July 12, 2000: Kevin Hancock, grandson and son of Paterson firefighters is sworn in as a Battalion Chief by Mayor Barnes witnessed by councilman Don Hayden and Chief James Pasquariello
November 6, 2001: Temporary opening of Rescue 1 company at Southside
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January 25, 2002: Squad 1 re-established
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September 11, 2002: Dedication of 9'11 Memorial at Ward Street and Railway Avenue
L-R Captain Sean Burns, FF Luis Vega, Captain McGuire (in rear), DC Scott MacGilvray, Chief James Pasquariello, FF Ken Beekman in rear, Louis Ponstingel, BC Chris Ricciardi, Captain Fernando Rodriguez, FF Lee Mondelli, Captain Joe Statuto, Captain Greg Lisowski, FF Armando “Julio” Cortez, Captain Javier Tovar, Captain John Botero, FF Mike Gallo
L-R Captain Sean Burns, FF Luis Vega, Captain McGuire (in rear), DC Scott MacGilvray, Chief James Pasquariello, FF Ken Beekman in rear, Louis Ponstingel, BC Chris Ricciardi, Captain Fernando Rodriguez, FF Lee Mondelli, Captain Joe Statuto, Captain Greg Lisowski, FF Armando “Julio” Cortez, Captain Javier Tovar, Captain John Botero, FF Mike Gallo
Marty Pelta photo
October 1, 2003: Squad 1 at Southside Firehouse closed.
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October 20, 2003: Elizabeth Melhourn becomes the first woman firefighter appointed to Paterson Fire Department. |
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February 5, 2004: by Orders of Acting Chief Postorino, the following assignments were posted, effective Saturday, February 7, 200 as Personnel Accountability System (PAS) Officers (Unitv 57)
FF Wayne Hatfield assigned PAS Officer, Tour 1
FF Stephen Morley assigned PAS Officer, Tour 2
FF Kenneth West assigned PAS Officer, Tour 3
FF Ralph McGuire assigned PAS Officer, Tour 4
FF Wayne Hatfield assigned PAS Officer, Tour 1
FF Stephen Morley assigned PAS Officer, Tour 2
FF Kenneth West assigned PAS Officer, Tour 3
FF Ralph McGuire assigned PAS Officer, Tour 4
The PAS Officer is assigned to every working incident. Each firefighter is issued Accountability Tags and prior to making entry into a fire building, they must leave their Accountability Tag with the PAS Officer. The PAS Officer tracks the location of the company or individual crews within the building. When the FFs exit the building, they check out with the PAS officer, retrieve their tags, and report to the designated Rehabilitaion Area.
In the event of a significant change on the fireground (i.e. collapse, flashover, backdraft, strategy change, etc.), the PAS Officer will request a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) and account for each member on the fireground. Anyone not answering the PAR would be considered missing, and the PAS Officer would be able to identify the last known location of the firefighter or crew.
In the event of a significant change on the fireground (i.e. collapse, flashover, backdraft, strategy change, etc.), the PAS Officer will request a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) and account for each member on the fireground. Anyone not answering the PAR would be considered missing, and the PAS Officer would be able to identify the last known location of the firefighter or crew.
Unit 57 at 2004 fire scene
2004: Ladder 2 receives an E-One rear mounted 100' aerial painted red.
2005: Ladder 1 receives an E-One mid mounted tower ladder painted red.
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2006: 5 Emergency-One 1500 GPM pumpers painted red obtained and assigned to Engines 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7.
October 3, 2006: Engine Company 8 renumbered as Engine Company 2
September 18, 2006: Rescue 2 was opened as a full time company consisting of one captain and five firefighters on each shift. Rescue 1 was designated the Urban Search and rescue (USAR) truck and was manned by men of rescue 2.
April 19, 2013: Because of structural weaknesses of the apparatus floor the 97 Grand Street Firehouse is closed and Engine Company 7 relocates to the Hillcrest Firehouse on Union Ave.
