BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HACKENSACK FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Hackensack Fire Department was formed in 1871 as an all volunteer force. Due to rapid growth four paid drivers were appointed in 1911. In 1914 a fully paid department was formed, replacing the volunteers. Firemen worked a continuous duty system type of shift.

A two platoon system was adopted in 1929 and over the years hours of duty were decreased to 72 hours per week.

In 1956 a voter referendum won the firefighters a 56 hour work week and the department adopted a three platoon duty schedule.

The present 42 hour work week was awarded the department in 1965, again by public referendum and the department went over to the four platoon system that exists today.

All testing for entrance and promotional positions is handled by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (formerly known as NJ Dept. of Personnel).

The departments T.O. is set at 100 members and is under the command of Chief of Department Thomas J. Freeman (Car 1). Deputy Chief of Operations Matthew Wagner (Car 2) is second in command.

The department protects 42,000+ residents (U.S. Census Bureau nightime population) and that figure swells to over 100,000 during the day.

There are 4 platoons with twenty-three officers and firefighters on each, under the command of a Deputy Fire Chief/ Platoon Commander. They work a 24 hour shift and are then off duty for 72 hours.
These personnel operate four Engine Companies, one Ladder Company and one Heavy Rescue Company out of four fire stations located at strategic points in the city.

The department also has one reserve engine, one reserve 110' ladder truck, one reserve heavy rescue unit and a 14' boat for water rescue incidents.

All firefighters and officers are subject to call back in the event of a major incident.

The Communications Division is staffed by nine Communications Operators. This division is a 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point and handles all communications for the fire department.

The Department Training Officer is Deputy Chief Steve Kalman who also has the secondary role of Chief of Safety. He conducts in house training for all suppression personnel and additionally co-ordinates additional training courses taught by Instructors from the Bergen County Police & Fire Academy either at fire headquarters or at the academy in Mahwah NJ as well as other locations.

In addition as part of his duties as Chief of Safety he responds to all working fires and establishes the Safety Command for the incident.

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is staffed by one Fire Captain/Fire Code Official and two Firefighter Inspectors one of whom is a Building Sub-Code Official. In addition the bureau uses off duty fire suppression personnel who are licensed fire inspectors on a per diem basis. They conduct all licensing inspections within the city.

Information Managment is staffed by one Fire Lieutenant and one civillian clerk. They maintain and update the department computer systems.

The Police & Fire Signals Division is staffed by two electricians who are assigned to the Department of Public Works. They maintain the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph System which consists of over 200 fire alarm boxes and all wiring and equipment used by this system. They are also responsible for maintaing all city traffic lights as well as any electrical work done in any city buildings.

In addition the department has three civilian office personnel assigned to the administrative section as well as a fire department mechanic and helper assigned to the fire department maintenance shop.

"Protecting Life And Property Since 1871"

Last modified on Thursday, June 18, 2009