By Hackensack Fire Department
Hackensack Fire Patrol No. 1 was organized for the protection of
property taken from burning buildings.
The members were appointed
deputy sheriffs and put into service on July 4, 1876 with 10 men to preserve
order during the centennial parade and fireworks show.
On March 14, 1879, the
state legislature passed an act defining the duties of the patrol and
specifying that the company should have 20 men.
In May 1887, the
Hackensack Improvement Commission granted the application of the Fire Patrol
for an improved equipment, and in August 1887 a new wagon equipped with canvas
covers, stretchers, ropes, lanterns, etc. was delivered to the Company and
housed in the quarters of Relief H & L Co. 2., where it was organized.
In
February 1893, the wagon was moved to the firehouse on Mercer Street.
In 1896, they
had 17 members.
In 1921, the patrol was reorganized as a fire department salvage unit.
