Evolution of the Paid Department
End of Volunteer Department - Establishment of City Run Paid Department
Major Events from March 1890 - November 1895
The paid Paterson Fire department had its origins in the mid 1880s. Several of the country's larger cities, including New York, had developed professional departments after the Civil War. In Paterson, like many departments it was the horse that doomed the Volunteers. All of the apparatus used since the inception of the department in 1815 had been hand pulled by the firemen themselves. This was true even of the earlier (and smaller) steam fire engines that appeared in the 1860s. It could take as many as 20-40 men to pull the engines. However as technology progressed the apparatus (steamers and hook and ladder trucks) became significantly larger and horses were required to haul them.
Once horses were introduced into the firehouses, it was necessary for someone to be with them 24 hours a day. In reality the paid department in Paterson began on May 1, 1884 when Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company 1, located at 112 Van Houten Street, introduced horses. William Whittaker at a salary of $700 per annum was hired as the city's first "Driver." Over the next 5 years all of the other companies followed suit except for the three hose companies that were disbanded near the end of the decade. The city paid for the drivers and horses. Of course the companies no longer needed as many men to pull the apparatus and hence the demise of the volunteer system began.
Once horses were introduced into the firehouses, it was necessary for someone to be with them 24 hours a day. In reality the paid department in Paterson began on May 1, 1884 when Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company 1, located at 112 Van Houten Street, introduced horses. William Whittaker at a salary of $700 per annum was hired as the city's first "Driver." Over the next 5 years all of the other companies followed suit except for the three hose companies that were disbanded near the end of the decade. The city paid for the drivers and horses. Of course the companies no longer needed as many men to pull the apparatus and hence the demise of the volunteer system began.
The photos below illustrate the difference between a hand pulled steam fire engine and a horse pulled. At left is the hand pulled single pump Banks steamer of Passaic Engine Company 1 (at its firehouse on Mulberry Street near Broadway) and the horse pulled Vigilant Engine Company 6, a third-class double pump steamer, built by the Paterson Steam Fire Engine Company. Note the driver's seat on the apparatus at right which is not needed on a hand pulled engine.
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1888: The reorganization of the Fire Department by a special committee consisting of Aldermen MacDonald, Miller and Kearney was initiated. The first break was the disbanding of the three hose companies and the formation of a new Truck Company (No. 3) located in Godwin Ave quarters formerly used by Cataract Hose No 2.
Many pathetic scenes took place in the various engine houses when the companies prepared for the final disbandment. Men who fought side by side against natures most destructive element "fire" were now severing ties that had bound them for years.
January 20, 1890: Alderman Meeting: Ordinance for paid FD established
January 21 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 20, 1890: Over 900 apply for PFD positions
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
January 25, 1890: Probable Captain appointments
Courtesy Jim Eifler
January 29, 1890: Committee on Reorganization of the Fire Department selects the applicants to staff each company
January 30 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 13, 1890: From the Paterson Weekly Press - Board of Alderman review qualification of initial appointments.
Courtesy of Jim Eifler
March 20, 1890: The Paterson Fire department was reorganized: partially paid department or "Call System" succeeded the volunteer system on with four permanent men in nine engine and three hook and ladder companies, and eight "call men" to each. The fulltime men consisted of Captains, Engineers, Drivers and Tillermen as well as the chief, and two assistants and a Superintendent of Fire alarm Telegraph. The men worked 24 hours a day, six days a week and each day got an hour off for breakfast, dinner (lunch) and supper.
Dayspring Collection
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David Turnbull served as the last Volunteer Chief and was also briefly the initial Chief Engineer of the new paid department. Less than two months after the paid department began (March 20, 1890), specifically on May 5th, 1890, Chief Engineer Turnbull resigned and Assistant John F. Murphy was appointed to fill vacancy of term. John Struck succeeded as Assistant Chief. John Gillmore succeeded John Crotty as assistant Chief Engineer in May, 1890. |
March 20, 1890 Original Companies and Firehouses:
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Headquarters: 10 Hotel Street
Engine Company 1: 112 Van Houten Street Engine Company 2: 10 Hotel Street Engine Company 3: 77 Prospect Street Engine Company 4: 149 Slater Street Engine Company 5: 128 Water Street Engine Company 6: 304 Market Street |
Engine Company 7: 298 Tyler Street
Engine Company 8: 71 Wayne Avenue Engine Company 9: 586 Main Street Truck Company 1: 72 Jackson Street Truck Company 2: 77 Prospect Street Truck Company 3: 183 Godwin Avenue |
Hose and Supply Department: Bridge Street between Tyler and Godwin Avenue
March 20, 1890: The actual inaugural journal and a page from Engine Company 8 on Wayne Avenue - the first day of the new partially paid department.
