Major PFD Rescues
Going way back to the earliest days of the Volunteer Paterson Fire department there have been numerous rescues performed by numerous firefighters and teams of firefighters. Most have gone unrewarded, unphotographed and undocumented.
In 1968 in the aftermath of the riots that occurred throughout the US including Paterson, Acting Chief Joseph Dayspring in an interview when asked to point out any outstanding effort during the recent race riots stated what has been a department creed: "If I had to name one man I would have to name 60. There is not a second thought given to heroism in this department. We have always and will always act as a group."
This page will post accounts of outstanding PFD rescues where firefighters acted at significant danger to themselves and where records exist.
A series of rescue photos typical of what FF do every day appears at the end.
In 1968 in the aftermath of the riots that occurred throughout the US including Paterson, Acting Chief Joseph Dayspring in an interview when asked to point out any outstanding effort during the recent race riots stated what has been a department creed: "If I had to name one man I would have to name 60. There is not a second thought given to heroism in this department. We have always and will always act as a group."
This page will post accounts of outstanding PFD rescues where firefighters acted at significant danger to themselves and where records exist.
A series of rescue photos typical of what FF do every day appears at the end.
July 14, 1952
Ultra Chemical Company Explosion - 2 Wood Street
FF Philip Berman & Fred Ricciardi
For extraordinary efforts in saving a citizen from death, Acting Deputy Chef James Chaplain advised Chief Hobart Strahearn of the actions of firefighters Fred Ricciardi and Philip Berman (both of Engine Company 5). The Chief then recommended the Board of Fire and Police Commission to consider an award. On August 14, 1952 the board issued a resolution of commendation to the men. Read the incredible events below.
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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Fred Ricciardi
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Philip Berman
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The Paterson News reported: “It was impossible to raise the body of Malone from the tank because of agitator blades on the inside of the tank. Fireman Phil Berman, well known Heavyweight Boxer, then descended into the tank and with almost super human strength lifted the body of Malone between the blade until the top tank was reached.” Mr. Malone survived.
2017 note: Under today's federal regulations the above rescue constitutes a confined space and only personnel trained in Confined Space Operations would be permitted to make such an entry. A high percentage of confined space entries result in deaths to the rescuers; hence OSHA has strict protocol regarding such entries. Because most confined spaces have either a toxic or oxygen deficient atmosphere, making an entry without SCBA would be virtually suicidal. In the PFD, the Rescue Company is the designated confined space team.
December 19, 1959: 351 Hamilton Avenue Fire
February 9 Resolution of the Board of Fire and Police Commissionrs
The very first Valor Award ever given by the New Jersey State American Legion
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FMBA Award
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Ralph DiGuglielmo
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Joe Parkin
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January 2, 1960
Straight Street Apartment Building Rescues
BC Michael Fleming , Chief's Aide Ray Carr
January 12, 1960: Letter from Acting Chief of Department Chief Joseph Bray recommending citation for BC Fleming and FF Ray Carr.
BC Michael Flemming
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Raymond Carr
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January 20, 1960 - Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 17, 1963 - Infant Rescue
FF Arthur Heydorn Sr, and William Shortway
At 11:08 AM Station 362 Carroll Street and 12th Avenue - a 4th alarm fire at 40-44 Carroll Street. FF Arthur Heydorn Sr. and William Shortway received commendation and Mayor's Medal for Heroism for saving and resuscitating infant.
