In 1943 a group of men, members of the Civilian Defense Corp in Finderne, conceived the idea of forming a fire company. After long hours of discussion, it was decided that such an organization would indeed be a very valuable asset to our community.
The first meeting of what was to become the Finderne Fire Department was held at the Finderne Reformed Church of Bridgewater on Bridgewater Ave, on January 13, 1944. The meeting was called to order by Rev. Frederick M. Leonard and was chaired by Frank Rhia. At that meeting the following officers were elected:
President & Trustee - Frank Riha
Secretary & Trustee - Raymond Balliet
Treasurer & Trustee - Edward P. Harris
Trustee - Jackson Porter
Trustee - Anthony J. Bendetti
The next meeting was held on February 8, 1944 and William Miller was elected to the office of Vice President.
A charter in the name of "Finderne Engine Co #1" was presented by Judge Frederick A. Pope and signed and signed in the Finderne Reformed Church on March 14, 1944. The first meeting of the Finderne Fire Department as a corporation was held on April, 11 1944 in the Church chapel.
A special meeting was called on May 22, 1944 to discuss the purchase of a fire truck. Through the kindness of Judge Frederick A. Pope, a loan to the fire company for $625.00 was secured. It was now possible to purchase the company's first piece of apparatus - a Waterous Fire Truch - from the South Bound Brook Fire Company.
The used truck was in need of some repairs. On June 13,1944, Edward Harris took the truck to Calco (American Cyanamid) where changes were made to the chassis and the body. The truck also received a new paint job and was placed into service.
On July 25, 1944 the election for fire officers took place. The following men were elected:
Chief - James W Dobson
Asst. Chief - Frank R Olszewski
Captain - Michael Banks
Lieutenant - Frank Gabrielski
Chief Engineer - Steven Turiak
Asst. Engineer - Joseph Hough
Chaplin - Rev FM Leonard
With the Fire Company now operational a place was needed to house the fire equipment. On September 12, 1944 the Fire Company moved into its first headquarters. The new fire house was a converted garage owned by Michael Banks Jr. It was located to the rear of mr Banks house on East Main St opposite Manville Blvd.
In less than one year time the Finderne Fire Dept went from an idea into a fully operational fire company. A debt of gratitude is due to Mrs Michael Banks Jr who received all fire calls and sounded the siren.
In November 1945, a tract of laqnd located on E Main St and Ramsey St was selected as the site for the new firehouse. The land was purchased from Greasheimer Estate.
With the Fire Co still growing a used La France fire truck was donated to the Fire Company by the Johns-Manville Company. The presentation was made on April 9. 1946 by J-M's Plant Manager, John Begert.
On March 9, 1948 a 1924 Maxim fire truck was purchased from the North Plainfield Fire Dept for $200. A Ford truck was also purchased in the same year. At this time the La France fire truck was retired and the Waterous fire truck was sold for $160.
On june 14, 1949, a contract was awarded to Herbert Savidge Sr to construct a new firehouse. Ground breaking took place on June 21, 1949 and construction was started on July 1, 1946.
The Fire Company held its first meeting in the new firehouse on January 25, 1950.
As a tribute to the men and women of the Finderne area who served in the Armed Forces, a memorial stone with bronze plaque was dedicated on May 30, 1952. The stone was placed in front of the firehouse by the firemen and weighs approximately one and a half tons. The stone still remains in place today.
Formal dedication of the Finderne Firehouse, together with the burning of the mortgage by Mrs Rose Derry, President of the Ladies Auxillary and Frank R Olszewski, President of the Fire Company, were a part of the organization's 10th Anniversary Celebration on March 14, 1954. Bridgewater Twp Mayor Arthur Tuttle cut the ribbon officially opening the firehouse.
The fire company truly came into its own on December 12, 1955, when Chief William C Miller and President Frank R Olszewski received the ignition keys for a new 750 gl Ward-La France Pumper from Richard M. Parkurst of Dunellen.
On February 24, 1962, the Department added to their equipment a 750 gpm Maxim Pumper.
Still growing, a 500 gpm Hahn Pumper with 250 gl booster tank was purchased in November of 1962.
On August 2, 1964, another piece of equipment, a 1000 gpm Maxim pumper was added. This was later sold to American Cyanamid Company.
In December 1966, the Company purchased a Chevrolet panel truck to be used to carry extra equipment.
A Plectron radio system for alerting the firemen was purchased in April 1967.
