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.
1940 Page: "Silk City of America" with mention of PFD at bottom right - 208 firemen with 21 pieces of equipment in 13 firehouses - all with a value of $414,000 (~9 million in 2024 dollars)
February 28, 1940: Annual Report of Chief Coyle
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.
June 18, 1940: Hobart Strathearn promoted to Battalion Chief
December 30, 1940: New assignments made by Chief Coyle
March 3, 1941: Legendary Captain John Breen returns for final good-bye
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
June 5, 1941: "Junior Chief Fire Week" - Joe Troy, son of then BC James Troy
September 14, 1941: BC Michael Comer is eligible for promotion to DC in Paterson, but can also become fire chief at Fort Monmouth
September 20, 1941: PFD salaries published
October 29, 1941: Headquarters ceremony for Rabbi Kaufman
December 1941: Screening for tuberculosis via chest X-ray was mandatory for new police and firemen
November 14, 1941: MC Samuel Fielding to retire
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.
March 7, 1942: Chief Coyle's Annual report
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
June 13, 1942: Underwriters evaluation of PFD
1942: Status of department
August 3, 1942: D/C Troy becomes Acting Chief
September 20, 1943: Death of BC Michael Comer
March 15, 1944: Henry Donaldson, Charles Firstbrook and John Farrell retired
April 7, 1944: Coal for the needy dispensed thru the firehouses
April 18, 1944: Letter to Mayor Furrey re the state of the Department
April 27, 1944: PFD receives thanks from Mayor at a social at Exempt Home
May 11, 1944: BC Hobart Strathearn (future Chief Engineer) recovering from leg operation
May 26, 1945: Flags to be placed on graves of deceased firemen
September 13, 1945: Captain Rege placed in charge of supplies
November 27, 1945: Death of Fire Surgeon Briody
August 5, 1946: Pension denied for widow of Captain Walter Mennel
November 10, 1946: Battalion Chief James "Jammer" Kennedy promoted to Deputy Chief
December 10, 1946: F/F Walter Lauder requests retirement/disability pension
July 12, 1946: Fire and Police Commissioner announces retirement of Chief Thomas Coyle due to reaching the age of 65
September 18, 1946: Chief Coyle Retirement dinner
November 11, 1946: James Kennedy promoted to Deputy Chief
December 28, 1946: Snowstorm handicaps city and PFD
February 6 1947: Need for new firehouse demonstrated when trains hold up responding apparatus.
February 15, 1947: Annual Report of Chief Troy
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
March 5, 1947: Catholic Chaplain James Doyle gets his uniform
March 14, 1947: Reverend Doyle receives his gold badge
June 6, 1947: Chief Troy speech "State of the Department"
December 1, 1947: PFD under Chief James Troy establishes 2 Battalions for each shift (A & B) each commanded by a deputy chief. Battalion 1 was based out of Central Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street and Battalion 2 out of the 23rd Avenue Firehouse. New assignments made for newly appointed Captains and firemen.
A Shift
Deputy Chief Hobart Strathearn Battalion Chief Joe Bray (B1) Battalion Chief Lester Titus (B2) |
B Shift
Deputy Chief James Kennedy Battalion Chief James Chaplain (B1) Battalion Chief Rudy Peppinghaus (B2) |
January 2, 1948: Publisher Harry B Haines is made the trustee of Paterson's two 19th century apparatus (the 1821 Old Gooseneck and 1863 Jeffer's Steamer). He was also presented by the Exempt Association, the Volunteer Helmet of the late Chief John Stagg. In the clip below the hand pumper is mistakenly attributed to Neptune Engine Company 2, instead of Passaic Engine Company 1. The steamer was of Washington Engine 3. John Stagg served as Chief Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department from 1887 thru 1888.
