Casualty Unit started under Chief Mauro (North Jersey Herald News)
Ventimiglia Collection
The vehicle was refurbished totally from donations since money was very tight in those days. It was built by all volunteers most notably, B/C Terry Pelligrino and D/C Scott Mac Gilvray and Captain Ventimiglia. Other members helped put it together using equipment from the old Rescue truck (radios and such). The bus was used a few times for big fires and accidents. It went to Liberty State Park for the WTC event in 2001. There was no call sign for the bus it was simply requested as the Mass Casualty Vehicle.
The bus was one of two vehicles PFD put together because the budget could not afford to purchase equipment that was not used on a regular basis: it was difficult keeping first line apparatus and vehicles on the road.
The other vehicle built from donations was the first Mobile Command vehicle. It was a smaller bus called "Field Comm" by fire alarm. We used it much more than the MCV. Prior to this PFD used the back of the old Rescue truck as a command post and it was very cramped and not equipped very well.
Comments from Chief John Mauro: Captain Michael Ventimiglia deserves most of the credit as he developed, coordinated and supervised the operation. It came at a time when funds were low and the state was biting at our heels to get something in place to fill the need for such a vehicle. Captain Ventimiglia spent a great amount of time on this project to comply with NJ state regs. Other firefighters assisted. Once again the PFD members rose to the challenge with their assistance and hard work. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that the vehicle itself was acquired via EMT Supv. Jim Durkin from an associate who fully donated the unit. Again, many thanks to Captain Michael Ventimiglia and Supv. Durkin for their efforts and hard work to make the project come to fruition.
The bus was one of two vehicles PFD put together because the budget could not afford to purchase equipment that was not used on a regular basis: it was difficult keeping first line apparatus and vehicles on the road.
The other vehicle built from donations was the first Mobile Command vehicle. It was a smaller bus called "Field Comm" by fire alarm. We used it much more than the MCV. Prior to this PFD used the back of the old Rescue truck as a command post and it was very cramped and not equipped very well.
Comments from Chief John Mauro: Captain Michael Ventimiglia deserves most of the credit as he developed, coordinated and supervised the operation. It came at a time when funds were low and the state was biting at our heels to get something in place to fill the need for such a vehicle. Captain Ventimiglia spent a great amount of time on this project to comply with NJ state regs. Other firefighters assisted. Once again the PFD members rose to the challenge with their assistance and hard work. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that the vehicle itself was acquired via EMT Supv. Jim Durkin from an associate who fully donated the unit. Again, many thanks to Captain Michael Ventimiglia and Supv. Durkin for their efforts and hard work to make the project come to fruition.
At Barnert Hospital ER
95 and Truck 1 at Hillcrest Firehouse
EMT Supervisor Fred Sands and BC Earl Plavier at fire scene
Tour Commander gig and 91 at Hillcrest FH
September 16, 1994: EMT assaulted in ambulance
September 17 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 4, 1995 Passing of FF and EMT Steve Tubman
April 20, 1995: Ambulance collision with auto at Broadway & East 18th Street
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 29, 1995: Residency law for EMTs
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 15, 1995: Residency issuer for EMTs
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 18, 1995
December 13, 1996: EMT issues
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 11, 1998: F/F updating EMT Training
Courtesy Vincent Zito
March 13, 1999: First use of defibrillator in PFD ambulance
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March 15 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Bruce Ripley (as a Captain)
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September 10, 2001: Chief James Pasquariello in center
Courtesy Armindo Cortez
June 25, 2003: at 125 Presidential Blvd fire scene
Caring for Captain Bob Hrib -- Marty Pelta Photo
Marty Pelta Photo
November 2, 2003: Retirment of historic PFD EMT Pete Potbyl
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December 1, 2007: PFD EMTs to be phased out and replaced by FF
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April 2, 2009: Drill for Paterson FF
April 2 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
2009
2010 Arrival of New Ambulances
Ambulance Markings
See photo of Ambulance 92 above. A28 refers to the fleet number for identifying the vehicle (in this label A = ambulance). The fire apparatus have a “T” # and the gigs have a “C” #. For fleet maintenance records the “A” number stays with that unit. For example, 28A will always be on the "bus" below regardless of what unit (91-98) is operating it.
