EVENTS 1940-1959

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

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

September 20, 1941: PFD salaries published

Courtesy Pat Henderson

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

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mortrison

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.

Auxiliary Firemen drilling with Capt B Daniels of Engine 5 with 1931 Ahrens Fox N-T-4 pumper

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

September 20, 1943: Death of BC Michael Comer

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

February 16, 1944: Captain John Breen dies

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 11, 1944: BC Hobart Strathearn (future Chief Engineer) recovering from leg operation

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 26, 1945: Flags to be placed on graves of deceased firemen

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

November 27, 1945: Death of Fire Surgeon Briody

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

November 10, 1946: Battalion Chief James "Jammer" Kennedy promoted to Deputy Chief

July 12, 1946: Fire and Police Commissioner announces retirement of Chief Thomas Coyle due to reaching the age of 65

Dayspring Collection

November 11, 1946: James Kennedy promoted to Deputy Chief

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 28, 1946: Snowstorm handicaps city and PFD

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

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 5, 1947: Catholic Chaplain James Doyle gets his uniform

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 14, 1947: Reverend Doyle receives his gold badge

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

June 6, 1947: Chief Troy speech "State of the Department"

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 3, 1948: Sever snow storm keeps all FF (both A and B shifts) on duty for 9 consecutive days

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

September 24, 1948: NJ State Exempt Fireman's Association 62nd Convention and Parade held in Paterson.

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

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

1949: Chief Troy organizes the Bureau of Combustibles with Battalion Chief Frank Dowdall as supervisor and Captain Eugene Frederick as assistant and Captain Peter Rege as clerk to the bureau in charge of tanks and oil burner installations. The department also supervises the Theater and other building inspections.

B/C Dowdall

March 16, 1949: Gold Badges presented by D/C Strathearn to Fire Marshall Edward O'Byrne and Fire Commissioner Harry Gourley

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

~ June 1949: Two resuscitators placed in Deputy Chief cars

July 19, 1949: Chief Troy advises hotel and rooming homes of new rules

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

August 5, 1949: Minstrel show under auspices of FMBA announced.

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

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.

December 20, 1949: Major shift in working hours from 84 to 72 hours per week

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

January 1, 1950: 72 hour work week goes into effect - first reduction in hours since 1916 Two Platoon system began

July 15 1950 Paterson News

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.

1950: Scott Air Packs are now in use

February 15, 1950: Annual Report of Chief James Troy - Morning Call

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

June 30, 1950: Communion Breakfast for A shift

June 2, 1950 Paterson News

July 15, 1950: Members of the Combustible's Bureau and their appointment dates

Frank Dowdall - October 1, 1913
Captain Eugene Fredericks November 1, 1921
Captain Peter Rege July 1, 1916
Captain Philip Hartley September 14, 1918
F/F John W Griffin May 1, 1925
F/F Edward A. Cusack

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

February 16, 1951: 1950 Annual Report Issued

Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

April 18, 1950: James Kennedy appointed as Acting Chief

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

June 13, 1951: Compliments for the PFD and PPD

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

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.

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

Arrival in Headquarters December 27, 1951 -Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

Engine 8 quarters Morning Call

Bedroom - note sliding pole surrounded by wood railing at tight

Wool Blanket - Dayspring Collection - at Boonton Home

October 29, 1952: Deputy Chief examination at Central headquarters. In front L-R are BC Frank Dowdall, BC Joe "Les" Devenport and BC Rudolph Peppinghaus. In rear L-R are Acting DC James Chaplain, BC George Walls, Acting DC Joe Bray and Walter BC Lester Titus.

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 9, 1952: Reduction in work hours (to 60) for PFD (presently FF worked 72 hours per week) - petitioned by FMBA President Dan Dowd, James Kelley and Captain Joseph Dayspring

December 9 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 1, 1952: Summary of Chief Strathearn's actions in his first year as Chief of Department.

December 31 Morning call courtesy Dennis Morrison

February 7, 1953: New apparatus on the way - 6 Seagrave pumpers and a repaired FWD aerial

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

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.

May 4, 1953: Annual breakfast at Tree Tavern

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

Captain Bronie Daniels

Captain John Lawless

August Peters

James Sturrock

John Carroll

Captain Ferdinand Pelleschi

John Rankin

December 11, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD - the Chief Engineers

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 18, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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 3 were both damaged in a collision at Main Street and Broadway. Photo below shows the just after 1:00 AM accident (as they were returning to quarters from a car fire at Cross and Passaic Streets). Fireman William Gallagher of E12 was sent to St. Joseph's Hospital and Truck 3 Captain Joseph Nardella was treated at scene. The FWD cab of Truck 3 was brand new.

June 14 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

June 16, 1954: In part due to the above accident city will sell some old apparatus. Basically they were getting rid of some of the old Ahrens Fox Hook and Ladder tractors and aerial trailers. Not sure which pumper was being sold - might have been 1923 ALF used by E12 or one of the recently retired Ahrens Fox pumpers.

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

October 5, 1954: Dinner (over 300 attended) to honor Chaplain Arthur Wild (had served from 1952) and his wife, both colonels in the Volunteers of America organization, who was stepping down to relocate to Washington DC

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

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.

December 3, 1954: "Chief for a Day"

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

March 4, 1955: Annual Report of Chief Hobart Strathearn

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 15, 1955: Chief reimbursed for glasses damaged at fire

March 16 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

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

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

1957: Rank of Lieutenant is re-established.

January 8, 1957: FF Mario Colitarci (a future Captain) thwarts a robbery

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

July 8 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

June 2, 1957: Chief Strathearn hospitalized with heart attack

Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

August 15, 1957: From the Morning Call and Paterson News (clips courtesy of Dennis Morrison)

Morning Call

Paterson News

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 21, 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 1948 Macks used by Engine 1 and 5 are sent to Engine 7 and 13. The news FWD pumpers and Chief Strathearn are seen below parked outside Fire Headquarters on Van Houten Street

January 21 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

January 6, 1958: Testimonial dinner for Deputy Chief Joseph Dayspring

February 23, 1958: Strathearn becomes a S&L director

Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 6, 1958: D/C George Walls is ill

Paterson News

May 1958: Testimonial Dinner for new Battalion Chief Sal Madama

May 12 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 29 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

June 8, 1958: @ 12:39 AM 36 Park Avenue 3rd Alarm Dwelling fire
First time PFD Recall system ever used

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

June 22, 1958: Captain Nicholas Attema of Engine Company 12, appointed June 1, 1928 died while on duty in firehouse

Hancock Collection

June 30, 1958: D/C Solomon Reines heads Combustible Bureau

Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 17, 1958: Fire Alarm Headquarters moved from City Hall to Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street.

December 19 Paterson News

February 2, 1959: Annual Report of Chief Strathearn. Calls for drill tower

Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 2 and 3rd, 1959: Paterson Evening News

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