January 30, 1948: News article about life as a Paterson fireman
February 3, 1948: PFD helps supply coal to Patersonians
February 11, 1948: Annual Report of Chief Troy
March 3, 1948: Sever snow storm keeps all FF (both A and B shifts) on duty for 9 consecutive days
April 24, 1948: PFD donates Gas Lamp to Eastside Park. Keft to right: John Murphy (Chief's Aide), Frank Dalton (FMBA President), B/C Walter Titus, Acting Chief Strathearn, Captain Thomas Hand and James Sturrock (Chief's Aide).
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.
September 24, 1948: NJ State Exempt Fireman's Association 62nd Convention and Parade held in Paterson.
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.
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.

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
November 23, 1948: Some firemen join IAFF - Hoping for reduction in weekly hours
December 29, 1948: Retired Captain Greer donates valuable gun collection
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.
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January 18, 1949: Chief Troy reports to Fire and Police Committee meeting
March 16, 1949: Gold Badges presented by D/C Strathearn to Fire Marshall Edward O'Byrne and Fire Commissioner Harry Gourley
April 6, 1949: Chief James Troy describing equipment needs
June 3, 1949: New FF assignments and PFD company reorganization
~ June 1949: Two resuscitators placed in Deputy Chief cars
July 19, 1949: Chief Troy advises hotel and rooming homes of new rules
August 5, 1949: Minstrel show under auspices of FMBA announced.
September 14, 1949: Ordinance signed by Mayor DeVita which defines the personnel of the Department
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
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
January 1, 1950: 72 hour work week goes into effect - first reduction in hours since 1916 Two Platoon system began
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
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 |
April 18, 1950: James Kennedy appointed as Acting Chief
May 11, 1950: Captain Peter Rege of Combustible Department addresses Junior Chamber of Commerce
June 30, 1950: Communion Breakfast for A shift
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
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
September 13, 1950: PFD Home defense reserves to be reactivated
September 20, 1950: PFD restores a one hour fifteen minute lunch hour for F/F who are working 72 hour weeks (24 hours on and 24 hours off). Captain Charles Mina of T1 resigns. PFD sends an old ALF apparatus to Packanack lake Fire Company in Wayne. Could have been E11 (1922 pumper) or E12 (1923 pumper)
October 1950: Meal hours restored for PFD members during the 24 hour shift
November 3, 1950: Safe driving certificates to be awarded to firemen who never had a MVA while diving an apparatus
November 28,1950: Chief Troy presents War Bond at dinner for Pension Commissioner. E1 Captain Joseph Dayspring is toastmaster.
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
February 14, 1951: New Chief's Exam planned - 10 (D/C and B/C) are eligible
February 16, 1951: 1950 Annual Report Issued
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
June 13, 1951: Compliments for the PFD and PPD
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. |
October 23, 1951: United Community Chest honoirs D/C Strathearn
November 12, 1951: PFD display at the Armory
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. |
January 18, 1952: New F/F assignments
January 23, 1952: Civil service list for BC published
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.
January 8, 1952: Fire and Police Commission names Strathearn as Acting Chief Engineer and asks NJ Civil Service tyo make the elevation permanent.
February 1, 1952: Hobart A. Strathern officially appointed Chief Engineer.
1952: Engine houses (2, 3, 4, 8, 10 and Truck 3) modernized under Mayor Lester F. Titus
February 8 Paterson News
March 20, 1952: Elks tribute to Chief Strathearn
May 16, 1952: B/C Titus instructs bus drivers how to operate fire boxes
June 1, 1952: PFD Communion Breakfast
September 9, 1952: Fire Prevention Week- F/F John Toomey, Captain Phil Hartley and F/F John Sutton are on detail hanging posters in business establishments.
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.
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 1, 1952: Summary of Chief Strathearn's actions in his first year as Chief of Department.
February 7, 1953: New apparatus on the way - 6 Seagrave pumpers and a repaired FWD aerial
February 23, 1953: General order #26 issued by Chief Strathearn re new promotions
February 25, 1953: General order #27 issued by Chief Strathearn re new assignments of new chiefs, captains, firefighters and Chief Aides
March 5, 1953: General order #28 issued by Chief Strathearn re "Recall Rules"
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.
