PATERSON FIRE HISTORY
  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • FIRST CENTURY
    • EVENTS 1890-1894
    • EVENTS 1895-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-1999
    • EVENTS 2000-2019
    • EVENTS 2020-2023
  • FIREFIGHTERS
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
    • MEMORIAL SERVICE
  • OBITUARIES / DEATHS
    • 1889-1919 DEATHS
    • 1920-1939 DEATHS
    • 1940-1959 DEATHS
    • 1960-1969 DEATHS
    • 1970-1979 DEATHS
    • 1980-1999 DEATHS
    • 2000-2009 DEATHS
    • 2010 AND LATER
  • NOTABLE FIREFIGHTERS
    • CALAMITA FAMILY
    • CAPTAIN JOHN WEBER
    • CUSACK FAMILY
    • FLEMING FAMILY
    • GERARD DUGAN
    • HANCOCK FAMILY
    • HENRY OTIS HARRIS
    • ISAAC FELICIANO
    • JOHN GILMORE
    • JOSEPH DAYSPRING
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MARIANI FAMILY
    • McLAUGHLIN FAMILY
    • SALMANOWITZ BROTHERS
    • THE SIMONTONS
    • THE SWEENEYS
    • TICE FAMILY
  • NOTABLE FIRES/INCIDENTS
  • SPECIAL OP EVENTS
  • TAKING THE HEAT BOOK
  • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
  • 1907 GUARDIAN
  • 1936 HEARD & SEEN COLUMN
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY & FH HISTORY
  • SPECIAL OPERATIONS
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • FIRE BOXES & STANCHIONS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2022
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • APPARATUS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • PFD STORIES
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES PAID DEPT
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • RETIREMENTS
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • PATCHES DECALS LOGOS SHIRTS
  • WALLPAPER
  • DEPARTMENT PETS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • 1815-1890 VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • 1888 HISTORICAL SUMMARY
    • LOOKING BACKWARDS
    • VOLUNTEER PARADES
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS >
      • CHIEF ELECTIONS
      • CHIEF BIOS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • ANDREW MOSER
    • ENGINE CO APPARATUS LIST
    • OLD GOOSENECK
    • JEFFERS STEAMER
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
    • EXEMPT 1892 BALL
    • EXEMPT BY-LAWS 1902
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
    • FMBA BY-LAWS
    • FMBA 1949 FOLLIES
    • FMBA VIDEOS
  • BALLBOOKS
    • 1909 BALL BOOK
    • 1916 BALL BOOK
    • 1918 BALL BOOK
    • 1921 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1923 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1928 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1935 PFD BOOSTER
    • 1936 JANUARY PICTORIAL
    • 1936 DECEMBER PICTORIAL
    • 1937 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1938 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1939 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1941 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1942 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1943 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1944 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1945 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1946 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1947 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1948 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1949 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1950 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1951 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1952 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1953 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1954 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1955 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1956 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1957 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1958 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1959 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1960 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1961 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1962 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1963 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1964 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1965 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1966 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1967 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1968 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1969 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1970 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1971 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1972 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1973 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1975 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1976 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1977 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1979 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1980 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1981 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1982 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1983 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1984 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1985 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1986 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1987 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1988 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1989 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1990 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1991 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1992 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1993 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1994 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1995 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1996 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1997 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1998 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1999 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2000 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2001 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2002 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2003 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2004 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2005 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2010 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2011 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2014 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2016 ANNUAL BALL
  • ANNUAL REPORTS
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • STATISTICS
  • CONTACT
  • CITY OF PATERSON

