Evolution of the Paid Department
Chronologial List of Important Events
1960 - 1979
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January 1, 1960: The Paterson Fire Department hires its first African American fireman: Henry O. Harris Jr. He was assigned first to the FAO and then to Engine Company 5. Retired April 1, 1988 |
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Dedication Plaque on Ladder 2
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April 14, 1960: Deputy Chief Harold Kane, despite finishing third in the Civil Service examination is appointed Chief Engineer.
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AC Joseph Forbes Collection
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May 18, 1960: Executive officer established and defined. The first to assume the title was DC Daniel J Carroll |
DC Daniel Carroll
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AC Joseph Forbes Collection
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March 4, 1961: Captain Lester Reiche of Engine Company 3 collapses and dies at a fire on Ellison Street. See Supreme Sacrifice |
Captain Reiche and Company Dalmatian "Skipper)
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March 15, 1961: Fire and Police Commission report that a new FH will be built on Trenton Ave and for the FIRST TIME EVER two civilians will be hired: assigned as Fire Alarm Operators: they were Harry Stoothoff and Charlie Bauman. With little elaboration the news clip also noted that 2 DC (unnamed in article) would be elevated to new positions - that was actually the re-establishment of Assistant Chief Rank - it became official April 1, 1961 (was not a recognized civil service rank and thus required no exam). It was first offered to DC Joseph Dayspring who declined. It then went to DC Daniel Carroll and DC Walter Titus.
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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DC Daniel Carroll
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DC Lester Titus
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Charlie Baumann
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April 19, 1961: Meeting of Fire and Police Board and bid acceptance for new Lakeview Firehouse on Trenton Avenue
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Column at left states: facilities for three pieces of apparatus for fire fighting apparatus, dormitories, offices and several classrooms. The station will have electronically controlled exits which will automatically open when a fire alarm sounds in the district. There will be sleeping quarters for two deputy chiefs, two captains and 12 men with off street parking for 13 cars. The building will contain a fully equipped machine shop for vehicle repair, a carpenter shop and the city's first electric hose dryer. Vehicles will leave from the Trenton Avenue side. Low bidders on the firehouse were the Pike Construction Co. of 339 Broadway general construction $411,749, Selbach-Meyer Co. of West New York structural steel and iron work #$8747 and Montesano and Cp, of7 Hillside Avenue Little Falls plumbing $15,900. Also Lakeland Electrical Cp. of Wayne, electrical work $18,423 and George Abboud and Co. Hawthorne, heating, ventilating and air conditioning $28,350. |
May 26, 1961: Gathering to discuss the on May 28th Memorial Service at Post Office Plaza and the fellowship breakfast to follow at Eastside Presbyterian Church - L-R are Fred Ricciardi (FMBA President), PFD Chaplain Rev. James Boysell, George B Schwab, Captain Howard Schoonmaker and sitting front right is Battalion Chief George Findlow (it is not Chief Harold Kane as the clip states)
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 1, 1961: Obituary Captain William McCorry - died while on way to work at HDQTs
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1961: (Summer) -- PFD installed two way radios in the apparatus. Here is Engine Company 5 in front of Headquarters with Captain William Comer demonstrating the radio. Driver is Joseph Forbes
Courtesy Joseph Forbes
November 21, 1961: Retirement of Captain Herbert Dodds
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February 2, 1962: 42 Hour week referendum
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Fred Ricciardi
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February 3, 1962: The Lakeview Firehouse on Trenton Avenue opens and Engine Company 13 and truck 1 relocate there.
April 1, 1962: Testimonial dinner for Captain Rotella
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 18, 1962: Firehouse (company) closings discussed
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 21, 1962:
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 1962: Truck Company 2 at Van Houten Street receives a new open cab Pirsch 100' aerial. It is the first 100' aerial the department has ever had. It is pictured below across the street from the firehouse.
July 2, 1962: To make way for Interstate Route 80 construction the Firehouse at 149 Slater Street closes. Engine Company 4 goes out of service.
August 3, 1962: Death of longtime Aide to Chief Stagg and Coyle, John Anderson
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August 29, 1962: The Riverside - East Side Firehouse opens on Lafayette Street and Engine Company 3, Truck Company 3 and the Third Battalion relocate there. |
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1962: The rank of Assistant Chief is re-established. Lester Titus and Daniel Carroll was appointed. Joseph Dayspring who refused the title in 1960 accepted the position June 1, 1962.
