DEPARTMENT HISTORY
The Beginning
The Little Ferry Fire Department has a rich history of service to the community spanning over a century. The department’s story is one of dedication, volunteerism, and the pioneering spirit of citizens committed to protecting their neighbors and their growing community. In 1907, Little Ferry was a typical rural community with no paved streets, sidewalks, or curbs, no water supply, and very limited electric service. However, that summer brought a significant development: water mains were installed along Lodi Avenue (now Main Street) and Liberty Street. This new water supply sparked the vision of progressive borough members who recognized the need for organized fire protection. The formal creation of the Little Ferry Fire Department occurred on October 8, 1908, when the Governing Body passed an ordinance establishing the department with boundaries coextensive with the borough limits. Hose Company No. 1
Formation and Early Day
1907-1909
On the evening of December 9, 1907, a group of enthusiastic young men met at the Little Ferry Hotel, later known as Becker’s Cafe, and completed a temporary organization that would become Hose Company Number One. The founding officers were:
**Charles Schultz Jr.**, Foreman
**Frederick Becker**, Assistant Foreman
**James Van Saders**, Secretary
**Herman Becker**, Treasurer
Original members included John Dvorak, August Fehrs, Robert Fehrs, J. Kucera Jr., Otto Schultz, and Chester Schopp. The organization grew quickly, and by July 25, 1908, the membership had increased to twenty-five. On that date, the members were officially sworn in by Notary Jacob Vogt, and the company was incorporated as Hose Company Number One of Little Ferry, N.J. On October 8, 1908, the Little Ferry Fire Department was officially created by ordinance, with the following officers and members of Hose Company No. 1 approved as the Borough’s first volunteer firefighters.
Officers:
Charles Schultz Jr., Foreman
Frederick Becker, Asst. Foreman
Frank Rysavy Jr., Secretary
Herman Becker, Treasurer
Members:
Henry Bergman, Emil Dannacher, John Dvorak, August Erdman, Henry Erdman, August Fehrs, Robert Fehrs, George Hendricks, John Knell, John Krejsa, Joseph Kucera Jr., Charles Lang, George Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence, Edward Lutton, Chester Schopp, Raymond Schopp, Otto Schultz, Frank Trinka, Henry Vopasek, and George Zimmerman
The First Firehouse
A lot for the firehouse was generously donated by Carl Becker on the corner of Maple Street and Marshall Avenue, a site still in use today. The building was dedicated on May 27, 1909. Notably, the bricks for the building were manufactured in Little Ferry, as the Borough was one of the largest brick producers in the United States at the turn of the century. Prior to the dedication, voters approved the purchase of a hose wagon and necessary equipment at a general election in November 1908. On April 11, 1909, the new hand-drawn Woodhouse Hose Wagon was received and installed in the new firehouse.
The First Alarm
The company's first alarm was a fire in the barn of Jacob Vogt, the very notary public who had sworn in the members the previous year -a fitting, if ironic, first call of service.
Apparatus Evolution
1909
The original hand-drawn Woodhouse Hose Wagon was delivered.
1910
The wagon was converted from hand-drawn to horse-drawn with a drop harness and
hitch installed in the apparatus room. Various teams of horses pulled the wagon, with the most prominent teams coming from Becker’s Brewery. The stable sign and horses’ names still hang in the firehouse to this day.
June 1918-1919
The company ran a carnival the week of April 29, 1918, and turned the proceeds
over to the Borough toward the purchase of a motorized Simplex Engine. The reason was simple: there were not enough horses available to pull the wagon to alarms. On May 17, 1918, the new truck was ordered, but its delivery was delayed due to World War I. It finally arrived in
1922
When the Simplex was no longer serviceable, a Ford truck was used temporarily until the arrival of new equipment on December 24, 1922, when a 1922 American LaFrance Engine was delivered.
1924
On March 15, 1924, the Company purchased a Larabee Speed Wagon. The body from the Simplex was placed on it, and it served until 1941.
1941
On Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941, the Company received delivery of a Diamond-T Engine, the first truck equipped with a booster tank.
1954
The 1922 American LaFrance was replaced by a Mack 1000 GPM engine.
1961
The 1941 Diamond-T was replaced with a Howe 750 GPM combined with a 250 GPM third stage to provide high-pressure fog. It was also the first engine to have a 500 gallon tank, built on an international chassis.
1976
A Ward LaFrance 1500 GPM engine was purchased as recommended by insurance rating services.
1981
The Howe was replaced by an American LaFrance 1500 GPM engine.
1995
The Company received delivery of a Seagrave 1750 GPM engine with a 10-man cab.
2006
A Seagrave 2000 GPM engine with a 6-man cab was delivered, replacing the 1981 American LaFrance engine.
The Firehouse as a Community Center
Over the years, the Borough has provided equipment while the Company has supplied manpower and storage. The firehouse served multiple community purposes, housing the Borough Hall and Police Station for many years—often for the symbolic sum of $1.00 per year. The Company continues to pay the expenses of maintaining the building.
Legacy and Remembrance
Many members have served during the past century, and they are remembered on plaques bearing their names that adorn the walls of the meeting hall. All are remembered in a moment of silent prayer at the end of all Company and Department meetings. Their history and times are permanently recorded in the company’s minutes and memories. The Hose Company continues its proud tradition of service at 20 Marshall Avenue, Little Ferry.
