PATERSON FIRE HISTORY WEBSITE FOUNDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Some of those listed here have contributed to both the website and various video presentations, we sincerely thank them for their efforts.
3 FOUNDERS
THOMAS DAYSPRING
Dr. Thomas Dayspring is a medical doctor who grew up and lived in Paterson NJ for the first 26 years of his life (attended PS #19, #17, #12 and Central High School). His father Joseph was a 39-year veteran (1942-1981) of the Paterson Fire Department retiring as an Assistant Chief (held that rank for 19 years). Dr. was raised in a home on Clinton Street which had a Paterson Fire Alarm bell and an "always on" PFD radio. After the ambulance service was established by the department (1971-72), Dr. Dayspring, while in medical school, served as an EMT. His 3-year residency in internal medicine was at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson and the first 11 years of his practice was in Paterson and after that in nearby Wayne, NJ (where he cared for several PFD families). Dr. Dayspring with the help of his father became an avid collector anything PFD-related and amassed an extensive archive of historical materials. He was the author of the 1985 PFD 90th Anniversary history book Taking the Heat. He was an officer and 3-term President of the Passaic County Historical Society during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Prior to moving to Richmond, Virginia in 2012, "The Dayspring Collection" a substantial collection of fire department memorabilia including numerous Paterson items was donated in honor of his father to the NJ Fireman's Museum at the Fireman's Home in Boonton, NJ where it is now on display. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
On June 3, 2018, Chief Brian McDermott made Dr Dayspring an honorary Battalion Chief of the Paterson Fire Department.
On June 2, 2019 at the Annual Memorial Service at McBride Avenue Headquarters PFD Dr Dayspring along with Retired DC Kevin Hancock, and contributors Denis Morrison and Jim Eifler were recipients of the Chief John Stagg Meritorious Service Award for their efforts in documenting the details of Paterson's F/F LODDs resulting in their listing at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial
Prior to moving to Richmond, Virginia in 2012, "The Dayspring Collection" a substantial collection of fire department memorabilia including numerous Paterson items was donated in honor of his father to the NJ Fireman's Museum at the Fireman's Home in Boonton, NJ where it is now on display. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
On June 3, 2018, Chief Brian McDermott made Dr Dayspring an honorary Battalion Chief of the Paterson Fire Department.
On June 2, 2019 at the Annual Memorial Service at McBride Avenue Headquarters PFD Dr Dayspring along with Retired DC Kevin Hancock, and contributors Denis Morrison and Jim Eifler were recipients of the Chief John Stagg Meritorious Service Award for their efforts in documenting the details of Paterson's F/F LODDs resulting in their listing at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial
Young Tom Dayspring - 1949 in seat of PFD Truck 3's 1932 Ahrens Fox aerial (his father's company - then located on Godwin Avene)
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2017 photo of Tom Dayspring in seat of Ladder 3's 2017 Pierce Aerial
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As an EMT in 1972 at Hillcrest Firehouse
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Helmet presentation by Chief Brian McDermott
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Photo by Bill Tompkins
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December 27, 2018 - Vincent Marchese photo
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VINCENT T. MARCHESE
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A lifelong Patersonian who is a educator, professional photographer, 30 year member of the Paterson Auxiliary FD, and serious fire buff. Vince has both taken and amassed a large collection of historical Paterson photographs. Vince also initiated the popular Facebook page dedicated to photos of the PFD. Many of his photos have graced PFD Ball Books, the book Taking the Heat, and this web site |
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ALEX CREDIDIO
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Retired Battalion Chief Alex Credidio came up with the idea of an apart from Facebook, dedicated, all-inclusive historical web site documenting Paterson Fire department History. Alex was very involved with the making of the 1985 book "Taking the Heat" and has produced documentary videos on the Department. He was also influential in modernizing department operations in the early 2000's. He is a master military and fire scene modeler.
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CONTRIBUTORS
BILL & CHRIS TOMPKINS
Bill & Chris Tompkins are long time friends of the PFD and have made significant contributions to this website...This Dynamic Duo has also had many of their photos published in major fire service publications. Check their other fire photos at www.BTFirephotos.com
Vincent Zito
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Vince Zito is a retired Paterson Fireman (Captain) who spent most of his career in Truck and Ladder Companies. He has always had a tremendous pride and historical knowledge of the department. He has been a great asset to the web site in identifying firemen, apparatus and fire scenes. He won national acclaim for bravery when he was awarded the 1985 Firehouse Magazine distinguished Community Service Awards program for his actions at the Alexander Hamilton Hotel Fire. It was the top 1985
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award in the United States in the seventh annual program, the largest of its kind in the country
Frank Malzone Jr. (RIP)
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Frank Malzone Jr., a Naval veteran, was a PFD Captain who served from 1956 until retiring in 1981. He served at Engine 5, the Chief's Office (as photographer) and also several years in the EMS service. He was also a distinguished professional photographer and has contributed numerous photos to this website. He passed away in 2021. Special thanks also goes to his son Steven Malzone who had all of his father's photos scanned |
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Jim Eifler (RIP)
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Jim Eifler, son of a Totowa firefighter, was a Paterson History expert, researcher and collector. He specialized in Paterson bottles and jugs but has and had developed a fondness for the Paterson fire department, especially the Volunteers of which he has a very nice and large badge collection. He contributed much to our site with photos of fires, firemen, memorabilia and seriously researched written historical information.
On June 2, 2019, at the Annual Memorial Service at McBride Avenue Headquarters PFD, Jim along with Retired DC Kevin Hancock, Dr Tom Dayspring and Denis Morrison were recipients of the Chief John Stagg Meritorious Service Award for their efforts in documenting the details of Paterson's FF LODDs resulting in their listing at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial |
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Dennis Morrison
Distinguished Paterson Historian and Researcher who has researched all of the 19th and 20th Century Newspapers for PFD items including fires, appointments. awards, etc.
Ron Bombaro
Ron is responsible for many of the exceptional videos and photos you will see on this website, Ron is a retired City of Passaic EMS Chief, having served for 25 years. He is also a news videographer and has had numerous videos aired on the major NYC and NJ Broadcast and Cable News Stations for over the past 20 years. We thank Ron for his exceptional coverage of the PFD.
FD https://www.facebook.com/elbachateroblanco?fref=hovercard
FD https://www.facebook.com/elbachateroblanco?fref=hovercard
Todd Hollritt
Todd Hollritt is a firefighter with the West Paterson Fire Department, Rifle Camp Fire Company 3, "The Ridge Runners" where he achieved the rank of Captain. An avid fire photographer and historian, he has both fought fires in Paterson and documented fire scenes in photos, many of which grace the pages of this web site, and video since 1980. He is also a correspondent for 1st Responder News since 2004.
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Mutual Aide at 97 Grand Street Firehouse
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Deputy Chief Peter Danzo
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Joseph Forbes - Retired AC -Paterson Fire Department
Kevin Hancock - Retired DC Paterson Fire Department
John Heffran - Deceased FF Paterson Fire Department
Robert Hrib - Retired BC Paterson Fire Department
Craig Lauten - Retired Captain Paterson Fire Department
Mike McLean - Retired Captain Paterson Fire Department
Ryan Murray - Retired DC Paterson Fire Department
Mike Trommelen - BC Paterson Fire Department
Scott Wilson - FF Paterson Fire Department
Joe DeSomma - FF Paterson Fire Department
Don Giaquinto - Paterson Police Department (Ret)
John Hayes - Irvington Fire Department
Others who wish to remain anonymous
John Hayes - Irvington Fire Department
Others who wish to remain anonymous