Friday, November 25, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
ST. JOE'S
St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center provides support for the Paterson Fire Department after torrential rain caused flooding in March 2011. 
Friday, October 21, 2011
ON THE NOZZLE
Photo: Paterson Retired Firefighters FacebookPaterson firefighters Vito Mangani of Ladder 3, Kenny Merenco of Squad 1 (flying squad) and Joe Pellicotti of Engine 12
Friday, October 7, 2011
QUACKENBUSH WAREHOUSE - 1938
UPDATED JAN. 16, 2018
On March 12, 1938, five Paterson firemen died at a general alarm fire at the Quackenbush Co. department store warehouse - the greatest tragedy in the fire department's history.
Deputy Chief James Sweeney and the crew of Engine Co. 5 were buried in rubble when a brick wall collapsed at Box 474 - 51-55 Prospect St.
``Only two or three fire crews were at the scene when tonight's tragedy occurred, their job being not only to wet down the ruins but also to remove debris that might endanger public safety,'' The New York Times reported.
``At the time the wall collapsed, the firemen were devising a means to to pull it down because they knew it was in danger of falling,'' the Times said:
The fallen:
•Deputy Chief James Sweeny, 58
•Capt. John Davenport, 44, of Engine 5
•Fireman Louis Rodesky, 49, of Engine 5
•Fireman Matthew O'Neill, 45, of Engine 5
•Fireman William Lynch, 37, of Engine 5
Fire Engineering reported in its May 1938 edition: ``Deputy Chief Sweeney with Captain Davenport and members of Engine 5 entered an alley about 8 feet wide ... From the alley the men were trying to pour water on a fire that was still burning in the center of the brick warehouse.''
That's where they lost their lives.
Only one member of Engine 5 survived, the pump operator.
When Engine 5 reported back to quarters, he said: ``No. 5 reporting back to quarters ... I'm all alone chief.''
The first alarm was transmitted at 1:58 p.m. followed by the second alarm at 2:01 p.m., the third at 2:09 p.m., the fourth at 2:12 p.m., the fifth at 2:14 p.m. and the sixth at 2:23 p.m.
Thirteen engines and three trucks took in the blaze, while Haledon, Prospect Park and Little Falls covered the rest of the city.
The warehouse, consisting of a pair old buildings - a former church and a former a garage, was filled with bedding, furniture and assorted merchandise, Fire Engineering said.
Customers and staff were evacuated from the adjoining department store.
The fire was considered under control at 5 p.m. and crews began returning to quarters.
Then disaster struck 7:50 p.m.
On March 12, 1938, five Paterson firemen died at a general alarm fire at the Quackenbush Co. department store warehouse - the greatest tragedy in the fire department's history.
Deputy Chief James Sweeney and the crew of Engine Co. 5 were buried in rubble when a brick wall collapsed at Box 474 - 51-55 Prospect St.
``Only two or three fire crews were at the scene when tonight's tragedy occurred, their job being not only to wet down the ruins but also to remove debris that might endanger public safety,'' The New York Times reported.
``At the time the wall collapsed, the firemen were devising a means to to pull it down because they knew it was in danger of falling,'' the Times said:
The fallen:
•Deputy Chief James Sweeny, 58
•Capt. John Davenport, 44, of Engine 5
•Fireman Louis Rodesky, 49, of Engine 5
•Fireman Matthew O'Neill, 45, of Engine 5
•Fireman William Lynch, 37, of Engine 5
Fire Engineering reported in its May 1938 edition: ``Deputy Chief Sweeney with Captain Davenport and members of Engine 5 entered an alley about 8 feet wide ... From the alley the men were trying to pour water on a fire that was still burning in the center of the brick warehouse.''
That's where they lost their lives.
Only one member of Engine 5 survived, the pump operator.
When Engine 5 reported back to quarters, he said: ``No. 5 reporting back to quarters ... I'm all alone chief.''
The first alarm was transmitted at 1:58 p.m. followed by the second alarm at 2:01 p.m., the third at 2:09 p.m., the fourth at 2:12 p.m., the fifth at 2:14 p.m. and the sixth at 2:23 p.m.
Thirteen engines and three trucks took in the blaze, while Haledon, Prospect Park and Little Falls covered the rest of the city.
The warehouse, consisting of a pair old buildings - a former church and a former a garage, was filled with bedding, furniture and assorted merchandise, Fire Engineering said.
Customers and staff were evacuated from the adjoining department store.
The fire was considered under control at 5 p.m. and crews began returning to quarters.
Then disaster struck 7:50 p.m.
Monday, February 28, 2011
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.
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