Hook & Laddar Company No. 1
Formation 1920-1921
By 1920, Little Ferry’s population had grown to 2,600, and the need for expanded fire protection became evident. George Petrik sparked an idea and rallied support to form a Hook & Ladder fire company to further protect the citizens of this growing community. As support for this idea grew, a group of civic-minded citizens visited with the firemen of Little Ferry Hose Company #1 in January 1921 to request cooperation and assistance in forming a ladder company. Following a vote of support from the Hose Company, a caucus meeting was held in Tony’s Barber Shop on the corner of Garden Street and Lodi Avenue (present-day Main Street) to finalize plans.
Official Incorporation
On February 28, 1921, during an official municipal meeting of the Borough of Little Ferry held in the Marshall Avenue firehouse, a formal citizens’ petition was introduced. This written declaration respectfully petitioned the governing body to take the necessary actions to incorporate a new organization to be known as the Little Ferry Hook & Ladder Company #1 as part of the Little Ferry Volunteer Fire Department. This action was taken in accordance with an 1876 U.S. legislative act that provided for the incorporation of fire companies. The Mayor and Council of 1921 unanimously approved the petition, forming the volunteer Hook & Ladder company. All of the charter members have since answered their last alarms.
Early Leadership
In 1925, William Vasek was elected the first Chief of Department from the Hook & Ladder Company. Also during that same year, members started to form organized committees to ensure the firehouse was cleaned and maintained. This tradition continues today, with members performing monthly cleaning assignments based on an alphabetical listing of the active members’ roster.
The Hook & Ladder Firehouse
Company meetings were initially held in the Marshall Avenue Hose Company firehouse until new quarters were proudly opened in 1923. The original building at 124 Main Street remains the company’s home today. The physical structure was built from donated bricks manufactured in the Borough, which at that time was known as a leading manufacturing center of masonry bricks. The Hook & Ladder building is owned by its members and, over the years, has been used for many purposes besides a firehouse.
Dedication & Dedication
On Flag Day, June 14, 1924, a Borough-wide celebration included the dedication of the Hook & Ladder Firehouse. William Zabransky Jr. was Chief of Department at the time. The celebration included a grand parade from the Sokol Hall and presentation of the Company’s first American flag by the Taxpayer’s Association.
Apparatus History
1922 - 1923
Upon the recommendation of Fire Chief Chester Schopp on December 7, 1922, the first ladder truck was purchased by the Borough of Little Ferry. This 1923 American LaFrance featured a chain drive with hard-rubber tires and an array of ground ladders. When the new vehicle arrived, it was initially housed in the Hose Company firehouse after the removal of a wall partition to allow the truck to fit inside the apparatus room. A short time later, the first ladder truck made its home in the Hook & Ladder firehouse on Main Street.
1951
After retirement of the Company’s first ladder truck, the Company placed in service its second vehicle, a 1951 Mack quad equipped with a 750 gallon-per-minute pump, ground ladders, and hose.
1967
The quad was replaced by the company’s third apparatus, a 1967 Howe 75-foot aerial ladder. This quint featured a 1,000 gallon-per-minute pump, booster to 3-inch hose, and an array of firefighting equipment.
1972
A 1971 GMC Utility Truck was added to the department. Over the years, responsibility for this truck has been shared by the Hose Company and Hook & Ladder.
1987
The Hook & Ladder’s fourth apparatus was a 1987 LTI 85-foot rear mount tower ladder, equipped with a booster pump and an inventory of firefighting equipment.
1993
In December 1993, the company received its newest in-service apparatus, a Simon Duplex E-One Rescue Truck. This command center vehicle is equipped with a telescoping light tower to provide lighting of emergency scenes. Fire/rescue equipment is maintained on this apparatus to handle fire scene communications and execute life-saving rescues.
1994
The E-One Fire Rescue Truck placed into service functionally replaced the 1971 GMC Utility Truck.
2010
The Hook and Ladder purchased the fifth ladder truck in its history, an American LaFrance/LTI 100-foot midmount.
Ladies Auxiliary
Members recognized early on that the ladies in their lives would like to become involved in the activities of the Hook & Ladder Company. At the July 11, 1924 meeting, a motion was made by Bruno Boettcher and seconded by Stanley Kuss that a meeting be held on July 21st for the purpose of organizing a Ladies Auxiliary of Hook & Ladder Company No. 1. The Hook & Ladder Ladies Auxiliary continues to serve and support this Company today.
Modern Developments
2009
It was decided that the future of the company’s roster could be stronger with the inclusion of a Junior Firefighter program.
Organization
Over the years, many standard operating and special committees have existed and continue today to carry out Company business. The Captain and Lieutenant, known many years ago as the Foreman and Assistant Foreman, lead fire command of the company. These line officers take their direction from the three chiefs of the department.
Continuing the Tradition
Today, the Little Ferry Fire Department continues its proud tradition of volunteer service to the community. Both Hose Company No. 1 and Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 remain active, staffed by dedicated volunteers who carry forward the legacy established over a century ago. The department stands as a testament to the community spirit and selfless dedication that has protected Little Ferry through generations of growth and change.