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.


Wednesday, July 14, 2021

PATERSON TRAIN DISASTER - 1899

On Nov. 29, 1899, Paterson firefighters wielding axes and saws worked with police to free passengers from wreck of the Buffalo Express at the Van Winkle Street rail crossing. A train bound for Hoboken sped through a signal and crashed into the express as it waited near the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad station - killing six people and injuring 21 others, according to The New York Times.