2014 Under the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission statutes & regulations (Title 39), a Commercial Driving License (CDL) is not required for FFs operating an Emergency vehicle. Consequently, no specialized license or course completion is required to operate a fire engine.
Fire recruits may receive a National accredited emergency responder driving course (i.e. CEVO course) in the Fire Academy, driving simulator training upon graduation, and then “hands-on” training from their company officer. The Paterson FD does not have designated “chauffeurs.” and consequently, all company members take their turn in a driver rotation. All personnel are cross-trained (in particular the double-company firehouses) so that they are proficient at operating both the Pumper & Ladder Co, including tillering.
Shown below is the Driver Simulator located at the Madison Avenue Firehouse. It was purchased from a Federal grant for driver training: L-R FF Cesar Collazo, Captain Alton Dickson and Captain Pedro Garced (other driver unidentified)
Fire recruits may receive a National accredited emergency responder driving course (i.e. CEVO course) in the Fire Academy, driving simulator training upon graduation, and then “hands-on” training from their company officer. The Paterson FD does not have designated “chauffeurs.” and consequently, all company members take their turn in a driver rotation. All personnel are cross-trained (in particular the double-company firehouses) so that they are proficient at operating both the Pumper & Ladder Co, including tillering.
Shown below is the Driver Simulator located at the Madison Avenue Firehouse. It was purchased from a Federal grant for driver training: L-R FF Cesar Collazo, Captain Alton Dickson and Captain Pedro Garced (other driver unidentified)
FF Cesar Collazo, Captain Anton Dickson, Captain Pedro Garced
2015: Ladder 2 receives a Pierce 100' rear mounted tower ladder
December 2015: Pierce Manufacturing completes the manufacture and ships 5 new Pierce Arrow XT 1500 GPM pumpers to Paterson: Engines 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Engine 7 E-One pumper went to Engine 2
Engines 1, 4 and 5 E-One pumpers became Spare 1,2 and 3 respectively
Engines 1, 4 and 5 E-One pumpers became Spare 1,2 and 3 respectively
New PFD Insignia on the doors of new apparatus
April 20, 2015: New Fire department Headquarters opens at 300 McBride Avenue
Hancock Collection
Hancock Collectiion
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Hancock Collection
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The Mobile Cascade Unit (unit 57) is stocked with spare SCBA (air) bottles and has an on board fill station, to refill bottles right at the fire scene. The one firefighter is assigned as a. accountability officer & tracks all personal entering & exiting the fire building. The REHAB officer refills bottles & coordinates with EMS to set up an area where firefighters must report to after exiting the building. For 3rd alarm fires, or fires with extreme temps, St Joseph's Hospital responds with a Mass Care Unit for Rehab (tents, fans, heaters, etc).
April 2016: Paterson Firefighter Elizabeth "Beth" Fournier who was awarded the Life Saving Award (Non Fire) at a ceremony sponsored by the State FMBA. Firefighter Fournier of Paterson Locale 2, was credited with resuscitating and saving the life of an adult male who collapsed into cardiac arrest at her gym. Story was also featured in local papers
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The department has always had spare apparatus but they started numbering them in the early 2000.s Below are May 2016 photos of Spare 2 and Spare 3 quartered at Hillcrest Firehouse on Union Avenue. Spare 1 is kept at at the Lakeview Firehouse on Trenton Avenue. (Todd Hollritt photos)
Spare 1 was formerly Engine 1
Spare 2 was formerly Engine 4
Spare 3 was formerly Engine 5
Spare 1 was formerly Engine 1
Spare 2 was formerly Engine 4
Spare 3 was formerly Engine 5
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The fireman's memorial monument listing those who have made the Supreme Sacrifice moved from the Hillcrest Firehouse to the McBride Avenue Firehouse and dedicated on June 5, 2016
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Below photo is Honor Guard: Captain AJ Woods, firefighter Luis Vega, Captain Dave Molina, Captain Michael Walker, firefighter Ron Humphries, Captain Scott Parkin. Chief Postorino at left.
