Evolution of the Paid Department
Major Events from 1911 - 1919
1911: date ? From Municipal Journal - PFD obtains pyrene fire extinguishers to be placed on gigs and Truck Companies
Municipal Journal - January-July 1911
January 30, 1911: FF reassignments
Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 18, 1911: Decisions by Fire Commissioners
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Joseph Murphy
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February 20, 1911: Salary Issues
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 20, 1911: Training school will not be at hose house but rather at Almshouse. Interior of new Van Houten Street headquarters described. Discussion of Stony Road and Northside Firehouses. Number of horses to shrink.
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 23, 1911: Plans for move to Van Houten Street Headquarters, Stony Road and North Third Street
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 15, 1911: Fire Commissioner and Chief Stagg travel to Massachusetts seeking new apparatus for Temple Street (Circle Ave) firehouse
The Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 18, 1911: A Buick Touring Car, Model 26 automobile was purchased for Chief Engineer Stagg
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 25, 1911: Firemen desire uniform change
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 1, 1911: Chief demonstrates auto-engine for visiting Frederick Maryland FF and as onted luckily it did not break down
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 4, 1911; PFD realignment
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 8, 1911: Chief Stagg plan to allow FF to work in the firehouses nearest to their homes
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 18, 1911: Chronicle runs a series on the changing PFD
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1, 1911: Attempt to injure/assassinate Chief John Stagg
Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 26, 1911: Six officers and men sent to New York fire headquarters to receive instructions in pompier ladders and other devices for the rescue of persons from upper floors of buildings. Later in year a drill tower was prepared at the City Almshouse on Redwood Avenue.
August 8, 1911: Chemical Engine Company 1 was renamed as Engine Company 11 and the apparatus was rebuilt and motorized. Now had double tank with automatic chassis.
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October 5 or 6th, 1911: Tragic death (off-duty) of Lieutenant William Davis of Engine Company 1 
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October 11 - Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call - Courtesy Jim Eifler
October 2, 1911: Chief Stagg's report of the International Association of Fire Chief's Meeting in Milwaukee re auto-apparatus
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 21, 1911: Fire & Police Commission set apparatus speed limts
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 22, 1911: Newly motorized Metropolitan Steamers if Engine 1 and 5 being tested in Minneapolis before being returned to Paterson
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 11, 1912: Motorized Hose Wagons
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January 12 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 10, 1912: Motorized steamers arrive via railroad
Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 10, 1912: New Engines Arrrive
January 11 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 12, 1912: Issues of concern with operation of new Nott propelled steamers
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 15, 1912: Engine 1 Nott propelled steamer goes out for its first ride
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 19, 1912: New Engine 1 and 5 powered by Nott Tractors to be tested
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 24, 1912: Drivers for new motorized steamers named
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 25, 1912: New motorized steamer of Engine 5 tested - Engine 1 had issues and did not take test Hose wagons of Engine 1 and 56 also tested -
Morning Call
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February 1, 1912: New apparatus approved by Police and Fire Commission
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 16, 1912: Chief Stagg to be asked for resignation
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 10, 1912: Engine 1 tested
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Engine 1 on Broadway
February 12, 1912: Engine 1 and 5 Hose Wagons
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 12, 1912: Chief Stagg makes charges against Captain Nolan of Engine 7
(brother-in-law of Mayor McBride)
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 16, 1912: Retirement of Chief Stagg under discussion
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 1912: Engine Companies 1 and 5 had Nott Propelling Tractors attached to their Metropolitan Steamers.
February 25, 1912: New auto-engine hose carts
Paterson Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 29, 1912: False alarm issues
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March 1, 1912 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 2, 1912: Headquarters almost ready
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 10, 1912: Changes and transfers as two new firehouses open
Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 11, 1912: Vacation (a rest) mandated for Chief Stagg. Patrick Sweeney will serve as Acting Chief and Caotain Fields of Engine 1 to be acting deputy chief
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 15, 1912: Chief has issues with Mayor McBride's brother-in-law Captain Charles Nolan and with interference from Mayor
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 16, 1912: Chief Stagg to leave?
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 18, 1912: Captain of Engine Company 11 moves into a new Firehouse at 97 Grand Street.
March 18, 1912: Fits response of Acting Deputy Chief Fields - 118 Holsman Street
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 19, 1912: The new Central Fire Headquarters opens at 115 Van Houten Street. Engines 1 and 5 relocate there. Engine Company 12 is organized and initially operates at the vacated by Engine 5 firehouse on Water Street using a spare horse drawn combination hose wagon apparatus.