The designation 92A refers to the actual unit. Ambulance "Bus" 92 operates out of the Hillcrest Firehouse on Union Avenue. Some units have two ambulance vehicles (designated as an A and B unit for rotational purposes) - for 92 it would be 92A (shown above) and 92B. Sometimes an ambulance will transfer quarters (change to another 9# unit); for instance if it is older it might go to a slower house. As an example, the ambulance in the picture might have started off at 91 (and would have ben labeled as 91A) but upon transfer to Hillcrest the marking changes to 92 (A or B). The A28 label would never change.
The designation 92A refers to the actual unit. Ambulance "Bus" 92 operates out of the Hillcrest Firehouse on Union Avenue. Some units have two ambulance vehicles (designated as an A and B unit for rotational purposes) - for 92 it would be 92A (shown above) and 92B. Sometimes an ambulance will transfer quarters (change to another 9# unit); for instance if it is older it might go to a slower house. As an example, the ambulance in the picture might have started off at 91 (and would have ben labeled as 91A) but upon transfer to Hillcrest the marking changes to 92 (A or B). The A28 label would never change.
November 2, 2010: 8:30 AM EMS Supervisor (Mary Tiritelli) in accident at Straight Street and 20th Avenue
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 3, 2014: 7:45 AM East 19th and 4th Ave accident. F/F Rami Mourjane at left
April 6 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 3, 2015: North Main Street & East Haledon Avenue accident
March 4 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 2016: Ambulance 94B at Northside Firehouse
(Brandon Marsch photo)
September 2016: Conglomeration of Emergency Vehicles enroute to St Joseph's Hospital with a CPR in Progress -- including Paterson Fire EMS, St Joseph's Paramedics, Engine Company 5, Paterson Fire EMS Supervisor and 4 Paterson Police Units
October 29, 2016: Paterson NJ shooting on Godwin Ave near Rosa Parks Blvd. Video shows units transported the shooting victim to St Josephs Trauma center in Paterson, NJ Ron Bombaro video
December 2016: EMS Emblem embossed on table in Chief's Offices (kitchen) at McBride Avenue Firehouse
December 15, 2016: Ambulance 92 at Hillcrest Firehouse
Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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December 15, 2016: Ambulance 94 at Northside Firehouse
Dayspring Photo
June 2017: New ambulance not yet in service
July 6, 2017: Ron Bombaro video of new ambulance and St. Joseph's Hospital MICU
September 2017: New ambulance Units 92 and 96 at McBride Avenue Firehouse
December 28, 2017 95 at Riverside Firehouse (T Dayspring photos)
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March 23, 2018: Unit 97 at McBride Avenue Firehouse
Todd Hollritt photo
May 19, 2018: Ambulance 96 responding from Southside Firehouse Michael Saggau Jr video
May 24, 2018: 4 new rigs arrive at PFD. Ford cabs with Ambulance by Demers. Vendor was First Priority Emergency Vehicles (FPG).
L-R: DC Kevin Hancock, Chief Brian McDermott, Captain Thomas Dyk (Ambulance Specification Chairman) and FPG Company Representative Ken Clark. Not pictured is FF Robert Zeidler (Ambulance Specification Committee Member)
Department Headquarters - McBride Avenue
PFD markings yet to be applied
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June 29, 2018: Above ambulances now have PFD markings - Units 91, 94, 95 and 97
June 30, 2018: Main and Ward Street accident - An early morning crash that had a PFD Ambulance overturned in the downtown is under investigation. It happened near the intersection of Main and Ward streets just before 4 a.m. when a vehicle collided with the ambulance causing the ambulance to overturn with a pregnant woman inside according to reports. RLS Media photos and video
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DC Ryan Murray
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August 6, 2018: Ron Bombaro video
August 22, 2018: Totowa Avenue MVA
Ron Bombaro photo
Ron Bombaro photo
September 13, 2018: Fundraising event at St. Joseph's Hospital
In front DC (TC) Mike Fleming, DC Ryan Murray, DC Kevin Hancock, Chief McDermott
October 25, 2018: Unit 97 at McBride Avenue quarters
Todd Hollritt photo
October 28, 2018: Touch a Truck Day at PFD Headquarters - St Joseph's Hospital used in PFD's extra alarm protocol and use for REHAB (Rehabilitation which refers to firefighters exiting a fire scene / building they go to a designated area to cool off/warm up, rehydrate and get vitals checked if needed). During extreme weather they have tents with heaters, fans, etc.