April 2017: First views of Pierce Arrow XT 100' tillered aerial (job #30114) about to be shipped to PFD
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May 25, 2017: New Pierce Arrow XT 100' tillered aerial arrives at McBride Avenue Firehouse
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Chief Michael Postorino --- Marchese photo
June 4, 2017: Annual Memorial Service at McBride Avenue Firehouse. FF Scott Rogow is the 28th name added to the Memorial Monument. See Supreme Sacrifice
PFD Members between Ladders 3 and 2-- Chris Tompkins Photo
FF Scott Rogow - Badge #420 - Chris Tompkins Photo
June 30, 2017: New Pierce Ladder 3 aerial enters service
July 1, 2017: FF Kerry Rivera of Engine 7 died in an off duty accident June 26, 2017. He was posthumously promoted to Captain on June 30, 2017. Below is the assembly at McBride Avenue Headquarters as the cortege passed (Ron Bombaro Photos)
L-R: Engines 6, 3, 2. Ladder 1, Spare 1
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July 18, 2017: Presentation by photographer Vince Marchese of framed photos on behalf of the PFD Website to Chief Postorino and DC Kevin Hancock at McBride Avenue Firehouse
Chief Postorino
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Chief Postorino & DC Hancock
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December 27, 2017: New Pierce Arrow Tower Ladder for Ladder 1 arrives at Headquarters on McBride Avenue. It started service January 10, 2018.
December 28, 2017: The 11th Chief Engineer in PFD history, Brian J.McDermott takes the oath of office, effective January 1, 2018. Oath administered by Paterson Mayor Jane E. Williams-Warren
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Northjersey.com 12/31/2017 Note name misspelled
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January 4, 2018: Battalion 4 opens at McBride Avenue Headquarters and covers center city, Stoney Road and most of Hillcrest.
January 29, 2018: Brian McDermott sworn in as the 11th Chief Engineer of the paid department at Fire Headquarters on McBride Avenue: name added to McBride Avenue Headquarters
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February 26, 2018: Unusual presence of the two Pirece Arrow Ladder (L2 a 2015 model and L1 a 2017 model) Trucks with Engine 3 (E-One pumper) at headquarters.
Ron Bombaro Photos
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April 24, 2018: Funeral procession for PPD LODD of Officer Tamby Yagan. PFD had its newer ladder trucks (L1 and L3) displaying the flag at the Grand Street (old Firehouse of E11 and E7) where the officer worked. Several on duty PFD companies lined the route in formation.
May 21, 2018: At City Hall FF Troy Ayers appointed by Mayor Jane Williams-Warren to the Paterson Fire Safety Commission and as the Commissioner to the Paterson Municipal Youth Guidance Council
Swearing in ceremony of FF Ayers with wife Deborahe at his side
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DC Pablo Del Valle, DC Kevin Hancock, Mayor Jane Williams-Warren, (behind Mayor not visible PFA Vice President Scott Wilson), Capt. Michael Hall, Mrs. Deborahe Ayers (wife), FF Jihad Dunham, FF Troy Ayers, FF Nicholas Perez, FF Anthony Reddin, Chief Brian McDermott.
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June 3, 2018: Annual Memorial Service - the 29th Supreme Sacrifice name (FF Edward J Moore LODD 1938) added to monument For complete details CLICK HERE
June 3, 2018: Chief Brian McDermott bestows an Honorary Battalion Chief title on PFD historian Dr Thomas Dayspring
Chief McDermott, Dayspring & DC Kevin Hancock
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June 6, 2018: Beth Melhorn Fournier was promoted to the rank of Captain becoming the first female fire officer in the history of the department.