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David Turnbull was the initial (albeit transient) Chief Engineer of the new department. Below is a very early (March 22, 1890) Journal page from Engine Company 8 on Wayne Avenue - noting that Chief Turnbull visited quarters.
April 15, 1890: Alderman Committee on Fire meeting
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April 16 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 10, 1890: Aldermen Fire Committee Meeting - Chief Turnbull report
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May 24, 1890: Aldermen Fire Committee Meeting Bids solicited for Silsby steamer for Engine 8
Mat 25 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 21, 1890: Alderman report
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 5, 1890: Call men lobby for increased yearly stipend
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 21, 1890: Box 51 at 3:15 AM - Machine Shop at Van Houten Street and Magee's Alley was the first General Alarm in the newly organized partially paid department. Here is part of the story published in the Guardian -- for the full article CLICK HERE
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 23, 1890: The paid department purchases its first new steam fire engines, a third size Silsby and assigned them to Engine Company 8 and Engine Company 9. A new hose wagon also went to Engine 8. Finally a new three horse hitch went to Truck Co. 1.
August 1, 1890: Fire Committee Meeting - Disciplinary issued
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August 1 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 8, 1890: Aldermen's Fire Committee Meeting
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August 9 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 14, 1890: The department purchases a new double 60-gallon horizontal Babcock fire extinguisher and organized Chemical Engine Company 1 which operated at the Hotel Street Firehouse, replacing Engine Company 2 which temporarily goes out of service,
The new chemical Engine was tested on September 13 and then quartered at Engine 2 firehouse on Hotel Street with the Engine 2 Steamer being moved to temporarily run out of the Hose House on Bridge Street until the new Highland Street firehouse is completed.
Engine 2's Hose cart was relocated temporarily at Engine 9 on Main Street and the Gig of Chief Murphy will be at Hotel Street with the Chemical Company and the Hotel Street FH will serve as Fire Headquarters.
Engine 2's Hose cart was relocated temporarily at Engine 9 on Main Street and the Gig of Chief Murphy will be at Hotel Street with the Chemical Company and the Hotel Street FH will serve as Fire Headquarters.
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September 14, 1890: Alterations to Fire Alarm Signals and Boxes
September 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 1, 1890: The department opens the first newly constructed firehouse in the paid era at 77 Highland Street and Engine Company 2, with Jeffer's steamer and hose wagon, relocates from Hotel Street.
March 6, 1891: Aldermen's Meeting Callmen's issues discussed - Hopes for a new engine 9 steamer discussed
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 1891: The NJ Legislature passes a law making the term of the office of Chief Engineer and assistant engineers during good behavior
May 5, 1891: John Stagg is appointed Chief Engineer. Soon thereafter James C. Mills (May 25) and John Gillmore (June 1) were appointed as assistant engineers - seen below L-R.
John Stagg
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James Mills
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John Gilmore
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July 9, 1891: Call man James Moser of Engine Company 1 is killed by a soda water tank explosion. Since he was a call man and not paid, he was not originally listed on the Supreme Sacrifice Memorial Monument, but that omission was corrected in 2016.
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October 5, 1891: Alderman meeting re fire department
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 11, 1891: Chief Stagg's report
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 14, 1891: Reunion of members of Paterson's Passaic Engine Company 1.
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Ex Chiefs John Regner (top) and Andrew Moser (bottom)
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Police Chief Graul
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Chester Ely
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October 15, 1891: Statement from City Veterinary Surgeon (Wm. Herbert Lowe, DVS): The honorable board took a very important step in the right direction which will not only save money but will greatly improve the efficiency of several departments of the city that require horses -- Hereafter in the purchase of horses for the Fire department of the city, the same be by sealed proposals, said horses to be from 1200 to 1325 pounds; about 16 hands high, not to be over 6 years of age, to be given 30 days trial and to be examined by the City Veterinary Surgeon as to soundness and adaptability before purchasing the same.
October 17, 1891: Charges against call man Albert Weber
December 1891: Chief Stagg's list of fires during November 1891
Morning Call
December 6, 1891: Richard Duffy of Truck Company 1 is thrown from apparatus and died the next day after leg surgery. Since he was a callman and not paid, he was not listed on the current Supreme Sacrifice Monument until 2016.