November 8, 1963
Passaic Falls Rescue - John Palonis
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Chief's Aide John Palonis
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May 13, 1967
Ellison Street Rescue
FF Alfred "Ollie" Gallagher
Alfred Gallagher shown as a Captain. He later served as a Battalion Chief
May 30, 1968
Molly Ann's Brook Rescue
A Natoli Collection
A Natoli Collection
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Note Rescue Truck (PA14) at top of photo
A Natoli Collection
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DC William Comer
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A Natoli Collection
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Natoli Collection
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Natoli Collection
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Natoli Collection
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Natoli Collection
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Members of Squad 1 Left rear FF John Alexander, in left middle is FF Tommy Coppo, front left (? FF with E12 helmet or more likely the just appointed Squad 1 Captain Leon Sopuch Sr), FF Joe Guerrieri, Fire Commissioner Engleherdt with tie and at right FF Tippy Nicolazo. Likely DC Comer with uniform cap in rear)
August 30, 1971
Passaic River at Piercy Street
AC Michael Fleming & FF Thomas Alala
AC Michael Fleming
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Thomas Alala
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Resolution & President of Fire & Police Commission
March 11, 1972
Main Street General Alarm
FF Michael Ross - Truck Company 3
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Station 451 3:00 PM Sylvettes Store at Main Street & Broadway |
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May (? Monday), 1972: 111 Jefferson Street - Dwelling fire with rescue - in photo is Tour Commander, Assistant Chief Gerard Dugan (note error in rank and name in photo legend)
Paterson News courtesy Richard Davenport
September 23, 1972
282 Union Avenue House Fire
FF Elliott McGuire - John Cetrano
John S Cetrano
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Elliott McGuie (as a captain)
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March 20, 1976 Passaic Falls Rescue
Firefighter Edward McCran
During the late winter of 1976, FF Edward McCran of Truck Company 2, kiddingly known to his fellow FF as "McNasty" scaled the cliffs above the freezing, swirling waters of the Passaic Falls to rescue a 16 year old youth.
McCran Collection
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Cartoon by Captain Ed Conklin
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January 27, 1977 - 449 East 22nd Street
FF Richard Korger
Richard Korger
April 6, 1979 440 Ellison Street
FF Philip Mendillo
Philip Mendillo
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Deputy Chief Michael Weiss
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January 21, 1985
Passaic Falls Rescue
Battalion Chief Thomas Coppo
January 22 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Rescue was actually on January 21, 1985
BC Thomas Coppo
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Truck 2 Captain Robert Meyers
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1985 Ball Book: Valor Awards from FMBA (in those years FMBA Awards carried the Names of those who have made the Supreme Sacrifice.
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BC Thomas Coppo
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2003 Photo of Robert Meyers (as BC)
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April 16, 1985
Alexander Hamilton Hotel Fire
Vincent Zito - Firehouse Magazine Top Rescue in US
April 26, 1985 the FMBA presented the Deputy Chief James P Sweeney Award and the Harry Kelly Award to fireman Vincent Zito of Truck Company 2, Tour 3. On February 27, 1985 He also received the Firehouse Magazine Heroism and Community Service Awards program of $3,000 which was the top monetary award in the seventh annual program, the largest of its kind in the country. Zito was cited for his bravery in the Oct. 18, 1984, fire at the Alexander Hamilton Hotel, one of the worst blazes in the city's history. Fourteen people were killed and Zito was hospitalized for a week with acute smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
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An aerial was raised to the seventh floor. Zito ascended and assisted an elderly man down to safety. He reclimbed and started to remove a hysterical woman who informed him her daughter was still inside. He searched the hotel hallways for people stranded in the dense smoke and heat and he found an unconscious 8-year-old girl on the seventh floor, and gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, dragged her back to an apartment and handed her to a comrade (at the 7th floor window) who carried her down an aerial ladder.
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Zito went back to the smoky hallway and found two more unconscious people. After trying in vain to drag their bodies to safety, the firefighter, who was near collapse from exhaustion and smoke inhalation, directed fellow firefighters to the victims. 'Firefighter Vincent Zito's courage and dedication is in the finest tradition of America's bravest,' the magazine said.
Hancock Collection
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Hancock Collection
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January 4, 1986
Robert Santee = 782 River Street Fire Rescue
FF Larry Franklin
Marty Krupinski on ladder
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FF Robert Santee
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April 26, 1986 Passaic Falls
1986 Falls rescue scene -
Photo # 1 L-R: Captain Anthony Innocent, Truck 1; FF Robert Santee, AC Forbes.
Photo #2 L-R: AC Forbes, FF Willie Taliafaro, FF Michael Ventimiglia, Captain Anthony Innocent.
Photo 3: PPD officer w/ yellow stripe; FF Willie Taliafaro, Captain Innocent, other ???
Photo # 1 L-R: Captain Anthony Innocent, Truck 1; FF Robert Santee, AC Forbes.
Photo #2 L-R: AC Forbes, FF Willie Taliafaro, FF Michael Ventimiglia, Captain Anthony Innocent.
Photo 3: PPD officer w/ yellow stripe; FF Willie Taliafaro, Captain Innocent, other ???