To keep up with the constantly expanding Department the first addition was built on the firehouse. The 20 x 80 ft addition was begun on May 9, 1967, This was built to house the company's newest piece of equipment, a Snorkel aerial truck.
On October 21, 1968, Finderne took delivery of their first Snorkel. The truck had a Hahn chassis on which was mounted a 75 foot Snorkel. The truck also carried 208 feet of ground ladders and a generator capable of producing 3000 watts.
The truck was built by the Snorkel Fire Equipment Co in St Joseph Missouri. It could disperse 1100 gpm and the platform had a payload of 850 lbs. Also a pre-installed breathing air system provided air to the nozzlemen for up to eight hours. Two fog nozzles were operated by foot controls in the platform.
The Snorkel was a very much needed addition due to the increasing amount of industrial area.
On January 14, 1969 with the ever increasing demands of the Department, they purchased its first gas power ventilation saw. A Partner k-1200 saw was purchased for $435.00
In September of 1969 a building committee of firemen was formed to plan an addition to the firehouse.
On November 13, 1970 a committee of firemen was formed to study fire districts. On December 8, 1970 a petition was circulated to start the fire district.
On September 14, 1971 a truck committee was formed to purchase a new pumper. From this committee we saw the purchase of the 1971 Hahn 1250 gpm pumper.
In December of 1973 another truck committee was formed to purchase an attack truck. In May 1974 the Board of Fire Commissioners approved the purchase of a new truck. From this, a 1974 Dodge Power Wagon was purchased as a Mini Attack Pumper. This vehicle stayed in service until December of 1985.
In February 1976 the office of Engineer was changed. The change deleted the terms of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Asst Engineers. They were all now called Engineers.
In April 1976 the first in-house cascade system was purchased for the filling of air bottles.
June 1976 saw a new program started. This was the first time that those under the age of 18 were going to be allowed to join. Junior Firemen applications were brought to the Bridgewater-Raritan High School East to start the program.
The meeting of January 1979 brought about the forming of a committee to purchase a van. This vehicle was to be used by the members for attending schools and fire house business. In February 1979 a Ford van was purchased.
In April of 1980 a truck committee was formed to purchase another new pumper. In April 1981 the new truck was ordered. It was a 1500 gpm pumper with a Pemfab chassis and a Pierce body.
July of 1981 brought around and interesting twist. While at an alarm activation in the Industrial Park, 74-10 rolled off a loading dock severely damaging the under carriage. The truck was repaired and placed back in service.
In December of 1981 another addition was to be put at the firehouse to house a new truck.
In May of 1982 the new Pierce truck was delivered. The truck was given the designation 82-10 and was placed in service in June.
In October of the same year the 64-10 was retired. It was sold to American Cyanamid.
January of 1984 brought about the discussion of a Chiefs vehicle. The same year a used police vehicle was donated to the Fire Co by the Bridgewater Police Dept and given to the Chief.
December of 1985, a new mini-pumper was delivered. The truck was a 1985 Ford F-350 truck with an E-One body. It has a 750 gpm pump capacity and carried 260 gls of water. It is also pre-piped to deliver foam and has a 50 gl foam tank. It is still in service today.
With the increasing amount of alarms during the night, duty crews were started in July of 1986. The duty crews consisted of an Engineer an 4-5 firemen. They would handle fire alarms from 11p to 6a. This included everything except a working fire. The 86-10 and 72-10 were the 2 duty trucks.
In January of 1987 the Board of Fire Commissioners approved the purchase of all new turnout gear. All firemen were measured for Nomex fire fighting pants and coats.
In March of 1987 the Company started looking into building a new firehouse. After a recommendation from an architect a committee was formed and placed in charge of planning a new facility. At the same time a $15,000. HUD grant was received. This money was used to purchase Hurst Rescue equipment, which was mounted in the 86-10. The 68-10 was found to be in need of replacement due to aging. It was taken out of service and used to only transport equipment to a scene.
In February of 1988 the BoFC sent out bids for a new aerial device. This was after many months of planning.
In March of 1988 specs for the new aerial were approved and in May the bid was awarded to Pierce.
The truck was ordered and was a Pierce Arrow 7 man cab. It had an 85 ft articulating boom with pre-piped electric deck gun mounted on the bucket of the boom. Delivery was May / July 1989.
