Evolution of the Paid Department
Chronologial List of Important Events
1940 - 1959
1940: Golden Jubilee of the Paterson Evening News Souvenir Edition: The FMBA local 2 runs a full page ad with photo of Chief Coyle and roster of all the companies.
Dayspring Collection
May 27, 1940: Members of "A" shift at Communion Breakfast at 3rd Presbyterian Church - Captain (future Chief) Hobart Strathearn who served as Chairman is front, 4th from left.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 3, 1941: Legendary Captain John Breen returns for final good-bye
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 12, 1941: Unveiling and Dedication of the Memorial Monument at Federal Plaza across from the main Post Office to Paterson Firemen who have made the Supreme Sacrifice
April 11, 1941: MM Henry Dawson and Captain James Dawson
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 5, 1941: "Junior Chief Fire Week" - Joe Troy, son of then BC James Troy
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 14, 1941: BC Michael Comer is eligible for promotion to DC in Paterson, but can also become fire chief at Fort Monmouth
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 1941: Screening for tuberculosis via chest X-ray was mandatory for new police and firemen
Dayspring Collection
November 14, 1941: MC Samuel Fielding to retire
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mortrison
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January 1942: The Paterson Auxiliary Fire Department was established. It consisted of men volunteering for emergency duty to replace firemen serving in World War II.
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Auxiliary Firemen drilling with Capt B Daniels of Engine 5 with 1931 Ahrens Fox N-T-4 pumper
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Drill with Truck Company 2
Ahrens Fox aerial |
June 13, 1942: The City of Paterson celebrates its 150th Anniversary. Together the Patrolman and Fireman's Benevolent Associations take out a full page add in the Paterson Morning Call describing the Auxiliary forces. To more easily read each quadrant click here an scroll down
Dayspring Collection
1942: Status of department
Dayspring Collection
May 21, 1943: Passing of fireman Andrew Bruno
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September 20, 1943: Death of BC Michael Comer
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 16, 1944: Captain John Breen dies
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 15, 1944: Henry Donaldson, Charles Firstbrook and John Farrell retired
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 18, 1944: Letter to Mayor Furrey re the state of the Department
Dayspring Collection
April 27, 1944: PFD receives thanks from Mayor at a social at Exempt Home
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 27, 1945: Death of Fire Surgeon Briody
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 10, 1946: Battalion Chief James "Jammer" Kennedy promoted to Deputy Chief
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July 12, 1946: Fire and Police Commissioner announces retirement of Chief Thomas Coyle due to reaching the age of 65
Dayspring Collection
March 2, 1947: Two Battalions (A and B shift) introduced
First Battalion operates out of central headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street
Second Battalion our of 23rd Avenue firehouse
A shift Deputy Chief Hobart Strathearn
A Shift Battalion Chiefs
Battalion 1 Joseph Bray Battalion 2 Walter "Les" Titus
B shift Deputy Chief James Kennedy
Battalion 1 James Chaplain Battalion 2 Rudolph Peppinghaus
First Battalion operates out of central headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street
Second Battalion our of 23rd Avenue firehouse
A shift Deputy Chief Hobart Strathearn
A Shift Battalion Chiefs
Battalion 1 Joseph Bray Battalion 2 Walter "Les" Titus
B shift Deputy Chief James Kennedy
Battalion 1 James Chaplain Battalion 2 Rudolph Peppinghaus
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 6, 1947: Chief Troy speech "State of the Department"
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 18, 1948: Establishment of the " City of Paterson Organized Reserve Corps Affiliated Fire Fighting Platoon - Captain Joseph Dayspring, a veteran (positioned at far right of photo), is appointed by Chief Troy and the US Army Corps of Engineers, as the Commanding Officer.
Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 24, 1948: NJ State Exempt Fireman's Association 62nd Convention and Parade held in Paterson.
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
October 4, 1948: New Mack Model 95 Triple Combination 1000 GPM pumpers arrive in Paterson - placed in service at Engine Companies 5 and 12 on October 14, 948.
Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Two new fire engines of the most modern design are inspected after delivery at headquarters of the city fire department on Van Houten Street. Standing before the apparatus are Chief James Troy, Commissioner John Kent of the Fire and Police Commission. Deputy Chief Hobart Strathearn and Assistant Master Mechanic John J. Carroll. The drivers on the vehicles are fireman George Findlow and William Comer.