Architect's Drawing December 1911 Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
115 Van Houten Street
March 20, 1912: New apparatus in service at Headquarters on the 22nd anniversary of the establishment of paid PFD. Engine 11 moved to the new "Stoney Road" firehouse on Grand Street and Hamilton Street FH abandoned
Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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March 25, 1912: Chief's Stagg's career comes to end
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 28, 1912: New Fire Headquarters is opened for public inspection
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 31, 1912: Departmental changes
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April 10, 1912: Morning Call
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 15, 1912: PFD hires a national driving expert John Muller to teach Paterson FF how to drive motorized apparatus: training starts with a touring car, progresses to a hose wagon and then moves on to a big motorized steam fire engine
Morning Call - Curtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 9, 1912: Behind the scenes PFD Reorganization makes the news
Paterson News - Curtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 20, 1912: Chief Stagg and Gilmore to retire June 30
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 18, 1912: New proposal replaces Chief and two Assistant Chiefs with Chief and Two Battalion Chiefs. Assistant Chief Gilmore and Deputy Chief Sweeney to retire, vacating those ranks.
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 8, 1912: Paterson Guardian discusses new chief officers and establishing the rank of Battalion Chief.
Courtesy Jim Eifler
June 8, 1912: New Department Appointments - Motorized gig ordered so that all Chiefs now have motorized vehicles. Engine 12 pumper and new Truck Tractor ordered.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 8, 1912
Paterson Press - Courtesy Jim Eifler
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June 8, 1912: A new motorized gig ordered so that all 3 Chiefs now have motorized vehicles.
June 12, 1912: News article on upcoming July 1 retirement of Assistant Chief Gilmore
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 13, 1912: PFD Movie
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Paterson Press- Courtesy Jim Eifler
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June 22, 1912: New FF assignments
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June 30, 1912: Having served continuously in the department from the time of the volunteer service, Chief Stagg, Deputy Chief Sweeney and Assistant Chief Gilmore were retired.
July 1, 1912: Lieutenant Thomas Coyle promoted to Chief Engineer . Deputy Chief Ernest S. Fields was appointed to succeed Chief Sweeney. The rank of Battalion Chief is established.
September 21, 1912: Motorization of Truck 2
The Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 2, 1912: Climate issues force early use of winter uniforms
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 31, 1912: Critical article suggesting motorization (apparatus described as useless) has been costly and worsened PFD and put the city in danger.
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Article at left: Chief Coyle has delegated Engine 8 from the Totowa Section to do duty in the firehouse of old Engine No. 1 opposite the Central station. The company will remain here until the machines are back in service. Engine No. 8 is horse drawn.
Over on Water Street is the fire house formerly occupied by Engine No. 5, the new $5000 pumping engine purchased from the Robinson Company is standing like so much junk. Since its arrival in this city it has never been in service and the Police and Fire Commission have demanded that an entire new crank crane shaft be installed. There is great secrecy about the general condition of the machine and it is with greatest difficulty that information be secured even from the officers in charge. The secrecy is maintained it is said on orders of the Mayor and his commissioners who do not want the public to know of the "lemons" that have been handed to the taxpayers. |
November 12, 1913; Annual Report of Mayor Andrew McBride (courtesy Dennis Morrison)
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November 19, 1912:
Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 11, 1912: Water and Prospect Street Firehouses go up for auction
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 22, 1912: Nott (name is misspelled in news clip below) Manufacturing representatives in town to evaluate chronic malfunction of Engines 1 and 5 which have Nott Propelling Tractors
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 26, 1912: Switzerland manufacturer (Sanwold) puts their gasoline-powered apparatus on display at PFD Headquarters
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 13, 1912: Truck Company 2 is motorized with a Christie Front Drive tractor and the company relocates to the new Central Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. Christie front drive tractor units were produced to replace horses and sold to fire departments worldwide by J. Walter Christie who was America's pioneer front drive proponent. Over 600 Christie vehicles were built from 1908 through 1913
December 9, 1912: PFD faced several issues when motorization began
The Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 14, 1912: Mayor hoping to eliminate horses
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 16, 1912: PFD transfers
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 22, 1912: Civil Service Law becomes operative
December 23, 1912: More issues with apparatus - several fail at Pope Mill fire. Horse drawn engines save the day.