In April of 1988 a discussion took place about raising the roof over the 68-10 bay. The roof was going to have to be raised in order to fit the new apparatus. A new bay door was also needed in the front of the firehouse for the systems truck.
In July of 1988 the BoFC approved the purchase of a systems truck to be later named Rescue #1. The truck was ordered as a Pierce Lance 7 man truck. Rescue #1 was designed with a complete walk in area and command center. It has its own on-board air compressor capable of producing grade "E" breathing air for SCBA's. It is also designed to carry all of our rescue equipment.
In January of 1989 a special meeting took place and it was decided that the aerial bay doors must be raised to accommodate the new truck.
In February of 1989 the Dept needed new gear. A switch was made from Nomex to a new lighter material called PBI Kevlar.
In June of 1989 the New Snorkel was delivered and given the designation 89-10. It was placed into service shortly after.
In October of the same year, Rescue #1 was placed into service.
In October of 1989 J Middlesex Builders was made the General Contractor to build the new firehouse. The old walls were to be left in place but the entire building was stripped and a full second floor was added.
On September 21, 1990 at 4:53 AM tragedy struck the Finderne Fire Dept. While responding to a report of a gas leak the 82-10 became engulfed in a fireball explosion. The fire destroyed the truck. Out of the three firemen on the truck, only one was severely injured.
In December of 1990 bids were opened to replace the 82-10. A Pierce Javelin demo pumper was purchased. It has a 1500 gpm pump with pre-piped deck gun. It has a high mount ladder rack which can lower the ladders. In January of 1991 the new pumper was delivered. It has the designation 91-10 and was placed into limited service. It took some time to get used to because of the rear mounted engine and front wheel drive.
In February of 1992 the Fire Co picked up and moved all its belongings to building 30E in the Central Jersey Industrial Park. This was the beginning of the construction.
In August of 1992 there was a special meeting held to discuss the restructure of the line officers. It was decided from this meeting and others to establish a new line of command for better structure at fire calls. The new line was designed as follows: Chief A-1, (2) - Asst Chiefs A-2 and A-3, (2) - Captains A-4 and A-5, (2) - Lieutenants A-6 and A-7 and an Engineer A-8. Also added were the positions of Head Drivers for each of the apparatus. The Head Drivers were given the assignment of maintaining their designated piece.
Stay tuned for the rest of the history to the present day.....
The first meeting of what was to become the Finderne Fire Department was held at the Finderne Reformed Church of Bridgewater on Bridgewater Ave, on January 13, 1944. The meeting was called to order by Rev. Frederick M. Leonard and was chaired by Frank Rhia. At that meeting the following officers were elected:
President & Trustee - Frank Riha
Secretary & Trustee - Raymond Balliet
Treasurer & Trustee - Edward P. Harris
Trustee - Jackson Porter
Trustee - Anthony J. Bendetti
The next meeting was held on February 8, 1944 and William Miller was elected to the office of Vice President.
A charter in the name of "Finderne Engine Co #1" was presented by Judge Frederick A. Pope and signed and signed in the Finderne Reformed Church on March 14, 1944. The first meeting of the Finderne Fire Department as a corporation was held on April, 11 1944 in the Church chapel.
A special meeting was called on May 22, 1944 to discuss the purchase of a fire truck. Through the kindness of Judge Frederick A. Pope, a loan to the fire company for $625.00 was secured. It was now possible to purchase the company's first piece of apparatus - a Waterous Fire Truch - from the South Bound Brook Fire Company.
The used truck was in need of some repairs. On June 13,1944, Edward Harris took the truck to Calco (American Cyanamid) where changes were made to the chassis and the body. The truck also received a new paint job and was placed into service.
On July 25, 1944 the election for fire officers took place. The following men were elected:
Chief - James W Dobson
Asst. Chief - Frank R Olszewski
Captain - Michael Banks
Lieutenant - Frank Gabrielski
Chief Engineer - Steven Turiak
Asst. Engineer - Joseph Hough
Chaplin - Rev FM Leonard
With the Fire Company now operational a place was needed to house the fire equipment. On September 12, 1944 the Fire Company moved into its first headquarters. The new fire house was a converted garage owned by Michael Banks Jr. It was located to the rear of mr Banks house on East Main St opposite Manville Blvd.
In less than one year time the Finderne Fire Dept went from an idea into a fully operational fire company. A debt of gratitude is due to Mrs Michael Banks Jr who received all fire calls and sounded the siren.