1963: The rank of Battalion Chief and Lieutenant are eliminated from the department. Joseph L. Devenport and Ruldolph Peppinghaus were promoted to Assistant Chief.
April 28, 1963: A new Exempt Fireman's Home on Walnut Street is dedicated.
May 1, 1963: For the first time since department inception in 1890, men do not have to report for duty wearing full uniform.
September 1, 1963: A 42 hour work week, after lots of lobbying, approved in the November 1962 election goes into effect. Firefighter Joe Parkin on the left and Ralph Di Guglielmo on the right. Belowis a related bumper sticker.
Dayspring Collection
September 1, 1963: Tour 1 went on duty at 8:00 AM and Tour 4 at 6 PM. Tours 2 and 4 were off duty.
Note the three Assistant Chiefs (Tour Commanders) Walter Titus, Daniel Carroll and Joseph Dayspring were still rotating on the 24 hour, 56 hour work week schedule until September 29, 1963. Thus for a time companies had a different Tour Commander for each on duty date.
Note the three Assistant Chiefs (Tour Commanders) Walter Titus, Daniel Carroll and Joseph Dayspring were still rotating on the 24 hour, 56 hour work week schedule until September 29, 1963. Thus for a time companies had a different Tour Commander for each on duty date.
October 1963: Truck Company 3 apparatus destroyed by flames in the General Alarm Fire at the Franklin Finishing Corp.
January 27, 1964: The Southside Firehouse on Getty Avenue opens and Engine Companies 7 and 9 relocate. The older houses at 78 Gould Ave and 586 Main Street which date to the days of horse pulled apparatus close. E7 Mack pumper show below with riot roofs installed dating the photos to 1968 or later.
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April 10, 1964: Off-duty Firemen (Al Capter, John Vanderhook, Captain Joe Dougherty and Angelo Mazza) led by FMBA President Fred Ricciardi clean up (steam bath) statue of Alexander Hamilton at Post Office Plaza in preparation of its move by Ottilio Construction company on April 11 to the new Overlook Park by the falls.
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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June 30, 1964: The department obtains a new Pitman 60' Snorkel on an FWD chassis and it enters service at Engine Company 7. Even though the Firehouse Bay was labeled as Snorkel 1, it always operated as Engine Company 7.
April 1965: A second Snorkel, a new American LaFrance 85' Aerochief was put in service as truck Company 3 at the Riverside Firehouse.
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From a Paterson NJ publicity pamphlet describing five years of construction progress |
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November 12, 1965: CPR training at Lakeview Firehouse
Courtesy Anthony Natoli
March 11, 1967: Don Bosco HS student receives PFD award for rescue efforts at a fire
March 20, 1967 Award winning photograph of Engine 5 Captain Mario Colitarci performing a rescue at 100 River Street 4 alarm tenement fire, In 2016 it graced the cover of the annual PFA ball book
Hancock Collection
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March 26, 1967: Chiefs Aid John Murphy retires after 41 years
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May 17, 1967: Firefighters and Women's Auxiliary help Captain Joseph Bauer of Engine 12
Northwest corner Haledon Avenue and North 9th Street - at extreme left are members of PFLA
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Captain Joseph Bauer
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Circa late 1960s: - Paterson Fire Lady's Auxiliary
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L-R: Dorothy (Mrs Charles L) Walker), Marge (Mrs Frank) Mancinelli, Ruth (Mrs Joe) Nardella, ?, Margaret Salmanowitz (Mrs Art), Marlene (Mrs Frank) Crampton
Outgoing President Dorothy Walker getting the neckless shown above from Mary Ross and at right Rae Rotella (both also served as PFLA Presidents)
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PFLA Presidents Dorothy Walker and Rae Rotella
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July 1, 1967: Regulation re proper display of US Flag at Firehouse
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97 Grand Street Firehouse Engine 11
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July 10, 1967: Department uses its portable foam machine, less than a year old, which is quartered at Southside FH at a 3rd alarm fire at National Shore Store on Main Street
Seen here at Paterson Museum
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Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring in white helmet
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October 5, 1967: Another order from Chief Kane regarding officer uniforms (note hand written phrase on bottom)
October 20, 1967: Off duty Paterson firefighters and the department Honor Guard assemble at Southside FH with Mayor Kramer before leaving for a funeral of Ridgefield firemen who mad Supreme Sacrifice.