Phot at PFD Headquarters
November 1, 2018: Communication Directive - Unit Identifications
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91 - EMS Headquarters (Madison Ave)
92 - Hillcrest 93 - Lakeview 94 - Northside 95 - Riverside |
96 - Southside
97 - PFD Headquarters (McBride Avenue) 98 - Special Duty (Northside) 99 - Special Duty (Madison Avenue) |
December 27, 2018: Madison Avenue Firehouse - 90, 91 and 99 (Tour 1)
Captains A Cruz, & C Antoci
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91 - Dayspring Photo
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91
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91
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Madison Avenue EMTs Tour 1
December 27, 2018: Ambulance 92 at Hillcrest (Union Avenue) Firehouse
Dayspring photo
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FF (EMTs) Jihad Dunham and Winfred Roman - Dayspring photo
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FF (EMT) Jihad Dunham
FF (EMTs) Jihad Dunham and Winfred Roman - Dayspring photo
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December 27, 2018: Ambulance 93 at Lakeview (Trenton Avenue) Firehouse - Flag at half-staff due to death of President GHWB
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On wall inside Lakeview FH - Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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FF Jorge Perez, FF Joe Desomma, FF Janice Miller, FF Antonio Moore
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FF Antonio Moore, FF Jorge Perez, FF Joe Desomma, FF Janice Miller, e - Dayspring photo
December 27, 2018: Ambulance 95 parked at rear of Riverside (Lafayette Street) Firehouse
Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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December 27, 2018: Unit running as Ambulance 96 at Southside (Getty Avenue) Firehouse
Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
December 27, 2018: Ambulance 97 at McBride Avenue Firehouse
Tour 1 FF (EMTs) Gabriel Chavez and Bryan Pricken - Dayspring photo
Vince Marchese photo
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Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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FF Gabriel Chavez Tour 1 - Dayspring photo
December 27, 2018: Ambulance 99 at Madison Avenue Firehouse
Dayspring photo
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Dayspring photo
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December 29, 2018: Michael Saggau Jr. video
Helmet of FF/EMT Angelo Marzella (badge #444) worked at Rescue 2 and also Ambulance Unit 96. He put a 96 shield (Rescue Co shields are blue) on one of his old helmets for when he was assigned to ambulance duty ("riding the bus")
Helmet sits atop Unit 96
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February 25, 2019: Michael Saggau Jr video
April 25, 2019: Communities in the Domincan Republic will gain access to two ambulances thanks to an action by the Paterson City Council on Tuesday. Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott the noted the vehicles are no longer in use, and, with hundreds of thousands of miles each, have no value to local residents or the city’s treasury. While the city is bearing no cost on this donation, McDermott said, there is a major benefit to be gained simply by virtue of the fact that it will help save lives.
“We think we are struggling in Paterson,” McDermott offered “the Paterson Fire Department, and our residents, have access to the best trained personnel and equipment,” something that isn’t true for the residents of El Naranjal and El Pinar, the towns, located in the San Jose De Ocoa province of the island nation, where they will be put into use. Present to show their gratitude for the donated vehicles was Ingrid Bello, secretary of Pinar Unido USA, one of the organizations coordinating their delivery and future use. While El Naranjal is closer to a city, El Pinar is a more mountainous region where the five mile trek to the nearest hospital includes travel through “rough terrain.”
“We think we are struggling in Paterson,” McDermott offered “the Paterson Fire Department, and our residents, have access to the best trained personnel and equipment,” something that isn’t true for the residents of El Naranjal and El Pinar, the towns, located in the San Jose De Ocoa province of the island nation, where they will be put into use. Present to show their gratitude for the donated vehicles was Ingrid Bello, secretary of Pinar Unido USA, one of the organizations coordinating their delivery and future use. While El Naranjal is closer to a city, El Pinar is a more mountainous region where the five mile trek to the nearest hospital includes travel through “rough terrain.”