Sister Loretta Agnes

Sister Loretta Agnes Weingart served the Sisters of Charity at St. Joseph's Hospital for decades. The Sisters of Charity were founded by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1809. In 1859, Mary Xavier Mehegan, a Sister of Charity of New York, at the request of the Bishop of Newark,  founded the New Jersey Community known as Sisters of Charity and moved the Motherhouse to Convent Station.  Seven years later the Sisters sponsored the opening of St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson. 
Picture
St. Vincent de Paul
Picture
Sister Anne Jean Regan, who came to St. Joseph’s in 1936, was also a giant who shaped St. Joseph's over her 37 year tenure. She became a beloved figure in the Paterson community. She was followed by Sister Jane Frances Brady who oversaw modern development St. Joseph’s starting in the early 1970s.  Sister Jane also remains an icon in the State of New Jersey as a passionate advocate for the needs of the sick and the poor.  The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth remain focused on the heart of their calling: service and advocacy through their work​​
Sister Loretta first worked under Sister Anne Jean and then Sister Jane Francis at St. Joseph's.  ​Over that time period she nurtured a special relationship with the Paterson Fire Department and became a Guardian Angel for any ill or injured firefighter. She had kept vigil in the ER, ICU or floor for any injured or ill firefighter or their family.
​
In 1968 she received the high honor with a badge signifying her as an Honorary Battalion Chief (the first in the history of the Department):  see presentation of the badge by Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring below.  Thereafter, many firefighters referred to her as "Chief" Sister Loretta. ​
Picture
Sister wearing her badge
Picture
Assistant Chief Dayspring and Sister Loretta
Picture
Chief Dayspring and Sister Jane Francis (who became Administrator for St Joseph's Hospital)
Picture
Bishop Casey
Picture
FMBA President Fred Ricciardi
1968: Paterson Fire Department Communion Breakfast at Tree Tavern.  Sitting L-R Commissioner Edwin Englehardt, Bishop Casey, Sister Loretta Agnes (wearing her badge), and PFD Chaplain Doyle. Standing L-R are Fred Ricciardi (FMBA President), Ken Hayden (Fire & Police Commission Secretary), Mayor Pat Kramer, Assistant Chief Gerard Dugan and Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring.
Picture
Dayspring Collection
May 25, 1969:  Memorial Service at Post Office Plaza attended by Honorary Chief Sister  Loretta
Picture
May 27 Paterson News
May 25, 1970: Memorial Service at Post Office attended by Sister Loretta
Picture
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 25, 1971:  9:00 PM From the Journal of Ambulance 94. To check on operations, Sister Loretta Agnes, accompanied by Assistant Chief Dayspring (Director of the Ambulance) visited the Riverside Firehouse to observe operations of the newly opened unit.
Picture
1981:  Sister Loretta sent a card to Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring upon his retirement: Note that she addresses the Chief (her very close friend) in an unlike-nun way as "OF" (old -F___) And she signs the letter using the nickname that the Chief often called her - "Holly Bones"
Picture
Dayspring Collection
Picture

The Sister Loretta Christmas Dinner

The Christmas  Dinner was started sometime in the 90’s while Sister was still alive by BC Glen Vetrano (who was also the Union President at the time), with chef Robert Santee and Chief James Pasquariello. The tradition began as a way of thanking Sister Loretta, for her many years providing caring and spiritual support to injured/ill Paterson firefighters at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Initially she and a few of the clergy were invited to Fire Headquarters at 850 Madison Avenue for a very informal Holiday lunch/dinner.  The event continued each year, and became a tradition with more and more clergy being invited & attending. 

December 1995
Picture
December 23, 1995 Herald Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Picture
F/F Robert Santee and Tim O'Keefe
Picture
1998 December party.. Sister Loretta is 2nd from left. From 1999 Ball Book
Picture
December 1999 Party - from 2000 Ball Book
Picture
December 2000: Captain (Chef) Glen Vetrano with FFs. Frank Crampton Jr, Jim Hughes, Charlie Mignone, Mike Gallo and Pail Veltre
Picture
2000: Sister, Father John Piccione, Chief Pasquariello & Sister Loretta
Picture
200 Party at Madison Avenue FH
December 18, 2001
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
December 18 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
​It got to the point that Madison Avenue was no longer big enough to host the event.  Consequently, the dinner was moved to St. Bonaventure’s Church Hall for a few years.  Once Headquarters was relocated to 300 McBride Avenue, we moved the event back to the firehouse.  
Picture
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison

​A
fter her passing in 2002, the department has organized an annual commemorative Christmas dinner for the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth and clergy at held Fire Headquarters.  When Sister Loretta passed away in 2002 the Paterson Fire Department, Trommelen said, provided "casket watch" for her, a tradition normally reserved for firefighters.
Picture
Picture
Dayspring Collection
Picture
Dayspring Collection
March 27, 2002: Letter from retired Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring to the then President of the FMBA re Sister Loretta which discuses the Eulogy the Chief delivered at Sister's funeral as well as the special relationship he had with Sister.
Picture
Dayspring Collection
Picture
Dayspring Collection
Picture
Additional writings by Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring re Sister Loretta Agnes,
​AKA "Holy Bones"
Picture
Dayspring Collection
Picture
The Christmas Tree Incident - - Dayspring Collection
December 92002:   Annual dinner continued in honor of Sister Loretta
Picture
De ember 10 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 9, 2003: Annual Dinner
Picture
December 12 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 16, 2016 Christmas Celebration Dinner
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
December 5, 2017 Christmas Dinner: over 80 persons attend.​ Event organizer was Captain Michael Trommelen with FF Ralph Veltre assisted by Capt. Joseph Statuto, Captain Jason Macones, & FF Michael Gallo.
Picture
Mass Card from Sisters of Charity to Paterson Firefighters
Picture
Prayer with Sisters of Charity St Vincent de Paul Insignia
Picture
Honorary Deputy Chief Helmet for PFD Chaplain Father Ryan, Sister Loretta Agnes photo, Mass Card presented to PFD
Picture
Photo Presentation to Chief Postorino. DC Hancock at left and DC McDermott at right rear
Picture
Sisters presenting photo of Sister Loretta to Chief Postorino. DC Hancock to the left and DC McDermott (white shirt) at right rear
Picture
Chief Postorino showing the photo. AT left BC Onorato, DC Hancock and Captain Trommelen.
Picture
PFOA President BC Charles Onorato presenting “Honorary Deputy Chief” Helmet to PFD Chaplain Fr. Patrick Ryan
Picture
DC Kevin Hancock, Captain Mike Trommelen, Father Ryan, BC Charles Onorato, Chief Michael Postorino
Picture
PFA President Behnke, Captain Michael Trommelen, BC, PFOA President Charles Onorato, Chief Postorino, DC Brian McDermott, DC Kevin Hancock
Picture
Event Organizer Captain Michael Trommelen, Captain Joseph Statuto (Chef ), FF Michael Gallo (Chef)
Picture
At right parents of Capt. Mike are Trommelen who each year prepare many of the deserts
Picture
New recruits serving dinner
Picture
New recruits serving dinner
Picture
Supper
Picture
Supper
Picture
FF Frank Lozado serving the soda
Picture
Spring 2018:  New Dimensions Newsletter (of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth)
Picture
Presentation to Chief Michael Postorino (future Chief Brian McDermott along wall)
Picture
Picture
December 4, 2018:  Event organizer was Captain Michael Trommelen ​
Picture
Captain Trommelin, DC Hancock, Mayor Sayegh, Bishop Serratelli, Chief McDermott
Picture
Special thanks to Head Chefs (L-R) Capt. Jason Macones, FF Ralph Veltre, Capt. Mike Gallo, Capt. Joseph Statuto
Picture
Members of Headquarters, Tour 2, along with other PFA & PFOA volunteers,
Picture
Captain Beth Melhorn Fournier, with PFD family & friends
Picture
Picture
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • FIRST CENTURY
    • EVENTS 1890-1894
    • EVENTS 1895-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-1999
    • EVENTS 2000-2019
    • EVENTS 2020-2023
  • FIREFIGHTERS
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
    • MEMORIAL SERVICE
  • OBITUARIES / DEATHS
    • 1889-1919 DEATHS
    • 1920-1939 DEATHS
    • 1940-1959 DEATHS
    • 1960-1969 DEATHS
    • 1970-1979 DEATHS
    • 1980-1999 DEATHS
    • 2000-2009 DEATHS
    • 2010 AND LATER
  • NOTABLE FIREFIGHTERS
    • CALAMITA FAMILY
    • CAPTAIN JOHN WEBER
    • CUSACK FAMILY
    • FLEMING FAMILY
    • GERARD DUGAN
    • HANCOCK FAMILY
    • HENRY OTIS HARRIS
    • ISAAC FELICIANO
    • JOHN GILMORE
    • JOSEPH DAYSPRING
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MARIANI FAMILY
    • McLAUGHLIN FAMILY
    • SALMANOWITZ BROTHERS
    • THE SIMONTONS
    • THE SWEENEYS
    • TICE FAMILY
  • NOTABLE FIRES/INCIDENTS
  • SPECIAL OP EVENTS
  • TAKING THE HEAT BOOK
  • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
  • 1907 GUARDIAN
  • 1936 HEARD & SEEN COLUMN
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY & FH HISTORY
  • SPECIAL OPERATIONS
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • FIRE BOXES & STANCHIONS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2022
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • APPARATUS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • PFD STORIES
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES PAID DEPT
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • RETIREMENTS
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • PATCHES DECALS LOGOS SHIRTS
  • WALLPAPER
  • DEPARTMENT PETS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • 1815-1890 VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • 1888 HISTORICAL SUMMARY
    • LOOKING BACKWARDS
    • VOLUNTEER PARADES
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS >
      • CHIEF ELECTIONS
      • CHIEF BIOS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • ANDREW MOSER
    • ENGINE CO APPARATUS LIST
    • OLD GOOSENECK
    • JEFFERS STEAMER
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
    • EXEMPT 1892 BALL
    • EXEMPT BY-LAWS 1902
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
    • FMBA BY-LAWS
    • FMBA 1949 FOLLIES
    • FMBA VIDEOS
  • BALLBOOKS
    • 1909 BALL BOOK
    • 1916 BALL BOOK
    • 1918 BALL BOOK
    • 1921 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1923 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1928 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1935 PFD BOOSTER
    • 1936 JANUARY PICTORIAL
    • 1936 DECEMBER PICTORIAL
    • 1937 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1938 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1939 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1941 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1942 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1943 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1944 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1945 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1946 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1947 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1948 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1949 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1950 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1951 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1952 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1953 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1954 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1955 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1956 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1957 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1958 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1959 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1960 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1961 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1962 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1963 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1964 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1965 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1966 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1967 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1968 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1969 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1970 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1971 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1972 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1973 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1975 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1976 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1977 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1979 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1980 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1981 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1982 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1983 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1984 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1985 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1986 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1987 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1988 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1989 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1990 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1991 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1992 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1993 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1994 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1995 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1996 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1997 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1998 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1999 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2000 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2001 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2002 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2003 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2004 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2005 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2010 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2011 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2014 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2016 ANNUAL BALL
  • ANNUAL REPORTS
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • STATISTICS
  • CONTACT
  • CITY OF PATERSON