This page is to keep our residents and friends updated on what the Hackensack Fire Department does on a weekly basis. Please enjoy the history and photos
This page will be used to share information with our city residents and friends. The page will be updated weekly with fire department runs, training, pictures, and safety information. Remember working smoke detectors save lives. If you are a City of Hackensack resident and don't have a smoke detector please contact the fire prevention bureau for a free detector.
NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
Nine Hackensack Firemen have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is to their memory which this volume is dedicated.
Fireman Frederick Maas-Truck Co. 1-Killed February 6, 1919.
Fireman Maas was only on the job for 36 days when he was killed. While responding to a reported grass fire on Prospect Ave., lost control of the rig he was driving and crashed into a tree at the corner of Essex and State Sts. He was trapped between the seat and the steering wheel and died of massive internal injuries. Three other men on the apparatus jumped to safety. Ironically, the truck, a 3 wheel Knox tractor, had crashed in a similar accident when its front wheel got caught in trolley tracks a year previous. He was 35 years old.
Fireman Robert Paget-Truck Co. 1-Died Of Injuries June 6, 1935.
Fireman Paget died of injuries sustained as a result of an accident in September 1932. In that accident, he was the tillerman of the truck, and while responding to a fire the tiller section seperated from the tractor and crashed into a car. He was thrown against the ladders and injured his hip. At the time the injury didn't appear serious, however later doctors determined that the hip was chipped and the long neglect aggravated the injury, so an operation was necessary. In the operation, a piece of his lower leg bone was grafted into the hip and the operation was deemed successful. Sadly, while being taken back to his hospital room he suddenly died. He was 35 years old, and a fireman for 9 years.
Captain Frederick Mathews-Engine Co. 5-Killed March 23, 1953
Fireman Andrew Lange-Engine Co. 5-Killed March 23, 1953
Captain Mathews and Fireman Lange were killed while responding from Headquarters to a grass fire on Summit Ave. Engine 5 was responding west on Passaic St. when a car went through the light at the intersection of First and Passaic Sts., striking the engine Despite an attempt by the chauffeur to swerve and avoid the collision, Captain Mathews was thrown over the windshield and died of a broken neck. Fireman Lange was thrown back toward the rear wheel. He succumbed due to internal bleeding due to numerous fractures. Two other firemen, Frank Russo, the driver, and Fireman Fred Knopf fortunately suffered less severe injuries. Captain Mathews was 56 years old and had almost 29 years on the job, and Fireman Lange was 59 years old and had 37 years on the job.
Captain Richard Williams-Engine Co. 304-Killed July 1, 1988
Lieutenant Richard Reinhagen-Engine Co. 302-Killed July 1, 1988
Fireman William Kresja-Engine Co. 301-Killed July 1, 1988
Fireman Lenny Radumski-Engine Co. 302-Killed July 1, 1988
Fireman Steven Ennis-Rescue Co. 308-Killed July 1, 1988
Captain Williams, Lieutenant Reinhagen, and Firemen Kresja, Radumski, and Ennis were killed while fighting a fire at Hackensack Ford, 320 River Street. These 5 men were in the structure, a bowstring truss building, when the roof suddenly collapsed. Williams, Kresja, and Radumski were killed instantly, and Reinhagen and Ennis, despite heroic rescue attempts, succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. This fire, the worst tragedy to befall this department, caused sweeping changes in many aspects of fire fighting not only in Hackensack, but the whole country.
The memory of these nine brave men will live in our hearts forever.
Every year on July 1st retired & current members along with family and freinds pay respect to all the fallen members at memorial park.