April 27, 2019: NJ State FMBA Valor Awards
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L-R: NJ State FMBA VP Wayne Wolk (a Trenton FF), Zach Panzarella & Scott Matthews.
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June 2019: St. Joseph's NJ EMS Task Force Vehicle - Mass Care Response Unit 11 located at Lakeview FH. The unit, and the operator, SJHMC Medic Bob Bertolo, would feverishly set up a rehab area for firefighters using pieces and parts. In the rehab area it is used in concert with PFD Comms trailer with full heat, A/C and open room to rest and rehydrate. PFD serviced the generator, cleaned it up making it available to the aid firefighters at the drop of a hat. The unit goes out on a 2nd Alarm or an all hands when the humidity is high.
October 2018
June 25, 2019: 5th alarm fire 480 Summer Street St Joseph's NJ EMS Task Force Vehicle - Mass Care Response Unit 11
Bill Tompkins photo
June 26, 2019: Incident at Passaic falls
Ron Bombaro Photo
Ron Bombaro Photo
July 12, 2019: Unit 92 responding on Wayne Avenue - Ron Bombaro Video
September 11, 2019: Liberty State Park
A41 is Unit 96 - Bill Tompkins photo
September 25, 2019: Rear cabin of Unit 97 at McBride Avenue Firehouse
Dayspring photo
October 2019: Firefighters Scott Matthews and Zach Panzarella achieved recognition in Firehouse Magazine's 2018 Award of Valor honorees in the October 2019 issue of the magazine.
October 27, 2019: Ron Bombaro video of Ambulance responses
December 1, 2019: Firehouse Magazine listing of busiest ambulance services. Paterson ranked 7th nationally.
April 11, 2020: Paterson Fire hitting record daily call volume. It is taxing for our EMT’s that have been handling every call with such professionalism and dedication. PFD reached out through the State for some crews to augment EMS staff, and Steve Besselman, Justin Ingles, and Zack Wilson from Midwest Medical Columbus Ohio answered the call.
Lakeview Forehouse
April 22, 2020: PFD and COVID 19 crisis
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 1, 2020: A Review of PFD's COVID-19 experience
June 6, 2020: Chief McDermott notes: "We emptied out Lakeview of all equipment and sent them to Madison Ave. We split Madison Ave into two firehouses with the addition of E3 and 93. Lakeview became COVID EMS/HazMat only with the addition of HM Battalion 4, Decon Captain, HazMat 1, EMS Captains Car 9, 10 & 11 , and BLS 3 man Units 98, 99, 910 & 911. The house was used as a drive through Decon Center with a total of 7 ambulances assigned just for COVID. The 4 COVID crews would just switch to a clean ambulance while the crew took a clean ambulance for the next call. Peak was 180 EMS calls in a day."
COVID TESTING- "the PFD is in charge of OEM. We successfully tested every firefighter, police officer and City employee. Then we tested all Housing Authority residents and set up 5 city sites that are still going. City sites are very tough because some of it was out of our control. But we’ve tested thousands."
COVID LOGISTICS- "PFD started out the pandemic with 30k surgical masks, 10k N95’s, 30k gloves, 3k Tyvek suits, 500 TyChem suits, goggles for all and 50 HazMat boots. We also gave six P100 masks to each company and decon solution. Each member got a set of filters and they kept them in a brown baggie. Each tour they’d sanitize the masks and install their filters. Worked great. Recently, every police and fire member received their own P100 from us. We also built a UV box lined with polished steel to decon masks and equipment."
COVID FOOD- "we partnered with Paterson Schools early and set up food receiving lines at all firehouses right away in March. Gave thousands of meals."
COVID VTC- we set up a victim tracking center 24 hour call in line for COVID sick and quarantined to call out, in, or for FAQ’s. It also called in and tracked all OT. We partnered with our workers comp and set up a hotline there too. The VTC transitioned into a CERT volunteer hotline as well."