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First assignment is Communication
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June 28, 2018: Plan for new PFD Heavy Duty Rescue truck
July 1, 2018: Inauguration of Mayor Andre Sayegh Ladders 1 and 3 on Grand Street
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October 10, 2018: Chief McDermott was recognized for his support of the National Guard & Reserve, as we have active members of the PFD who are also members of these organizations.
(L-R) Capt. C. Gander, FF B. Russo, 2 representatives from the Dept. of Defense, FF L. Enriquez, Chief McDermott, BC D. Alexander, and FF G. Velez
October 12, 2018: Deputy Chief Pablo Del Valle was recognized by mayor at City Hall for Hispanic Heritage Month
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DC R Murray, DC P del Valle, FF M Pierce
Capt. S. Cintron, BC O. Rodriguez, BC L. Cruz, FF J. Lopez
November 19, 2018: Two new ambulance units enter service: 98 joins 94 at Northside Firehouse and 99 joins 91 at Madison Avenue. PFD now serves Haledon, North Haledon, Prospect Park, William Paterson University and at times Woodland Park.
November 27, 2018: A $17,000 check, raised from sale of breast cancer T-shirts was presented to St Joseph's Hospital
McBride Avenue Fire Headquarters
December 1, 2018: Boot Drive (Toys for needy children) Photos below show a group shot inside Firemen's Hall on Walnut Street and outside photos of Members of Engine 5 (Carlos Pagan Jr., Jeffrey Santos and Josh Lopez) with DC Kevin Hancock (they were ate McBride Ave & Glover Street)
Justin Angelica, John Molina, Angel Parilla, Carlos Pagan Jr., Marc Roca, Kyle Hughes, Mike Oates, Mike Caposella, Mike Trommelen, Kevin Hancock, Matt Zavatarro, Jason Legette, John Irwin
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December 1, 2018: Tree Lighting at City Hall
Courtesy PFA President Kyle Hughes
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December 8, 2018: PFD "Boot Drive" - to help children at Christmas
Chief Brian McDermott and DC Kevin Hancock
Click photos below to enlarge and see names
December 15, 2018: Funeral of Bishop Rodimer at St. John's Cathedral
Ladders 1 and 2
December 2018: Congressman William Pascrell wearing a jacket presented by PFA President FF Kyle Hughes. The jacket is embroidered in gold lettering “Congressman B. Pascrell" and a Maltese Cross (also in gold) as well as an American Flag. The Congressman has been a tremendous champion for Firefighters Nationwide always beginning with his hometown.
January 23, 2019: Police and Fire Department Dispatch Centers to consolidate at Police Headquarters. Police Director Jerry Speziale becomes Paterson's Public Safety Director
February 1, 2019: FF Herman E. Irving was recognized at City Hall as part of Black History Month for his outstanding contributions to Fire Department Recruitment and Public Education
FF Irving - Mayor Sayegh at right
First responder News March 2019
February 7, 2019: First female Captain Beth Melhorn-Fournier, assigned to Combustibles, covers as Captain of Ladder 1 at Madison Avenue FH
Tour 2 Ladder 1 FF Ralph Chavez, Captain Melhorne, FF Ryan Graf, and FF Dave VanTassel
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February 10, 2019: Retired FF and PPD Frank T Calamita passes away
February 23, 2019: Radio-check on BC Brian Rathbone's last shift - PFD and every company extends best wishes to the retiring BC
February 25, 2019: Last day on the job for PFD's most senior FF, Luis FR Vega of Rescue 2.