Paterson Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Engine Company 5 is in background and grill of Engine Company 12 is at right. L-R are Meyer Jaffe (clerk Board Police & Fire Commissioners), Harry B Haines (publisher Paterson Evening News), Jack Stern (Fire Commissioner), Mayor Michael Devita, ?, Chief James Troy and ? The drive in E5 is William Comer (a future Chief)
October 29, 1948: PFD lead by FMBA president Frank Dalton, Chief James Troy and Captain Ed Heintzman petitions board for shorter work-week
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 6, 1949: Chief James Troy describing equipment needs
Dayspring Collection
June 3, 1949: New FF assignments and PFD company reorganization
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 5, 1949: Minstrel show under auspices of FMBA announced.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 14, 1949: Ordinance signed by Mayor DeVita which defines the personnel of the Department
Dayspring Collection
October 18, 1949: Letter from Fire/Police Commissioner Albert Neubauer (to Mayor? - note addressee is removed) regarding rather horrendous status of department firehouses and apparatus
Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
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November 1949: A used 1929 Ahrens Fox aerial, which had a straight windshield, was acquired from Hasting's on Hudson, NY for $600. Originally the plan was to use it for parts but upon arrival it was in better shape than believed and it was put into service at Truck 1 on Jackson Street.
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December 20, 1949: Major shift in working hours from 84 to 72 hours per week
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 1, 1950: The ten new FD appointees were John J. Alexander, Philip Berman,
Joseph F. Dodd, Patsy A. Fusaro, Carmine A. Grossi, Aldoph P. Guzik, William W. Leonard, Jesse L. McCavitt, Edward M. Ristan, and Thomas L. Waterson.
Joseph F. Dodd, Patsy A. Fusaro, Carmine A. Grossi, Aldoph P. Guzik, William W. Leonard, Jesse L. McCavitt, Edward M. Ristan, and Thomas L. Waterson.
February 4, 1950: Henry Dawson, long time Master Mechanic passes away
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February 6 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 15, 1950: Annual Report of Chief James Troy - Morning Call
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 20, 1950: Chief's Aide Walter Pitkethy, a 27 year veteran of the PFD, who was chauffeuring BC Walter Titus (2nd Battalion) collapsed and died at a 1 alarm kitchen fire. Name was later (~1990) added to the Supreme Sacrifice Monument |
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October 1950: Meal hours restored for PFD members during the 24 hour shift
January 10, 1951: Chief James Troy passes away. See 11:45 PM announcement in Journal of Engine 1 (115 Van Houten Street)
February 16, 1951: Chief James Kennedy appointed Acting Chief of Department after the death of Chieh James Troy
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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February 16, 1951: 1950 Annual Report Issued
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 18, 1950: James Kennedy appointed as Acting Chief
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 21, 1951: Morning Call report of BC Craig's death
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 16, 1951: Low water pressure situation in Temple Hill, including need to use a Haledon Fire Hydrant at recent 4 alarm fire on North 10th Street
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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July 26, 1951: Chief's Aide Joseph Dow made the Supreme Sacrifice when he was fatally injured in a collision at Broadway and Madison Avenue while driving Acting Chief Kennedy to a fire. |
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January 1952: A new 6 cylinder FWD 1000 GPM pumper ordered in October 1950 went into service at Engine Company 12. A powerful motor was selected to ensure the apparatus could climb all of the steep hills in the Northside. |
Dayspring Collection
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Arrival in Headquarters December 27, 1951 -Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 1, 1952: Acting Chief James Kennedy announces retirement
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 23, 1952: Civil service list for BC published
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1952: Truck Company 1 relocates from the Jackson Street Firehouse to the 37 23rd Avenue two bay firehouse where Engine Company 13 was already located.
February 1, 1952: Hobart A. Strathern appointed Chief Engineer.
1952: Engine houses (2, 3, 4, 8, 10 and Truck 3) modernized under Mayor Lester F. Titus
1952 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Engine 8 quarters Morning Call
Bedroom - note sliding pole surrounded by wood railing at tight
Wool Blanket - Dayspring Collection - at Boonton Home
March 1953: Six new Seagrave 750 GPM pumpers acquired and assigned to Engine Companies 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Six Ahrens Fox pumpers which had served so well for so long became spare apparatus. They are shown below at Headquarters with Chief Strathearn and Mayor Titus. The driver of the apparatus on the left is Tommy Ottavino.