December 18, 1891: Fire Committee Meeting
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December 19 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 8, 1892: PFD Notes
January 9 Paterson News
January 16, 1892: Charges brought against Callman Neil Jordan of Engine 1
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 26, 1892: F/F grievances re personal equipment
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January 27 Paterson News
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March 4, 1892: Fire Committee Meeting - Coal shortage
March 5 Morning Call
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March 5 Paterson News
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May 6, 1892: Fire Committee meeting
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May 7 Morning Call
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May 9 Morning Call
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May 26, 1892: Fire Insurance Underwriters visit PFD
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May 27 Morning Call
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June 3, 1892: Fire Committee meeting - charges against callman John Hart
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June 10, 1892: Fire Committee rules related to Call Men, purchase of 3 new horses and charges against two FF and issuance of exempt certificates
Courtesy Jim Eifler
July 3, 1892: Firehouse repairs
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 16, 1892: F/F David Murray fined for abusing a fire horse
Paterson News
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July 29, 1982: Fire committee meeting - Mill owners protest relocation of Engine 6
July 30 Paterson News
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July 31 Morning Call
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August 2, 1892: Chief Stagg report of July 1892 fires
Morning Call
August 29, 1892: Fire Committee meeting: New appointment to be considered. Location of new Engine 6 firehouse and Engine 8 edition discussed
August 30 Morning Call
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September 29, 1892: Fire Committee meeting - various firehouse repairs
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September 30 Morning Call
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September 30, 1892: Fire Committee meeting - Discussion of new Engine 6 firehouse and new apparatus for Truck 3
October 1 Morning Call
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October 3, 1892: Hose test at Bridge Street Hose House
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October 4 Guardian
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November 18, 1892: Fire Committee meeting: New Truck 3 apparatus ordered from SF Haywood company. Driver George Slingland of supply wagon find for disobeying Chief Gilmore
November 19 Morning Call
November 28, 1892: F/F transfers
Paterson News
December 5, 1892: Chief Stagg report of November 1892 Fires
Morning Call
December 16, 1892: Fire Committee meeting - Captain Allen charged for deserting firehouse and fined
December 17 Morning Call
January 5, 1893: Chief Stagg releases fire list for 1892
Morning Call
May 3, 1893: List of April 1893 fires
Paterson News
June 16, 1893: Fire Committee Meeting: Disorderly conduct charges and reprimands re Engine 6 George Slingland & Louis Hazzard (drivers of hose wagon and steamer)
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June 17 Morning Call
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June 17 Paterson News
October 6, 1893: September alarms
Paterson News
December 1, 1893: Alderman Fire Committee meeting - charges leveled against fireman Frank Costello.
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December 2 Morning Call
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December 2, 1893: Fire alarms during November 1893
Paterson News
December 12, 1893: Officials from Nashua NH visit PFD to inspect Truck 3's new chemical/hook and ladder truck. Firehouse improvements noted
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December 13 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1893 PFD Report from Morning Call Columbian Edition (Courtesy Jim Eifler)
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March 1893: A new combination chemical and ladder truck is purchased and assigned to Truck Company 3 on Godwin Ave. |
Dayspring Collection
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May 5, 1893: Christopher Murphy of Truck Company 3, fatally injured falling off the apparatus. Since he was a callman and not paid, he was not listed on the current Supreme Sacrifice Monument until 2016.
September 14, 1893: The first General Alarm of the partially paid department was Box 124 at 10:20 PM - 68-78 Paterson Street - a Lumbar Yard fire
December 14, 1893: At an alderman meeting the age and height of firemen are discussed.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1894: The "call system" did not meet the satisfaction owing to the habit of the callmen failing to report in more cases than they were supposed to. It got to be the rule that the only men at fires were those who were regularly employed for such work.
During 1894 the department had 45 horses in service.
During 1894 the department had 45 horses in service.
1894: Hotel Street name is renamed Hamilton Street - The Firehouse at 10 Hotel Street becomes 10 Hamilton Street.
January 1, 1894: Part of Chief Staggs annual 1893 report dealing with alarms & company responses
January 1, 1894: Firemen donate one days salary to the poor
January 13, 1894: Firemanic News
Paterson News
February 5, 1894: Aldermen's Meeting - Chief Stagg reports on 1893
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February 6 Paterson News
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February 12, 1894: Chief Stagg report on January fires
April 14, 1894: Issues with two callmen - George Mills of E 7 and Edward Kilpatrick of E8
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 29, 1894: Fire Committee Meeting - 2 Callmen dismissed
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June 29, 1894: Fire Committee Meeting - new hydrants and fire boxes and moving of parade date
June 30 Morning Call
July 13, 1894: FD committee meeting
July 14 Morning Call
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July 28, 1894: Chief Stagg of PFD visits Butler to demonstrate and instruct about fire extinguishers & chemical apparatus
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July 30 Morning Call
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August 17, 1894: Aldermen Fire Committee considers location for South Paterson firehouse: Madison Avenue and Main Street, Getty Avenue and Goshen Street and Gould Avenue and Pacific Street.