L-R: Chief Brian McDermott, Luis Vega, DC Ryan Murry and DC Kevin Hancock
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March 27, 2019: Last day of duty to retiring FF Lou Iandoli (official retirement date is April 1, 2019). "First Due Lou"
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Click on arrow of audio clip below to hear Lou's final radio check (Car 6) - takes a few seconds to begin
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Lou Iandoli and Car 6 at McBride Ave
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Car 6 at McBride Ave
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At Hdqts: FF Troy Ayers, DC W Henderon, Capt S Parkin, Chief B McDermott, Lou Iandoli, DC KHancock, BC O Rodriquez, Captain C Collazo, Acting Capt J Krehel, Capt M Scherer, FF H Irving
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PFA President Kyle Hughes, FF Iandoli & Chief Brian McDermott
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Retirement Collage made by Captain Scott Parkin
Iandoli Badge
April 4, 2019: Last day on duty for DC Kevin Hancock, Chief of Operations, who is retiring June 1, - That date will end over 101 years of continuous PFD service by the Hancock family. For many the full story and more photos CLICK HERE
FMBA President Ed Donnelly, Ret Chief John Mauro, Ret Chief of James Pasquariello, DC Hancock, Chief B McDermott, PFA President FF Kyle Hughes, DC Mike Fleming (TC), Ret Chief Michael Postorino
Edward A Hancock 1918- 1956
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Edward J Hancock 1954 - 1991
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Kevin R Hancock 1989 - 2019
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April 4, 2019: Examples of the Tour Commander daily shift summary report
April 17, 2019: 95th birthday party for FF Joseph Parkin Sr at the Exempt Hall - with sons Scott at his right and Joe Jr at left
Among celebrants are DC K Hancock, Ret FF L Vega, PFA President K Hughes, Chief B McDermott (in white shirt) and V Marchese at far right
April 2019: 2005 E-One HP 100’ Tiller for Sale
44,908 miles, 7417 hours, 8 Person Cab, 5 SCBA seats
E-One Cyclone II Chassis, Roll up doors, (3) transverse compartments
Detroit Diesel 60 450 hp, Allison automatic transmission, Engine Brake
Oman 10 kw pto hydraulic generator, Akron monitor on ladder, Air-conditioning
Heat and air in rear cab, Headsets included, (2) electrical reels
(2) 500 watt telescoping scene lights on cab, (4) 500 watt scene lights- 2 on each side of body
LED Emergency lighting, Federal Q siren, Air horns
Ladders included- 14’ 16’ 20’ 28’ 35’ and a little giant- also includes 3 pike poles and a stokes basket
44,908 miles, 7417 hours, 8 Person Cab, 5 SCBA seats
E-One Cyclone II Chassis, Roll up doors, (3) transverse compartments
Detroit Diesel 60 450 hp, Allison automatic transmission, Engine Brake
Oman 10 kw pto hydraulic generator, Akron monitor on ladder, Air-conditioning
Heat and air in rear cab, Headsets included, (2) electrical reels
(2) 500 watt telescoping scene lights on cab, (4) 500 watt scene lights- 2 on each side of body
LED Emergency lighting, Federal Q siren, Air horns
Ladders included- 14’ 16’ 20’ 28’ 35’ and a little giant- also includes 3 pike poles and a stokes basket
April 30, 2019: New Rescue 2 apparatus arrives and is at McBride Avenue firehouse
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Todd Holritt photo
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Click on photo to enlarge
April 30, 2019: Chief Brian McDermott presents PFD Helmets to Mayor Andrew Sayegh, Police Chief Troy Oswalt and Director of Public Safety Jerry Speziale
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May 15, 2019: The Fleet Mechanic vehicle; Car 8A. Senior Mechanic Tony Diaz pictured. at HDQTs. F-250 utility body with plow and a 1500 lb electric lift gate.
May 31, 2019: Retirement Ceremony at Fireman's Hall - Three top Deputy Chiefs - L-R: Mike Fleming, Kevin Hancock and William Henderson
June 14, 2019: PFD's 2007 F350 Diesel Truck with 15,000 miles was repurposed. It was stripped down and now houses PFD's Sparky robot, charging station, Sparky suit, helmets, pamphlets, A/V equipment and iPad cart with 30 kid friendly iPads in it. It has an 8’x4’ 1,000 pound slide out to make it easy to access. The graphics are a custom wrap made in Paterson. The last picture is the hood with PFD Maltese Cross. FF Troy Ayers and FF Herman Irving did the design. Outreach also has new tactical uniforms & hats and a new education patch.