April 28 Paterson News Courtesy Dennis Morrison
L-R: AC Forbes, FF Willie Taliafaro, FF Michael Ventimiglia, Captain Anthony Innnocent and others
At right side are FF Robert Santee, Captain Innocent and A/C Forbes
L-R: Captain Anthony Innocent, Truck 1; FF Robert Santee, AC Forbes
August 6, 1986
165 Temple Street
A sudden, flash fire required immediate rescue of 2 Temple Street home dwellers by a nearby construction crew headed by off-duty Port Authority (of New York and New Jersey) policeman John Trommelen (whose bother Michael later became a PFD Battalion Chief) and a young Paterson Policeman named Kevin Hancock (who in 1989 transferred to PFD and ultimately rose to rank of Deputy Chief.
The magnitude of the rescue (several trips into a fiercely burning building) by John Trommelen was such that the PAPD bestowed upon him its highest accolade - the Medal of Honor - (only ever issued 24 times between 1944 and 1986). Tragically John died prematurely in December 1997. Amazingly John's son, John Trommelen III (age 1 at time of award), followed his dad's footsteps and was appointed to the PAPD in August, 2013, now proudly wearing his father's badge. To complete the story, the son of DC Kevin Hancock, Keven S Hancock recently joined the PAPD.
Patrolman Kevin Hancock PPD
April 22, 1986
Passaic Falls
1986 Falls rescue scene -
Photo # 1 L-R: Captain Anthony Innocent, Truck 1; FF Robert Santee, AC Forbes.
Photo #2 L-R: AC Forbes, FF Willie Taliafaro, FF Michael Ventimiglia, Captain Anthony Innocent.
Photo 3: PPD officer w/ yellow stripe; FF Willie Taliafaro, Captain Innocent, other ???
Photo # 1 L-R: Captain Anthony Innocent, Truck 1; FF Robert Santee, AC Forbes.
Photo #2 L-R: AC Forbes, FF Willie Taliafaro, FF Michael Ventimiglia, Captain Anthony Innocent.
Photo 3: PPD officer w/ yellow stripe; FF Willie Taliafaro, Captain Innocent, other ???
AC Forbes above (uniform cap). Also F/F W. Talaferro, Captain Anthony Innocent, F/F Robert Santee, Michael Ventimiglia, Joe Fiorilla
June 16, 1987: Valor Awards re FF actions on September 18, 1986 and January 1, 1987 and February 17, 1987
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 4, 1990
Market Street Apartment House
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August 3, 1991: ~2 AM 243 Straight Street Working fire Off duty FF saves children
August 4 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 20, 1992 - F/F Thomas Straube receives NJ State Firemen's FMBA Silver Valor Award (2nd highest award)
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
Courtesy Straube Family
July 12, 1994 - 12th Avenue Ladder Rescue
Lynn Tolbert - VFW of NJ Firefighter of the Year
July 26 herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Wendell Lynn Tolbert
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August 30, 2011
Passaic River Rescue
August 27 to Sept 11, 2011: Hurricane Irene and tropical Storm Lee kept the department very busy for a two week period. There were over 2000 emergency incidents with over 1200 evacuations including 600 via Marine Units. There were two structural fires extinguished, including a second alarm on August 29 on Hillman Street amidst the flood waters. There were 7 swift water rescues including the following -
August 30, 2011: A dramatic & legitimate water rescue during Hurricane Irene in the Passaic River behind the Colt Arms high-rise complex at 52 Godwin St. With the New Jersey State Police Task Force 1 Team unavailable to respond, PFD members (who were not yet trained in Swift water operations) had no other options but to enter the raging waters to affect a rescue.
August 30, 2011: A dramatic & legitimate water rescue during Hurricane Irene in the Passaic River behind the Colt Arms high-rise complex at 52 Godwin St. With the New Jersey State Police Task Force 1 Team unavailable to respond, PFD members (who were not yet trained in Swift water operations) had no other options but to enter the raging waters to affect a rescue.
March 26, 2014
Garret Mountain
The PFD received a call from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Dept. of a dog trapped on a ledge, over a cliff, at Garrett Mountain. Evidently, the dog must have fell or was thrown over. Upon arrival our arrival onto the scene, the dog was in a very precarious position over the cliff, wedged in a crevice on a ledge.