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 25, 1912: Insurance underwriters evaluate Paterson FD
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 28, 1912:
December 28, 1912 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 29, 1912: Chief Coyle answers critics
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 30, 1912: Motorization was causing maintenance issues with PFD and Mayor Andrew McBride and Chief Thomas Coyle had differing ideas on how to solve the problems
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Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 30, 1912: Chief Coyle comments on motorized apparatus
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Paterson Press - Courtesy Jim Eifler
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December 30, 1912: Expert criticizes PFD apparatus choice
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 30, 1912:
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 31, 1912: A defense of the auto-apparatus
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1913: PFD Award Winning photo of Fire Headquarters taken in 1913 -
Morning Call Photo Contest was in 1938
Morning Call Photo Contest was in 1938
Front: L-R: George Singland, Captain William Allen, Michael Ryan, Lieutenant John Walsh, Drillmaster John Weber, Joseph Titus. Rear L-R: John Brady, Captain Thomas Hunt, Captain John Roach, Stephen Walls, Edward Tuohey, Captain John Biernes (misspelled below), J Kannause, Joseph Greer, James McMullen, Peter Sandford, Cornelius Kennedy, Luke Cannon
January 3, 1913: Haledon NJ FD honors Chief Stagg
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 10, 1913: Engine Company 12 moves into the new firehouse at 36 Circle Avenue with a new Robinson Motor combination apparatus.
January 27, 1913: PFD makes the decision to install bells on all apparatus - to replace the gongs (similar to those on trolleys)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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PFD Chiefs Gig - Dayspring Collection
PFD Apparatus Bell - Dayspring Collection
PFD Ahrens Fox Bell - Dayspring Collection
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March 25, 1913: PFD helps PPD during a mill strike
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
1913: Motorization continues with a Christie Front Drive Tractor attached to Engine 8 in April, Engine 9 and Truck 1 on May 23. and finally Engine Company 6 on August 1. As of July 1, only 36 horses remained in service.
Engine Company 6 - Market Street
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Truck Company 1 - Jackson Street
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Engine 8 with Christie Front Drive Tractor attached to Nott Steamer shown below.
Outside quarters at 71 Wayne Avenue
April 11, 1913: Issues with older steamers Engine 3 and 7
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 12, 1913: New first sized, motorized (Christie Front Drive) steamer on order for Engine 3on 12th Avenue
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 11, 1913: Fire and Police Commission meeting - motorization to continue - horses to be sold. Bisds for new appparatrus
July 12 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Note typo - Fix should be Fox
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July 30, 1913: Truck 1 now motorized and to go on duty
July 31 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 6, 1913: Engine Company 3 receives a new Ahrens Fox Continental Steam Fire Engine with a Christie Front Drive Tractor.
September 19, 1913: Reverend Edward F. Hillock assistant pastor of St. John's R.C. church appointed as the first chaplain of the department.
September 29, 1913; New FF assignments
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 13, 2013: Frank Dowdall (at right) and William Walsh are the first firemen appointed under the Civil Service Law. 26 of 36 who took the exam failed. Dowdall ultimately became a Battalion Chief in 1948 |
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January 26, 1914: Off duty inebriated FF has accident
January 27 Morning call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 28, 1914: Fire and Police Commission meeting - Richard Hickerson appointed
January 29 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 24, 1914: Chief Coyle takes stand on drinking
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Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 28, 1914: Fire and Police Commission Meeting
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 18, 1914: Fire Apparatus get right of way
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 20, 1914: Call for full motorization by Fire and Police Commission
Morning Call - Courtesy Jim Eifler
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May 22, 1914: Hopes for PFD improvements
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 6, 1914: Reverend Dorwatt resigns as Chaplain
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 26, 1914: Reverend John C. Bolton of M.P. Church appointed chaplain.
August 29, 1914: FD saves money in last year by conversion to motorized apparatus
August 29 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 6, 1914: Fire and Police board meeting - Arthur Fisher and William Meek appointed - Joseph Chapman retired
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November 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 24, 1914: FF Transfers - Engine 11 is a slower house
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 27, 1915: Inspection of PFD by Commissioners
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Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 30, 1915: New hose wagons with chemical tanks and running boards to carry FF planned
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 3, 1915: Rules regarding F/F behavior on trolleys
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 7, 1915: Fire and police Commission present gold badges to chaplains
April 15, 1915: A two platoon system law was passed and then adopted in November.
June 5, 1915: Third Battalion Chief position to be created - John Specht appointed
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 24, 1915: 3rd BC appointed: 1st Battalion at Headquarters, 2nd Battalion at Engine 9 on Main street (using horse pulled gig) and the 3rd BC to operate out of one of the Riverside houses (? Engine 2 on Highland Street) using autocar gig.