R Salmanowitz/A Natoli Collection
October 23, 1967: PFD travels to Newark Parade to support those serving in Viet Nam
May 4, 1968: Retirement of Captain Al "Hoot" Novick
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 1968: Squad One enters service as an official new company at 115 Van Houten Street Headquarters: Left to right Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring, Captain Leon Sopuch, firefighters Joe Guerrieri, Tommy Coppo and Joe Guerrieri . It responded to every box alarm.
Asst. Chief Dayspring, Captain L Sopuch at left
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July 8, 1968: The Reo Rescue Truck moved from 115 Van Houten Street to the Southside Firehouse and was operated by the men of Engine Company 9. The order is posted below. |
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June 1968: Because of the inner city rioting occurring across the United States and in Paterson, plywood "riot" roofs were installed over the open cabs and rears of the apparatus.
Courtesy Anthony Natoli
Engine Company 1 FWD
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Truck Co 2 1962 Pirsch
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Courtesy Anthony Natoli
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September 11, 1968: Salary increase rally
D Salmanowitz/Natoli Collection
Numerous names are misspelled at right |
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December 10, 1968 at10:58 PM. 8 persons died at the arson-related General Alarm Midtown Hotel fire at 2 Park Avenue.
January 7 1969: Engine Company 10 and Truck 1 sustained serious damage in a collision at Park Avenue and Summer Street. Engine 10 was responding west on Park Avenue to a two alarm fire at 178 Market Street while Truck 1 heading north on Summer Street was relocating to Headquarters after responding to a false alarm at Straight and Essex Streets. William Siss, driver of E10 was admitted to Paterson General Hospital and Tillerman Leo Quigly of Truck 1 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Treated at St. Joseph's were Captain Ray Allex, Captain Harry Davatellis, and firemen John Baschetti, Thomas Hughes and Francis Bealer.
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March 12, 1969: New Captain's uniform rules
July 1, 1969: Paterson receives three new Seagrave 1250 GPM pumpers and one Seagrave 100' Aerial (the first ever Paterson pumpers or Trucks with closed cabs). They are pictured below upon arrival at the Lakeview Firehouse. Assigned to Engine Companies 1, 3, 5 and Truck 2.
Below: L-R: Chief Harold Kane, Peter Leslie of Steelfab Inc., Kenneth Hayden (clerk to Fire & Police Commission), Fred Ricciardi, Commissioner Edwin Englehardt and Mayor Pat Kramer
Hancock Collection
Engine Company 1 1250 GPM pumper
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November 1, 1969: Paterson's first Puerto Rican firefighter is appointed. Avelino Fernandez is assigned to Truck Company 3. He retired as a captain
FF Fernandez is standing 2nd from right - E McCran Collection
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Avelino Fernandez
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April 7, 1970: False alarm prevention program initiated
Paterson News Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 13, 1970: Scuba team initiated with DC Paul Peterson as supervisor. To be transported by Rescue Truck
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 6, 1970: Captain Harry Asher retires
Paterson News Courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 14, 1970: The Fire department Ambulance service is established under the direction of Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring. For full details visit the EMS page
Below is the journal entry of Ambulance Unit 92, located at Southside Firehouse on Getty Avenue, which made the first PFD ambulance response 5 minutes after going on duty. Note the presence of Mayor Kramer, Chief Kane and DC Peterson in quarters.
June 1971: Engine Company 1, 5 (shown below at Headquarters on Van Houten Street) as well as 3 and 12 receive new Hahn 1250 GPM pumpers painted red
May 4, 1971: Residency requirement announced
July 1971: The Hillcrest Firehouse opens on Union Avenue. Engine Company 8 and Ambulance #91 are relocated there.
Summer 1971: Paterson Firemen open the sprinkler on Madison Ave as temperatures soared into the 90's. Teen Fire Marshals Julio Torrez, Jose Pagan, Asst Chief Alfred Micozzi and fireman Kenneth Shearn.
