History of the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department (PRFD)

The Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department (PRFD) stands as a testament to over a century of dedication, innovation, and service to the community of Park Ridge, New Jersey. Since its establishment in 1898, the PRFD has grown from a small group of volunteers into one of the most respected fire departments in the state, adapting to changing times while preserving the spirit of community and volunteerism that inspired its founding.

Founding and Early Beginnings

The PRFD was born out of necessity following a disastrous fire at the Mittag and Volger plant in 1898, which exposed the lack of organized fire protection in Park Ridge. Recognizing this critical need, local community leaders called a public meeting on January 18, 1898, at Forester’s Hall on Magnolia Avenue (now Kinderkamack Road). Out of this meeting, 39 men joined forces to establish the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. Their commitment was formalized with the signing of the department’s charter on February 4, 1898.

These founding members wasted no time in preparing for their mission. They raised funds to purchase a chemical pumper from a manufacturer in Michigan, though its delivery was delayed—possibly due to supply chain issues or labor strikes at copper mines. In the interim, the volunteers constructed their first firehouse, a simple shed located at the southeast corner of Park and Magnolia Avenues. This structure served as their operational base until they upgraded to a more permanent building on Hawthorne Avenue, which remains standing today as a private residence.

Building a Strong Foundation

The early days of firefighting relied heavily on horse-drawn apparatus, which presented unique challenges. George Bennett, a local resident, initially lent horses to the department. Eventually, the PRFD purchased the horses outright, trading one for a matched gray team that became a source of pride for the firefighters. Historical accounts suggest one of the horses was affectionately named “Betsy.”

The original roster of volunteers included several names that are still familiar in Park Ridge’s history: F.O. Mittag, J.B. Storms, J.C. Storms, R.A. Sibbald, G.H. Van Emburgh, Robin Bullock, Moses Rawiszer, and George Bennett. These individuals laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone institution in the community.

Expansion Through New Companies

As Park Ridge grew, so too did the need for additional fire protection:

• In 1900, 15 members of the original department formed the Century Hook and Ladder Company #1. They initially operated from shared space in the existing firehouse but soon constructed their own building on Railroad Avenue (now Broadway) between Roland and Perryland Streets. This building, located near All Points Auto Parts, still stands today and played a role in the department’s history as the site of the Park Ridge Firemen’s Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps, established in 1937.

• The west side of town saw the establishment of the Colony Hose Company #1 in 1906. Initially housed in a barn owned by a Mr. Healy on Colony Avenue, their headquarters had to be rebuilt after the original structure was lost to a fire. The replacement firehouse featured distinct stone arches around its doors, which remain visible today in the building that now serves as a private residence.

Coordination and Communication

To coordinate efforts across its districts, the PRFD developed an innovative code of fire alarm signals. Fire alarms were sounded using railroad locomotive wheel rims (called “tires”), which served as gongs. This system also included coverage for nearby Montvale and Woodcliff Lake, which had not yet organized their own fire departments.

In 1938, the department adopted an electric alarm system, installed at the Mittag and Volger plant. With Fire Chief Robert Scharrenberg and Assistant Chief Francis Emerick working at the plant, response times for daytime fires significantly improved. Previously, it could take up to three minutes to mobilize volunteers during the day.

Unified Fire Protection

A significant milestone came in 1924, when Park Ridge unified its three separate companies into a single department. The Borough agreed to take over legal and financial responsibility for the unified fire service. As part of this agreement, the individual companies turned over their trucks, equipment, buildings, and $3,000 in funds to the Borough. This marked the official formation of the modern Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, which has operated as a unified entity ever since.

Modernization and Apparatus

The PRFD has consistently embraced technological advancements in firefighting equipment:

• In 1912, the department took delivery of its first motorized apparatus, a Pope Hartford chemical engine, the first of its kind in the Tri-Boro area.

• Over the decades, the department has utilized vehicles from manufacturers such as Ford, Pierce Arrow, and American LaFrance. Notable acquisitions include a Pierce ladder truck in 1987, followed by a Pierce pumper and a Pierce rescue truck.

Modern fire apparatus reflects the department’s response to evolving challenges. Fires today burn hotter and faster due to modern construction materials and furnishings, requiring specialized equipment and intensive training.

Community Contributions

The PRFD has consistently expanded its role to meet the community’s needs:

• In 1937, recognizing the need for local ambulance service, the PRFD established the Park Ridge Firemen’s Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps, addressing a critical gap until the service transitioned to the Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps in the late 1960s.

• The department also pioneered youth training programs, founding one of the region’s first Junior Fire Departments to prepare young members for future service. This program has since evolved into the Fire Cadet Program, which trains youth aged 14 to 16 in firefighting basics.

Commitment to Excellence

The PRFD’s commitment to rigorous training has made it a leader in fire service. Members regularly participate in hands-on exercises at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy, supplemented by in-house training programs tailored to local needs. This dual approach ensures that the department remains equipped to handle everything from hazardous materials to advanced rescue techniques.

The department has also hosted major events, including the founding meeting of the New Jersey/New York Firemen’s Association in 1913 and the association’s 80th-anniversary convention and parade in 1993, which featured participation from over 70 fire departments.

Looking to the Future

While the tools, training, and techniques of firefighting have evolved dramatically since 1898, the core mission of the PRFD remains unchanged: to protect and serve the residents of Park Ridge with courage, skill, and dedication. Guided by the same “can-do” spirit that inspired its founders, the PRFD continues to uphold its legacy while preparing for the challenges of the future. For more than 125 years, the PRFD has exemplified the best of community service—and it stands ready to carry that tradition forward for generations to come.