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July 3, 1915: Captain John Specht, who was appointed as a firefighter on March 20, 1890 officially becomes the 3rd Battalion Chief in PFD history. He had previously served with the volunteer department
Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 20, 1915: Board of Fire and Police Commission meeting at Headquarters
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 12, 1915: Headquarters has smoke damage from steamers below
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 4, 1915: Fire and Police Commission meeting
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 15, 1915: Firemen campaign for two-platoon system
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 20, 1915: Firehouse needs in Totowa section
Morning Call - Courtesy Pat Henderson
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January 6, 1916: Engineer Thomas Donahue and FF Edward Hepp file for pension. The former was the inventor of the automatic fire lighter (subsequently used throughout the US) which got the steamer boilers ready for action
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Engineer Thomas Donohue 1908 (at E5)
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FF Edward Hepp 1908 (E9)
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January 9, 1916: Fire & Police Commission ban cigarette smoking in FH
Paterson Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 1, 1916: The two platoon shift system goes into effect: A and B shifts created. Thirty five new firemen are appointed.
From the June 30th Guardian - courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 7, 1916: FMBA thanks citizens of Paterson
Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 4, 1916: Fire and Police Commission passed a resolution to immediately solicit bids for electric powered propulsion tractors for Engines 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9 and new first size steamers and tractors for E 7 and 10, and a new Truck 3 aerial and tractor. Also several hose wagons (2, 3, 8, 9, 10) were to be upgraded to electric propulsion. A charging apparatus also needed for each firehouse.
August 5 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 5, 1916: Paterson News report on motorization
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 16, 1916: Issues with newly appointed firefighters
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October 21, 1916: Issues with the new two platoon system during exrta alarm fires
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 9, 1916: Commissioners consider the purchase of a "Lungmotor" to aid smoke exposed firemen
November 9, 1916: Commissioners consider the purchase of a "Lungmotor" to aid smoke exposed firemen
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a 1916 Advertisement
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December 2, 1916: Citizens have issues with quality of Engine 7 (Gould Avenue) apparatus
December 2, 1916 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 10, 1917: Death and Obituary of Assistant Chief James Mills. A member of the Volunteer Department as well as a Civil War Veteran who fought at Gettysburg and Richmond. He was also the first arriving Chief Officer at Paterson's great 1902 Conflagration
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Evening News
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 16, 1917: Ladder and hose drills at Headquarters - off duty FF at Engines 2, 3 and 10 report to central headquarters to learn about extension ladders. Then same was done for Engines 6, 7 and 9.
April 16, 1917: Chief Coyle prepares PFD for war
Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Lieutenant John Breen - Engine 6
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June 30, 1917 and August 23, 1917: Testing of new electric apparatus
June 30, 1917 Paterson News
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August 23, 1917 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1917: Two new Metropolitan Steam Fire Engines with Electric Tractors (battery powered) are assigned to Engines 7 and 10. The latter (Engine 10) seen below ultimately becomes the last steamer in the PFD to see action. It retires on July 16, 1931.
1917 - 1920: Electric (battery powered) Tractors are put on all Hose Wagons and Steamers (except Engine Company 8) and Trucks (except Truck 3).
Engine 1 at 115 Van Houten Street quarters
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Engine 10 at 198 17th Ave quarters
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Engine 10 Steamer
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1917 Uniform of the day Joseph Mariani, of Engine Company 10 |
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August 22, 1917: Chief Coyle opposes apparatus bells
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 31, 1917: Issue with FF Horace Warr makes the papers
Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 5, 1917: The Salvation Army Rescue Mission Fire on Mill Street fatally injures 19 people. It was a three story lodging house. 30 men were trapped, 11 injured and 19 died.
February 22, 1918: Newly appointed firemen - one resigns and the others after being assigned to Engine 5 (Charles Willard) and Truck 1 (John Millington) head off to Camp Dix for military duty - tragically John Millington afterwards lost his life in defense of his country
Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 28, 1918: Former Chief Stagg becomes board member of Home for Disabled Soldiers in Kearney, NJ.
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 29, 1918 PFD Payroll
Dayspring Collection
January 19, 1919: The rank of Lieutenant is eliminated form the department.
Morning Call - January 18 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 20, 1919: 3 apparatus (electric powered) ordered from Commercial Truck Company to replace 3 old Christie tractors.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 27, 1919: Potential new firehouse
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 16, 1919: New firehouse site proposal ruled out
Paterson News
January - July - Fire and Water Journal - Cghief Stagg report
August 8, 1919: Fire stations to sell US Government (Army) surplus food
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September 16, 1919: The rank of Chiefs Aide is established.