In November 1945, a tract of laqnd located on E Main St and Ramsey St was selected as the site for the new firehouse. The land was purchased from Greasheimer Estate.
With the Fire Co still growing a used La France fire truck was donated to the Fire Company by the Johns-Manville Company. The presentation was made on April 9. 1946 by J-M's Plant Manager, John Begert.
On March 9, 1948 a 1924 Maxim fire truck was purchased from the North Plainfield Fire Dept for $200. A Ford truck was also purchased in the same year. At this time the La France fire truck was retired and the Waterous fire truck was sold for $160.
On june 14, 1949, a contract was awarded to Herbert Savidge Sr to construct a new firehouse. Ground breaking took place on June 21, 1949 and construction was started on July 1, 1946.
The Fire Company held its first meeting in the new firehouse on January 25, 1950.
As a tribute to the men and women of the Finderne area who served in the Armed Forces, a memorial stone with bronze plaque was dedicated on May 30, 1952. The stone was placed in front of the firehouse by the firemen and weighs approximately one and a half tons. The stone still remains in place today.
Formal dedication of the Finderne Firehouse, together with the burning of the mortgage by Mrs Rose Derry, President of the Ladies Auxillary and Frank R Olszewski, President of the Fire Company, were a part of the organization's 10th Anniversary Celebration on March 14, 1954. Bridgewater Twp Mayor Arthur Tuttle cut the ribbon officially opening the firehouse.
The fire company truly came into its own on December 12, 1955, when Chief William C Miller and President Frank R Olszewski received the ignition keys for a new 750 gl Ward-La France Pumper from Richard M. Parkurst of Dunellen.
On February 24, 1962, the Department added to their equipment a 750 gpm Maxim Pumper.
Still growing, a 500 gpm Hahn Pumper with 250 gl booster tank was purchased in November of 1962.
On August 2, 1964, another piece of equipment, a 1000 gpm Maxim pumper was added. This was later sold to American Cyanamid Company.
In December 1966, the Company purchased a Chevrolet panel truck to be used to carry extra equipment.
A Plectron radio system for alerting the firemen was purchased in April 1967.
To keep up with the constantly expanding Department the first addition was built on the firehouse. The 20 x 80 ft addition was begun on May 9, 1967, This was built to house the company's newest piece of equipment, a Snorkel aerial truck.
On October 21, 1968, Finderne took delivery of their first Snorkel. The truck had a Hahn chassis on which was mounted a 75 foot Snorkel. The truck also carried 208 feet of ground ladders and a generator capable of producing 3000 watts.
The truck was built by the Snorkel Fire Equipment Co in St Joseph Missouri. It could disperse 1100 gpm and the platform had a payload of 850 lbs. Also a pre-installed breathing air system provided air to the nozzlemen for up to eight hours. Two fog nozzles were operated by foot controls in the platform.
The Snorkel was a very much needed addition due to the increasing amount of industrial area.
On January 14, 1969 with the ever increasing demands of the Department, they purchased its first gas power ventilation saw. A Partner k-1200 saw was purchased for $435.00
In September of 1969 a building committee of firemen was formed to plan an addition to the firehouse.
On November 13, 1970 a committee of firemen was formed to study fire districts. On December 8, 1970 a petition was circulated to start the fire district.
On September 14, 1971 a truck committee was formed to purchase a new pumper. From this committee we saw the purchase of the 1971 Hahn 1250 gpm pumper.
In December of 1973 another truck committee was formed to purchase an attack truck. In May 1974 the Board of Fire Commissioners approved the purchase of a new truck. From this, a 1974 Dodge Power Wagon was purchased as a Mini Attack Pumper. This vehicle stayed in service until December of 1985.
In February 1976 the office of Engineer was changed. The change deleted the terms of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Asst Engineers. They were all now called Engineers.
In April 1976 the first in-house cascade system was purchased for the filling of air bottles.
June 1976 saw a new program started. This was the first time that those under the age of 18 were going to be allowed to join. Junior Firemen applications were brought to the Bridgewater-Raritan High School East to start the program.
The meeting of January 1979 brought about the forming of a committee to purchase a van. This vehicle was to be used by the members for attending schools and fire house business. In February 1979 a Ford van was purchased.
In April of 1980 a truck committee was formed to purchase another new pumper. In April 1981 the new truck was ordered. It was a 1500 gpm pumper with a Pemfab chassis and a Pierce body.
