PATERSON FIRE HISTORY
  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • FIRST CENTURY
    • EVENTS 1890-1894
    • EVENTS 1895-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-99
    • EVENTS 2000-2019
    • EVENTS 2020-2021
  • FIREFIGHTERS
  • THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
    • MEMORIAL SERVICE
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • GREAT 1902 CONFLAGRATION
  • TAKING THE HEAT BOOK
  • 1893 PFD HISTORY BOOK
  • 1950 HISTORICAL REVIEW
  • NOTABLE FIRES/INCIDENTS
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY & FH HISTORY
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • SPECIAL OPERATIONS
  • SPECIAL OP EVENTS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2020
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • APPARATUS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • DEATHS / OBITUARIES
    • FIREMEN STORIES
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • HANCOCKS
    • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
    • HISTORY by CHIEF STAGG
    • JOSEPH DAYSPRING
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • RETIREMENTS
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • DEPARTMENT DOGS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • ANDREW MOSER
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
  • BALLBOOKS
    • 1909 BALL BOOK
    • 1916 BALL BOOK
    • 1918 BALL BOOK
    • 1923 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1928 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1936 JANUARY PICTORIAL
    • 1936 DECEMBER PICTORIAL
    • 1937 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1938 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1939 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1941 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1942 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1943 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1944 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1945 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1946 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1947 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1948 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1949 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1950 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1951 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1952 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1953 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1954 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1955 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1956 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1957 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1958 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1959 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1960 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1961 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1962 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1963 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1964 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1965 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1966 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1967 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1968 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1969 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1970 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1971 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1972 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1973 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1975 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1976 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1977 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1979 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1980 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1981 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1982 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1983 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1984 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1985 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1986 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1987 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1988 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1989 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1990 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1991 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1992 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1993 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1994 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1995 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1996 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1997 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1998 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1999 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2000 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2001 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2002 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2003 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2004 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2005 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2010 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2011 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2014 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2016 ANNUAL BALL
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • CITY OF PATERSON
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • STATISTICS
  • CONTACT

Events 1895 - 1999

The Fully Paid Department

Major Events from 1895 - 1899

November 15, 1895:
The department becomes fully-paid as all callmen are replaced by full time firemen who had to live in the firehouses. In actuality many of the existing callmen were hired. The department consisted of one Chief Engineer (John Stagg), two assistant chiefs James C. Mills and John Gilmore), thirteen captains, eleven engineers of steam fire engines, seventy one drivers, hosemen and ladderman, one superintendent of fire alarm (James F. Zeluff) and two linemen.  The fireman worked 24 hours a day (with an hour off for breakfast lunch and supper) six days per week. They had one day off per week. 
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November 16, 1895: Morning Call - Courtesy Jim Eifler
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November 16, 1895 - Morning Call - New rules and discipline for PFD
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
December 13, 1895:   Fire Committee Meeting:  Age of new applicants restricted to 20-30
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December 14, 1895: ​  New disciplinary rules 
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 4, 1896:  PFD affairs and new rules: Assistant Chiefs must sleep in quarters - desk watch hours extended - age limit for new FF - request for a clerk
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 4, 1896: Trial of Captain Campbell
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Paterson News
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January 6, 1896:  PFD helps Paterson General Hospital restore water supply
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January 7 Paterson News

​April 28, 1896:
  Statistics from Chief Stagg's Annual report
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 9, 1896:   PFD news - Assistant Chiefs to sleep at Headquarters on Hotel Street. 8 special FF to be appointed to cover vacations ($60 per month) - requests for 4 bathtubs in then FHY that did not have them was denied (budgetary reasons)
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May 11, 1896: The first General Alarm in the history of the fully paid Paterson Fire department occurred on at Hinchliffe brewery on Ann Street. 
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May 16, 1896: Chief Stagg discussing budget with Aldermen
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 27, 1896:  Alderman Fire Department Committee -   bids for new extension ladder and wheels for E4 Hose Wagon
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May 28 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 3, 1896: Alderman's Fire Committee Meeting - pay issues and need to move fire alarm to the City Hall
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June 4 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1, 1896:  Fire Committee meeting - New horses   -  New floors for E1 and E8
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July 2 Paterson News
June 4, 1986: Budgetary debate
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 2, 1896:  Chief Stagg reports on specs for new horses and FH floor repair  (Engine companies 1 and 8)​
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 1, 1896: PFD affairs, changes
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson News
August 19, 1896:  Chief Stagg alerts aldermen that Department is in a crippled state
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 15, 1896: Commemorative photo album presented to Chief John Stagg
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 5, 1896: Charges against FF Edward Hepp of Engine Company 7
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 2, 1897:  Report of 1896 fires
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson News