BC McDermott, because of his technical rescue expertise, assumed the position of Operations Section Chief and was placed in charge of the rescue operation. Because of the high risk to the rescuers, as a general rule, putting rescuers over a cliff is usually a last resort tactic, which is rarely used, unless it is absolutely necessary. Ground ladders were raised & extended from the bottom of the cliff in an attempt to reach the dog, but the top of the ladders was just beyond the reach of the dog. Attempts to lower a ladder from the top of the cliff to the ledge were also unsuccessful. With about less than hour of daylight remaining, and with no other options available, a command decision was made to send the FFs with ropes & safety harnesses over the cliff to safely reach the dog. A volunteer from the New Jersey Search & Rescue coincidentally happened to be at Garret Mountain that day and also descended over the cliff to assist in the rescue. The rescue mission was successfully completed, and the dog was eventually adopted by one of the FFs. The dog was named “Cliff”.
BC McDermott, because of his technical rescue expertise, assumed the position of Operations Section Chief and was placed in charge of the rescue operation. Because of the high risk to the rescuers, as a general rule, putting rescuers over a cliff is usually a last resort tactic, which is rarely used, unless it is absolutely necessary. Ground ladders were raised & extended from the bottom of the cliff in an attempt to reach the dog, but the top of the ladders was just beyond the reach of the dog. Attempts to lower a ladder from the top of the cliff to the ledge were also unsuccessful. With about less than hour of daylight remaining, and with no other options available, a command decision was made to send the FFs with ropes & safety harnesses over the cliff to safely reach the dog. A volunteer from the New Jersey Search & Rescue coincidentally happened to be at Garret Mountain that day and also descended over the cliff to assist in the rescue. The rescue mission was successfully completed, and the dog was eventually adopted by one of the FFs. The dog was named “Cliff”.
Firefighters descended 50 feet down a Garret Mountain cliff face Monday afternoon to rescue an abandoned, malnourished poodle that had holed up in a 20-inch wide crevice, according to multiple reports. The poodle mix was likely abandoned by its owner at Garret Mountain State Park and wandered into the deep and narrow crevice. The dog was thin, weak, covered in matted hair and didn't appear to have eaten or had water for days.
Paterson firefighters and New Jersey Search and Rescue volunteers unsuccessfully attempted to coax the dog out from the crevice, which was situated between two 50-foot-wide rocks. Two hours later, as nightfall approached, rescuers elected to send a team of men to rappel down the cliff face and grab the poodle, according to The Record.
The dog did not suffer any broken bones and will be put up for adoption after it's cleared by a veterinarian, The Record reported.
Paterson firefighters and New Jersey Search and Rescue volunteers unsuccessfully attempted to coax the dog out from the crevice, which was situated between two 50-foot-wide rocks. Two hours later, as nightfall approached, rescuers elected to send a team of men to rappel down the cliff face and grab the poodle, according to The Record.
The dog did not suffer any broken bones and will be put up for adoption after it's cleared by a veterinarian, The Record reported.
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Channel 5 Fox News
Saul Cintron, BC McDermott, John DeCando, Capt Michael Cleenput, FF Justin Angelica (rear) & FF Robert Santore
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Miscellaneous Rescue Photos
March 20, 1967: Engine 5 Captain Mario Colitarci performing a rescue at 100 River Street during a 4 alarm tenement fire,
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March 1967 - Joseph Rocca
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1957
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Alfonse Francavilla
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Chief's Aide Tommy Waterson, DC Wilbert Mariani and FF Bill Shortway of T3 by bucket of Snorkel
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Photo of Chief's Aide Waterson made the cover of 1970 Ball Book
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FF Arthur Salmanowitz July 1969
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Captain James Pasquariello Alexander Hamilton Hotel
Alexander Hamilton Hotel Fire
January 9th, 2022: Multiple calls were received shortly before 8:00 A.M. reporting a fire. First due Engine 5 & Ladder 3 arrived to find 113 Warren Street heavily involved in fire, extending to exposure structures, with a reported handicapped occupant trapped inside.
The companies immediately entered the structure to search and located the occupant, removed him safely out of the building to receive the emergency cared he needed. The actions involved saved the life of the occupant in a dangerous and rapidly evolving incident that resulted in damage to 4 houses.
Below are the recipients of the Silver Medal Valor Award in the upcoming NJ FMBA Valor Awards - Pictured (L-R) FF Steven Fatovic, FF Louis Sanchez III, FF Ryan English, FF Andrew Mingione, Captain Michael Hook, Captain Michael Hascup, FF Kevin Behnke, FF Louis Dearani, FF Dane Kirwin, FF Leon Agobijn
PFA photo