July of 1981 brought around and interesting twist. While at an alarm activation in the Industrial Park, 74-10 rolled off a loading dock severely damaging the under carriage. The truck was repaired and placed back in service.
In December of 1981 another addition was to be put at the firehouse to house a new truck.
In May of 1982 the new Pierce truck was delivered. The truck was given the designation 82-10 and was placed in service in June.
In October of the same year the 64-10 was retired. It was sold to American Cyanamid.
January of 1984 brought about the discussion of a Chiefs vehicle. The same year a used police vehicle was donated to the Fire Co by the Bridgewater Police Dept and given to the Chief.
December of 1985, a new mini-pumper was delivered. The truck was a 1985 Ford F-350 truck with an E-One body. It has a 750 gpm pump capacity and carried 260 gls of water. It is also pre-piped to deliver foam and has a 50 gl foam tank. It is still in service today.
With the increasing amount of alarms during the night, duty crews were started in July of 1986. The duty crews consisted of an Engineer an 4-5 firemen. They would handle fire alarms from 11p to 6a. This included everything except a working fire. The 86-10 and 72-10 were the 2 duty trucks.
In January of 1987 the Board of Fire Commissioners approved the purchase of all new turnout gear. All firemen were measured for Nomex fire fighting pants and coats.
In March of 1987 the Company started looking into building a new firehouse. After a recommendation from an architect a committee was formed and placed in charge of planning a new facility. At the same time a $15,000. HUD grant was received. This money was used to purchase Hurst Rescue equipment, which was mounted in the 86-10. The 68-10 was found to be in need of replacement due to aging. It was taken out of service and used to only transport equipment to a scene.
In February of 1988 the BoFC sent out bids for a new aerial device. This was after many months of planning.
In March of 1988 specs for the new aerial were approved and in May the bid was awarded to Pierce.
The truck was ordered and was a Pierce Arrow 7 man cab. It had an 85 ft articulating boom with pre-piped electric deck gun mounted on the bucket of the boom. Delivery was May / July 1989.
In April of 1988 a discussion took place about raising the roof over the 68-10 bay. The roof was going to have to be raised in order to fit the new apparatus. A new bay door was also needed in the front of the firehouse for the systems truck.
In July of 1988 the BoFC approved the purchase of a systems truck to be later named Rescue #1. The truck was ordered as a Pierce Lance 7 man truck. Rescue #1 was designed with a complete walk in area and command center. It has its own on-board air compressor capable of producing grade "E" breathing air for SCBA's. It is also designed to carry all of our rescue equipment.
In January of 1989 a special meeting took place and it was decided that the aerial bay doors must be raised to accommodate the new truck.
In February of 1989 the Dept needed new gear. A switch was made from Nomex to a new lighter material called PBI Kevlar.
In June of 1989 the New Snorkel was delivered and given the designation 89-10. It was placed into service shortly after.
In October of the same year, Rescue #1 was placed into service.
In October of 1989 J Middlesex Builders was made the General Contractor to build the new firehouse. The old walls were to be left in place but the entire building was stripped and a full second floor was added.
On September 21, 1990 at 4:53 AM tragedy struck the Finderne Fire Dept. While responding to a report of a gas leak the 82-10 became engulfed in a fireball explosion. The fire destroyed the truck. Out of the three firemen on the truck, only one was severely injured.
In December of 1990 bids were opened to replace the 82-10. A Pierce Javelin demo pumper was purchased. It has a 1500 gpm pump with pre-piped deck gun. It has a high mount ladder rack which can lower the ladders. In January of 1991 the new pumper was delivered. It has the designation 91-10 and was placed into limited service. It took some time to get used to because of the rear mounted engine and front wheel drive.
In February of 1992 the Fire Co picked up and moved all its belongings to building 30E in the Central Jersey Industrial Park. This was the beginning of the construction.
In August of 1992 there was a special meeting held to discuss the restructure of the line officers. It was decided from this meeting and others to establish a new line of command for better structure at fire calls. The new line was designed as follows: Chief A-1, (2) - Asst Chiefs A-2 and A-3, (2) - Captains A-4 and A-5, (2) - Lieutenants A-6 and A-7 and an Engineer A-8. Also added were the positions of Head Drivers for each of the apparatus. The Head Drivers were given the assignment of maintaining their designated piece.
Stay tuned for the rest of the history to the present day.....