​March 31, 1897: Chief Stagg annual report notes there are no reserve engines and during the preceding year PFD" was crippled" for 71 days when apparatus were off duty for repairs. One old steamer (called useless) is at the hose house on Bridge Street. 44 horses are in use and 5 more are needed immediately. Wants the office of lieutenant to be initiated as sometimes, in the absence of the captain, the "acting" captain is not given full respect. Requests that the department headquarters office be relocated to the new City Hall. 
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1897 Fire and Water Engineering courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 19 Paterson News
April 26, 1897:   Engineer Charles Wiley charged with drinking on duty
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June 4, 1897:  F/F Delaney reprimanded for foul language.  Old steamer of Engine 9 to be sold.
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June 5 Morning Call
July 2, 1897: Stagg orders extra F/F on duty for the 3rd, 4th and 5th. 
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Morning Call
August 14, 1897: Rumors of PFD reorganization
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Paterson News
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August 13, 1897:  Chief reports to alderman committee re problems with certain companies not keeping pressures adequate in steamer boilers
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August 14 News clip
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October 17, 1897:  PFD in need of hose - Fie Committee meeting
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October 18 Paterson News

​1898: Tyler Street east of the Erie Railroad is renamed as Twelfth Avenue and the address of the Firehouse of Engine Company 3 changes from 298 Tyler Street to 112 Twelfth Avenue.
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January 10, 1898: Firemen request alteration of how they receive their salaries
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January 10 Paterson News
February 4, 1898: Chief Stagg report of January 1898 fires
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Paterson News
September 8, 1898:  PFD news - Captain Reilly needs leave of absence
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Paterson News
October 4, 1898: Visiting firemen from Morristown join Paterson firemen for the annual target shoot in Lincoln Park
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Paterson News

​November 14, 1898:
  Paterson applying asphalt to streets - Warning from Chief Stagg re heat generated by steamers
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Paterson News
December 12, 1898: Report on hydrants
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Paterson News
December 15, 1898: Committee on FD meeting - supplies for horses
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Paterson News

​January 10, 1889: 
Report on 1888 Fires
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

​January 18, 1899: 
Charges against F/F Delaney for leaving quarters
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January 30, 1899:  Chief Stagg's report to Fire Underwriters
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

Chief Stagg Report
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Paterson Evening News
February 6, 1899:  Report of January 1899 fires
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Paterson News
February 13, 1899:  Chief Stagg recalling famous February fires & PFD sickness
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Paterson News
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March 10, 1899:  Annual Inspection of PFD by aldermen
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March 11 Morning Call
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March 12, 1899: Aldermen Fire Committee Meeting - In first part of meeting, 12 ballots stalled in appointing a new Captain to replace recently deceased Captain Peter Reilly. To view that part of meeting CLICK HERE
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March 13 Morning Call
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March 20, 1899:  Chief Stagg makes personnel changes
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Paterson News

​March 29, 1899:  Chief Stagg issues new fire alarm response card: on 46 of the boxes only company hose wagons, not the steamers will be part of the first alarm response.  This will spare horses from making futile calls pulling the heavy steamers.
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Morning Call