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Hood Logo
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June 17, 2019: HazMat 1 will enter service when new Rescue 2 is ready to go. A Special Ops Command (SOC) consisting of a full time Deputy Chief of SOC will include Batt-1, Rescue 2, E6 (to be called Squad 6), E7 and the Rehab-Accountability/Arson-Comms Unit. The RAC Unit- is now a fully staffed Company with Captain and 4 FF’s. E7 and RAC will Staff HazMat and tow the dive rescue boat for R2.
Car-6 is now the Daytime Arson Captain only and all Fire Investigators are on the RAC. They are RAC 3 & 4. RAC carries investigation equipment and increases oversight and gives scene commanders more options.
RAC Captain is Safety Officer and RAC 1 is FIT (Chiefs Aide). RAC 2 is the Accountability Tech. Both are and will help to organize fire scenes.
Car-6 is now the Daytime Arson Captain only and all Fire Investigators are on the RAC. They are RAC 3 & 4. RAC carries investigation equipment and increases oversight and gives scene commanders more options.
RAC Captain is Safety Officer and RAC 1 is FIT (Chiefs Aide). RAC 2 is the Accountability Tech. Both are and will help to organize fire scenes.
June 17, 2019: Purchase of demolition equipment (excavator) is finalized CLICK HERE
Madison Avenue Firehouse (rear)
June 17, 2019: Premier of the A&E TV show called "Rescue Live" which featured PFD Rescue 2 and EMTs.
L-R: Capt. Saúl Cintrón, COD Brian McDermott, Capt. Jose Castro, FF Domenico Brigati, FF Ronald Humphrey (others are film crew).
June 24, 2019: Renaming of McBride Avenue Headquarters
1st Responder News August 2019
June 27, 2019: Retirement of Captain Gene Kretkowski
Courtesy Captain AJ Woods
BC Mike Caposella, Captain Kretkowski, DC (TC) Ryan Murray
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Engine 6 at Southside FH
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June 27, 2019: DC (Tour Commander) Pablo DelValle retires
DelValle in center with dark blue shirt and gold insignia (L2 is parked across from Riverside FH on Lafayette Street)
At Riverside FH - DC Ryan Murray, DC DelValle, Ret DC Kevin Hancock
July 17, 2019: New Ferrara Rescue apparatus enters service at 1430 hrs. 1st call @ 1719 Hrs to Incident 19-3899 at 430 Totowa Ave. SCHOOL 5 "Target Hazard" Activated Fire Alarm. Tour 3. First Crew: Driver Keith Eickhorst, Captain Arthur Woods, FF Craig Puglise, FF Josh Gervat.
September 23, 2019: Tour 3 Engine 2 placed the new Ferrara Engine in-service @1300 hrs. Former Engine 2 (E-One apparatus) is now designated Spare Engine 2. Crew for the first run were; Captain Pablo Camacho, FF Adrian Evans, FF Jean Vargas, FF Zach Panzarella
Vince Marchese photo
October 2019: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and PFD
1st Responder News December 2019 Issue
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November 17, 2019: Paterson's Women firefighters at Headquarters. L-R at top are Kathy Sledge, Charlayne Powel, Kelly Powell and at bottom Johanna Ramirez, Captain Beth Fournier and Janice Miller
November 2019: The truck formerly used as R2 is being painted with new graphics and will become HazMat1
34 new recruits are in training academy
Diesel exhaust hoses to be installed in all firehouses
Fire safety education trailer renovated courtesy of Lowes
Three firehouses will be re-roofed and three recoated
All firehouse lights changed to LED
Bond received to purchase a new engine
All demolition equipment is in