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August 18 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 18, 1894: Chief Stagg at National Association of Fire Engineers in Montreal
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 27, 1895: Engine 4 incident (fight) between Captain Sweeney and Engineer Thoms
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September 14, 1894: F/F engage in fishing contest
Morning Call
October 23, 1894: Fire Committee - Assistant Chief gig ordered from ES Robinson. Proposals put out for new Engine 6 firehouse
October 24 Morning Call
October 25 Paterson News
November 16, 1894: Fire Committee Meeting - Annual parade on Thanksgiving - Plans for Engine house on Gould and Pacific Street (at this time being called Engine 10) - Ultimately Engine 7 was relocated there and Engine 10 did not appear until 1910
PFD Engine Co 10 Committee - 1895 -- Nameplate above the apparatus door on the Gould Avenue FH
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November 29, 1894: Annual parade
November 30 Paterson News
December 4, 1894: November 1894 Fire Statistics
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 13, 1894: Board of Aldermen Fire and Water Committee -
December 14 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 12, 1895: Chief Stagg illness
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 18, 1895: Fire Committee meeting - Sliding poles ordered
Paterson News
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March 7, 1895: Committee discusses issues with new house of Engine 6
March 8 Morning Call
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March 9, 1895: Aldermen visit new firehouse
March 11 Paterson News
March 12, 1895: Chemical Wagon to return to duty after snapped axle
Morning Call
April 3, 1895: Chief Stagg issues report about going to fully paid fire department and elimination of the callmen. Interesting comment that fire headquarters, then located at the Hotel Street Firehouse should be moved because to access the Chief's office (described as too small) on the second floor, visitors have to walk through the stables to get to the staircase. It is noted that "timid" visitors object to this!
April 19, 1895: New fire alarm card adapted for the upcoming relocation of Engine 6 to its new firehouse. South Paterson Firehouse (Gould Ave) also nearing completion.
Morning Call
April 29, 1895: Final preparations for Engine 6 to move to new Market Street firehouse
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Morning Call
May 2, 1895: Dispute between F/F John Breen and Captain Simonton
May 2 Guardian
May 14, 1895: Aldermanic Fire and Water Committee annual visit
Morning Call
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May 20, 1895: Engine 3 may be sent to new Madison park Firehouse (Gould Avenue)
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May 21 Paterson News
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May 31, 1895: Fire and Water Committee meeting - Reorganization of PFD discussed
June 1 Morning Call
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June 4, 1895: Month of June fire report of Chief Stagg
Morning Call
June 14, 1895: Fire and Water committee meeting - it is realized that city will not be able to afford a new company (#10) to be placed in the Gould Avenue firehouse that is being built
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July 10, 1895: reports of June 1895 fires
Morning Call
August 10, 1895: Fires during July 1895
Paterson News
August 30, 1895: Fire Committee takes steps to reorganize the department. Gould Avenue Hose now ready but rather then spend money for a new apparatus, Committee decides to relocate an existing Engine Company there: Engine 3 would go to Tyler Street and Engine 7 to Gould Avenue (Madison Park). Committee decided to replace the callmen with 15 new permanent firemen.
Morning Call
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August 31 Paterson News
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September 10, 1895: Water Street (E5) firehouse being repaired. Plans for relocating Engine 3 to Tyler Street and 7 to Gould Avenue in progress. Fire alarm cards being redone.
Morning Call
September 12, 1895: Firemen request free trolley fares to and from work
Paterson News
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September 13, 1895: Fire Committee - Suggestion t move Chemical Co 1 to Prospect Street firehouse
September 14 Paterson News
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September 24, 1895: Engine Company 7 moves from the Tyler Street Firehouse to a new quarters at 78 Gould Avenue (corner of Pacific Street). Engine Company 3 moves from 77 Prospect Street quarters to the Tyler Street Firehouse just vacated by Engine Company 7.
September 30, 1895: Legal issues with 1895 hires
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October 4, 1895: Fire Committee Meeting - 26 firemen to be added (16 already have)
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October 5 Paterson News
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October 11, 1895: Fire Committee - new Firemen appointed with heavy politics involved
October 12 Morning Call
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November 1, 1895: Fire Committee meeting - new beds ordered -
Morning Call
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November 13, 1895: Richard Cubby appointed as fireman, replacing Charles Moore who resigned. Chief requests medical care by City Physician for permanent men
November 14 Morning Call
November 24, 1895: The department becomes fully paid as all call men are replaced (many were rehired) by full time firemen who all live in firehouses. The Volunteer Department ceases.