April 1, 1899: Chief Stagg recommends removal of the fire alarm system to City Hall and advises that all fire alarm boxes be furnished with keyless doors or key guards enabling any person to send in an alarm without hunting for a key.
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April 3, 1899: Chief Stagg Annual Report summary
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Paterson News
May 2, 1899:  Fire calls during April 1899
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Paterson News
May 10, 1899: PFD firehouse inspection
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Mat 11 Paterson News
May 22, 1899:  Station 252 established at John Royle mill
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Morning Call
June 13, 1899:  PFD News
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Paterson News
June 19, 1899:  PFD News
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Paterson News
June 20, 1899:  Captain Campbell & F/F of E7 charged and suspended re June 17 fight
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 23, 1899: PFD News including follow up above above fight at E7
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June 20, 1899: PFD News
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June 28, 1899:  Temporary relocation of Truck 2 to car sheds on Broadway
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Morning Call
July 1, 1899:  Firefighter issues brought before Aldermen's FD committee
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July 31, 1899:  PFD news    40' trussed extension ladder ordered tor Truck 1
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Paterson News
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August 7, 1899:  PFD News     Truck 2 relocated at lower Broadway as Prospect Street resurfaced.  Chief Mill's gig refurbished. Firemen's Home in Boonton nearly finished. ​
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Paterson News

​August 22, 1899:
  PFD News
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Paterson News
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September 1, 1899:  Fire Committee Meeting - bids for new Truck Ladder. Gamewell to but back some old boxes. Henry Abbott appointed as FA lineman
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September 2 News
September 15, 1899:  Aldermen Committee on Fire meeting - Proposals for new Truck 2 with bid by Rumsey and Company accepted.
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September 16 Paterson News
September 18, 1899: Suspension of Captain William Campbell of Engine 7
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 25, 1899: State Superior Officer's Association of paid fire departments meet at Helvetia Hall in Paterson. Chief Stagg was toastmaster
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September 26 Morning Call
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October 9, 1899: Older key boxes being replaced.  New hydrants for South Totowa section
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Paterson News
October 13, 1899: Changes in personnel.   Ed Cusick appointed Captain, replacing vacancy created by resignation of Captain Campbell. Engineer Henry Reid of E6 reprimanded, 
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October 14 Morning Call
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November 1, 1899: National Board of Fire Examiners inspects the department and recommended 2500 feet of first class hose, replacement of the old hook and ladder truck, that all companies have at least eight men and a building inspection program be started.

November 29, 1899: Paterson firefighters wielding axes and saws worked with police to free passengers from wreck of the Buffalo Express at the Van Winkle Street rail crossing. A train bound for Hoboken sped through a signal and crashed into the express as it waited near the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad station - killing six people and injuring 21 others. This is the worse train accident in Paterson's history.
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  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • FIRST CENTURY
    • EVENTS 1890-1894
    • EVENTS 1895-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-99
    • EVENTS 2000-2019
    • EVENTS 2020-2021
  • FIREFIGHTERS
  • THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
    • MEMORIAL SERVICE
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • GREAT 1902 CONFLAGRATION
  • TAKING THE HEAT BOOK
  • 1893 PFD HISTORY BOOK
  • 1950 HISTORICAL REVIEW
  • NOTABLE FIRES/INCIDENTS
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY & FH HISTORY
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • SPECIAL OPERATIONS
  • SPECIAL OP EVENTS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2020
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • APPARATUS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • DEATHS / OBITUARIES
    • FIREMEN STORIES
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • HANCOCKS
    • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
    • HISTORY by CHIEF STAGG
    • JOSEPH DAYSPRING
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • RETIREMENTS
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • DEPARTMENT DOGS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • ANDREW MOSER
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
  • BALLBOOKS
    • 1909 BALL BOOK
    • 1916 BALL BOOK
    • 1918 BALL BOOK
    • 1923 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1928 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1936 JANUARY PICTORIAL
    • 1936 DECEMBER PICTORIAL
    • 1937 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1938 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1939 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1941 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1942 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1943 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1944 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1945 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1946 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1947 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1948 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1949 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1950 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1951 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1952 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1953 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1954 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1955 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1956 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1957 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1958 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1959 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1960 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1961 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1962 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1963 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1964 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1965 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1966 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1967 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1968 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1969 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1970 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1971 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1972 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1973 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1975 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1976 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1977 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1979 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1980 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1981 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1982 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1983 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1984 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1985 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1986 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1987 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1988 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1989 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1990 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1991 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1992 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1993 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1994 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1995 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1996 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1997 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1998 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1999 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2000 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2001 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2002 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2003 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2004 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2005 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2010 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2011 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2014 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2016 ANNUAL BALL
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • CITY OF PATERSON
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • STATISTICS
  • CONTACT