March 17, 1972: Order from Chief re Dress Uniforms
1972 Captain swearing in Ceremony Mayor Arthur Dwyer: Top row Bob Gabriel, Norman Morley, Dominic Cotroneo, Dennis Diguglielmo, Frank Giordino, Frank Crampton
2nd row John Elwood, Joe Pelligrino, Carl Larson, Jim Tasca, John Minardi
Bottom row Bill Shortway, Jack Gregg, Ed Hancock (being promoted to Deputy Chief) , John Mauro, Terry Pelligrino
2nd row John Elwood, Joe Pelligrino, Carl Larson, Jim Tasca, John Minardi
Bottom row Bill Shortway, Jack Gregg, Ed Hancock (being promoted to Deputy Chief) , John Mauro, Terry Pelligrino
1973: Number of runs
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March 1, 1973: Captain Frank Mancinelli of Truck 3 makes the Supreme Sacrifice when he was fatally injured falling from a roof fire on Paterson Street.
October 12, 1973: Civil service required for ambulance service
December 28, 1973: The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) became law. Full-time jobs were provided for a period of 12 to 24 months in public agencies. The intent was to impart a marketable skill that would allow participants to move to an unsubsidized job. 27 men joined the PFD CETA roster.
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1973: Controversy regarding use of the badge from Chief John Stagg: Stagg served as Chief of the Volunteer Department in 1887 and then was appointed Chief of the paid department in 1891 and served until his retirement in 1912. He was a nationally known fire chief. Click here for biography.
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John Stagg
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The letters below are between Chief Kane and Stagg's family
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June 1974: Fire and Police Commission is disbanded. The control of the department passes to the Director of Public Safety: William Forbes |
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November 7, 1974: The position of Chiefs aides are eliminated for Assistant and Deputy Chiefs.
April 5, 1975: Captain Fred Armona of Engine Company 11 makes the Supreme Sacrifice in a roof collapse during a church fire on 4th Avenue.
April 15, 1975: Firemen approve the first written contract (with a uniformed service) in Patercon city history.
June 24, 1975: A new Pirsch 100' aerial enters service at Truck Company 2. It is the first ever yellow apparatus in department history.
March 17, 1976: Two new 1975 1250 GPM Hahn Pumpers are assigned to Engine Companies 1 and 5 (shown below after company names were changed to 10 (on left) and 6 (at right)
June 6, 1976: Parade for President Gerald R Ford visits Paterson to dedicate the Great Falls Historic Park. Two of PFD's newest apparatus (1975 Hahn pumper and1975 Pirsch aerial) were placed at Hillcrest Firehouse for this event
R-L: Capt. George Kilgour E. 8; Fireman Pellegrino C. Vitale; Fireman Roy Vonderhayden; Fireman William Downey; Bn. Chief Albert Capter; Deputy Chief Edward McLaughlin Front in Center; Civilian in Checkered Trousers is off Duty Deputy Chief Edward J. Hancock.
President Ford and Mayor Kramer
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March 9, 1977: Department mandates Burke Eye Shield on all helmets
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Helmet of Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring
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June 1, 1977: AC Joseph Dayspring became the Liaison Officer to the Department of Public Safety on June 1, 1977
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July 28, 1977: The old bell alarm system is replaced by the EVRS system at 8:15 AM
Shown at right is the Gamewell Gong at 115 Van Houten Street |
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The last alarm transmitted over the old system was station 623 for a car fire on 5th Avenue. |
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January 1978: Three new 1977 American LaFrance 1250 GPM Pumpers are assigned to Engine Companies 1, 3 and 5. |
Engine 1
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1978: The rank of Battalion Chief was re-established with Norman Morley and John Mauro being the first appointed. The rank of Assistant Chief was officially eliminated.
April 30, 1978: The Fulton Street Conflagration destroys two apparatus (Engine Companies 2 and 5) and a chief's car.
Engine Company 2 1969 Seagrave
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Engine Company 5 1978m ALF
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Chief's Gig
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August 24, 1978: FF forced to do clean up duty at Falls prior to the Fall's Festival
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
1979: The Madison Avenue Firehouse opens and Engine Company 6 relocates there in September and Engine Company 10 in October
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November 5, 1979: Two new American LaFrance 1250 GPM pumpers enter service at Engine Company 5 at 115 Van Houten Street and Engine Company 12 at Circle Avenue
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