Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.


Monday, February 28, 2011

ALL IN THE FAMILY, PATERSON STYLE


Photo: Paterson Retired Firefighters Facebook

PATERSON'S FLYING SQUAD


Photo: Paterson Retired Firefighters Facebook
Paterson's busy Squad Company 1, a 1976 Ford crew cab F350, at old Fire Headquarters on Van Houten Street. This "flying squad" carried a supplemental crew of Paterson firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus to fires across the city.

PATERSON ENGINES 2 & 8



Photos: Paterson Retired Firefighters Facebook
1953 Seagrave pumpers assigned to Engine 2 and Engine 8. Engine 2 is equipped with a makeshift roof for the open cab to protect crews during the race riots of the 1960s. This was a common practice in many cities.

MANCINELLI FUNERAL


Photo: Paterson Retired Firefighters Facebook



On March 1, 1973, Capt. Frank Mancinelli, of Truck 3, was fatally injured at a three-alarm fire on Paterson Street. Mancinelli, 49, died at St. Joseph's Hospital after falling down a 40-foot airshaft, according to The New York Times. Two years later, firefighters mourned another of their brothers. Capt. Fred Armona died in a fire and collapse at the Fourth Christian Reformed Church in April 1975.

PATERSON FISCAL CRISIS - 1982


Photo: Paterson Retired Firefighters Facebook