June 1953: A 1952 model 85' FWD hook and ladder truck (had both an FWD tractor and aerial) which had been ordered in 1950 was finally put in service as Truck 2 at Headquarters on Van Houten Street. It was soon transferred to Truck Company 1 at 23rd Avenue quarters
Truck 2 1952 FWD delivered in 1953
October 8, 1953: PFD inspected during National Fire Prevention Week
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Chief Strathearn at left and D/C Bray at right - Apparatus is Engine 1 1948 Mack in its bay at Fire Headquarters on Van HoutenStreet
November 27, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Captain Bronie Daniels
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Captain John Lawless
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August Peters
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James Sturrock
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John Carroll
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Captain Ferdinand Pelleschi
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John Rankin
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December 11, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD - the Chief Engineers
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 18, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1954: Two new FWD tractors entered service at Truck Companies 2 and 3. They were attached to older Ahrens Fox Aerials.
Early 1954: Advertisement from Overhead Door extolling PFD and Chief Strathearn form installing overhead doors at Paterson firehouses
Courtesy Pat Kirwin Henderson
April 1954: Letter of appreciation to Chief Strathearn for the efforts of firemen.
Dayspring Collection
June 14, 1954: Engine Company 12 and Truck Company 2 were both damaged in a collision at Main Street and Broadway. Photo below shows the just after 1 AM accident (as they were returning to quarters from a car fire at Cross and Passaic Streets. Fireman William Gallagher was sent to St. Joseph's Hospital and Captain Joseph Nardella treated at scene.
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December 1, 1954: A Rescue Truck (with a Reo Chassis) went into service at Headquarters (115 Van Houten Street) and was operated by the men of Engine Company 5. When Rescue Truck was used E5 went out of service. |
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December 3, 1954: "Chief for a Day"
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 13, 1954: Ahrens Fox Hook and Ladder aerial rebuilt by FWD - will attached to one of the new FWD tractors
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 8, 1955: Retirement Charles A Willard (last served as Chief Aide to DC Chaplain)
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 4, 1955: Annual Report of Chief Hobart Strathearn
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 4, 1955: PFD aids American Cancer Society
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 2, 1955: FF and Acting Chief Joe Bray all chip in to help a young boy with MS
Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1956: The longstanding regulation that Firemen were required to wear their dress uniform to and from work was abolished.
November 15, 1956: PFD Volunteers help PPD
Morning Call - courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1957: Rank of Lieutenant is re-established.
January 8, 1957: FF Mario Colitarci (a future Captain) thwarts a robbery
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 15, 1957: From the Morning Call (clips courtesy of Dennis Morrison)
December 1, 1957: The Department was expanded to three Battalions. The new Third Battalion Headquarters was at Engine Company 2 on Highland Street and encompassed companies 2, 3, 12 and Truck 3.
Hancock Collection
January 1958: Five new 1957 FWD Special 1000 GPM pumpers were purchased and assigned to Engine Companies 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The three remaining Ahrens Fox apparatus were removed from service. The pumpers and Chief Strathearn are seen below parked outside Fire Headquarters on Van Houten Street
January 6, 1958: Testimonial dinner for Deputy Chief Joseph Dayspring
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May 1958: Testimonial Dinner for new Battalion Chief Sal Madama
May 12 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 29 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 22, 1958: Captain Nicholas Attema of Engine Company 12, appointed June 1, 1928 died while on duty in firehouse 
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Hancock Collection
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December 17, 1958: Fire Alarm Headquarters moved from City Hall to Fire Headquarters on Van Houten Street.
April 13, 1959: FF Dennis Cunningham after long battle receives workman's compensation for injuries he received falling off Truck 2. Soon thereafter on May 1 he resigned from PFD
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 21, 1959: Chief Hobart Strathearn dies suddenly (not fire department related).
May 1, 1959: George Walls named as Acting Chief -
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 15, 1959: Chief's Test announced to determine the next Chief Engineer
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 19, 1959: The Chief's exam took place