April 10, 1953: Speaker for next Annual Communion Breakfast announced
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
June 3, 1953: PFD serves as rabies vaccination site - scene at Engine 2 on Highland Street is below with Acting Captain Fred Armona
June 15, 1953: 33 PFD Captains have completed a Red Cross resuscitation course. Chief Strathearn accepts the completion certificate.
October 8, 1953: PFD inspected during National Fire Prevention Week
October 16, 1953: Mayor Titus and condition of firehouses
November 27, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD
December 11, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD - the Chief Engineers
December 18, 1953: Morning Call Series on PFD
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
April 1954: Letter of appreciation to Chief Strathearn for the efforts of firemen.
May 23, 1954: FD Holy Name Society Breakfast
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 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.
August 12, 1954: Steamer dedication plaque found buried in a dump on Redwood Avenue. Two new horse pulled steamers, manufactured by Nott, were obtained by PFD in 1905 - they went to Engine Company 4 on Slater Street and Engine Company 8 on Wayne Avenue. Note these steamers were not motorized (fueled by gasoline) until Christie front drive tractors were added in 1913.
September 18, 1954: Rear of all apparatus to be equipped with "Stay Back 200 Feet" signs
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
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"
December 13, 1954: Ahrens Fox Hook and Ladder aerial rebuilt by FWD - will attached to one of the new FWD tractors
March 4, 1955: Annual Report of Chief Hobart Strathearn
March 15, 1955: Chief reimbursed for glasses damaged at fire
August 4, 1955: PFD aids American Cancer Society
September 2, 1955: FF and Acting Chief Joe Bray all chip in to help a young boy with MS
September 25, 1955: Chief Strathearn requires medical leave of absence. D/C Joseph Bray becomes Acting Chief
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
November 28,1956: B/C Solomon Reines manning the PFD display of memorabilia and more modern equipment at the "Cavalcade"
1957: Rank of Lieutenant is re-established.
January 8, 1957: FF Mario Colitarci (a future Captain) thwarts a robbery
May 29, 1957: Chief Strathearn hospitalized
June 2, 1957: Chief Strathearn remains hospitalized with heart attack
August 15, 1957: From the Morning Call and Paterson News (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. D/C Dayspring to command Combustibles and D/C G Peppinghaus becomes drillmaster. Various B/C assignments and their drivers announced.
September 21, 1957: PFD gets vaccinated
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 6, 1958: Testimonial dinner for Deputy Chief Joseph Dayspring
February 23, 1958: Strathearn becomes a S&L director
March 6, 1958: D/C George Walls is ill
May 1958: Testimonial Dinner for new Battalion Chief Sal Madama
June 8, 1958: @ 12:39 AM 36 Park Avenue 3rd Alarm Dwelling fire
First time PFD Recall system ever used
First time PFD Recall system ever used
June 22, 1958: Captain Nicholas Attema of Engine Company 12, appointed June 1, 1928 died while on duty in firehouse
June 30, 1958: D/C Solomon Reines heads Combustible Bureau
December 17, 1958: Fire Alarm Headquarters moved from City Hall to Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street.
February 2, 1959: Annual Report of Chief Strathearn. Calls for drill tower
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
April 21, 1959: Chief Hobart Strathearn dies suddenly (not fire department related).
April 30, 1959: Fire and Police Commission name George Walls as acting chief engineer and makes statement re Chief Strathearn
May 1, 1959: Morning Call
June 3, 1959: Fire Prevention Program - D/C Solomon Reines (combustibles director) and Acting Chief George Walls in photo
July 3, 1959: PFD exploring possibility for acquiring a used drill tower
July 17, 1959: Dr. A. Gerard Peters, an internist (not a surgeon) honored at Headquarters
August 15, 1959: Chief's Test announced to determine the next Chief Engineer
September 16, 1959: Wall retiring - Bray to get top job
September 23, 1959: Bray formally named as Acting Chief
December 19, 1959: The Chief's exam took place