COVID OEM- "Our OEM Director was out with surgery and DC Cam Gardner stepped in to handle it. We wrote an RFP for a citywide CARES act reimbursement coordinator and we established a central purchasing center where we purchase and track all COVID equipment and services. This was so important. CARES has an initial $8.7 million for Paterson and we are ready to go on reimbursement."
COVID TECH- "PFD was the “first in the nation” to do on scene video telemedicine with a doctor using an iPad on FaceTime. We are trying to make it permanent. It’s awesome."
"All our people survived COVID and we had a low contraction rate. I attribute that partly to our aggressive stance."
COVID TESTING- "the PFD is in charge of OEM. We successfully tested every firefighter, police officer and City employee. Then we tested all Housing Authority residents and set up 5 city sites that are still going. City sites are very tough because some of it was out of our control. But we’ve tested thousands."
COVID LOGISTICS- "PFD started out the pandemic with 30k surgical masks, 10k N95’s, 30k gloves, 3k Tyvek suits, 500 TyChem suits, goggles for all and 50 HazMat boots. We also gave six P100 masks to each company and decon solution. Each member got a set of filters and they kept them in a brown baggie. Each tour they’d sanitize the masks and install their filters. Worked great. Recently, every police and fire member received their own P100 from us. We also built a UV box lined with polished steel to decon masks and equipment."
COVID FOOD- "we partnered with Paterson Schools early and set up food receiving lines at all firehouses right away in March. Gave thousands of meals."
COVID VTC- we set up a victim tracking center 24 hour call in line for COVID sick and quarantined to call out, in, or for FAQ’s. It also called in and tracked all OT. We partnered with our workers comp and set up a hotline there too. The VTC transitioned into a CERT volunteer hotline as well."
COVID OEM- "Our OEM Director was out with surgery and DC Cam Gardner stepped in to handle it. We wrote an RFP for a citywide CARES act reimbursement coordinator and we established a central purchasing center where we purchase and track all COVID equipment and services. This was so important. CARES has an initial $8.7 million for Paterson and we are ready to go on reimbursement."
COVID TECH- "PFD was the “first in the nation” to do on scene video telemedicine with a doctor using an iPad on FaceTime. We are trying to make it permanent. It’s awesome."
"All our people survived COVID and we had a low contraction rate. I attribute that partly to our aggressive stance."
October 15, 2020: New CPR tool: PFD introduced month long training on 2 LUCAS machines. These compact, yet powerful, machines do chest compressions during CPR. It serves two purposes. 1. Provide perfect chest compressions at the AHA recommended depth and interval. 2. It keeps the rescuer away from aerosol from the lunges that is riddled with COVID reducing the likelihood of transmission.
F/F Andres Gomez, Captain Sean Duffy center , F/F Jerome Hunter to the right
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L-R Firefighter Jerome Hunter, firefighter Timothy Klein seated, Deputy chief Alex Alicea and firefighter Andres Gomez
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October 15, 2020: Chief McDermott announces new COVID EMS gear to EVERY EMT: high tech Fire-Dex EMS gear for response to the pandemic. Looks like Fire Gear, but it’s actually specifically designed and constructed for EMS response to COVID. It’s quickly and easily decontaminated making for less down time between calls. It’s more breathable than HazMat suits so its less strenuous to operate in. The decontamination solution we use is non-carcinogenic for the health of our responders. The gear has orange striping so it will never be mistaken for use as fire gear and the rubber boots are easily cleaned. Double eye protection, our P100 respirators and double nitrile gloves, tape sealed finish it off. Also included are barrier gloves for protection from blood and bodily fluids at more intense scenes.
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October 22, 2020: PFD receives several new stretchers (Stryker Stretcher system) for every ambulance to keep distance from COVID patients preventing transmission of the disease. Safety of our patients and our Firefighters is the desire. These stretchers also have 4 point safety belts with a shoulder harness and built in oxygen storage. Huge safety features for patients. It is more stable and lifts and lowers with electric motors. It even auto loads into the ambulance which is a real load off PFD backs.
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October 27, 2020: PFD EMT (Unit 97) picking up a positive COVID patient
November 14, 2020: 50th Anniversary of the PFD Ambulance Service
