History

Limited budgets, types of apparatus and Bingo all go way back according to the history as remembered by one early member:

Broadway Fire Department/F.T.F.D.:

“The Broadway Civic Association might be termed the parent body of the Franklin Township Fire Department because, it was at a meeting of this organization, that a resolution was adopted authorizing a committee to survey the need and report on the possibility of forming some sort of fire protection for the community.

On May 17,1948 in the Broadway Methodist Church the first regular meeting of the Franklin Township Fire Department was held. This was attended by about 30 residents of Broadway who had indicated interest in organizing a fire department.

Meeting followed meeting through the summer and after raising some funds on the chancing off of a house trailer serious consideration was given the idea of procuring some fire fighting equipment.
On Monday, Oct. 18, 1948 there was delivery to us. A “Hale” portable pump with 500 feet of 1 1/2” inch hose. On Monday Nov. 2 a resolution was passed authorizing the purchase of a Reo fire truck from Roxbury Township of Morris County.

With acquisition of this equipment the need for proper housing became quite pressing.
At one meeting, a member conveyed the location for a building site of a new firehouse. Upon acceptance, the fire department appointed a building committee. Work soon began on the erection of an adequate storage place for the equipment.

The need for funds was an ever-present condition, so on Nov. 2, 1949, a plan was approved for a donation drive aimed towards the residents of Broadway. The response to this effort to stabilize our treasury was a significant expression of confidence in our efforts to serve the community.

A baked ham supper put on by the ladies of the women's society for Christian service was another very successful fund raising method.

In the early '50s, a kitchen and hall were added to the original structure to allow bingo to be run to raise funds. Also around this time, the name Franklin Township Fire Department was changed to the Broadway Fire Department due to the formation of another fire department in the township, New Village.

A new 1957 International cab-over pump truck was purchased to replace the Reo pumper. The next piece of equipment acquired was a panel truck used to carry the boots, coats and other necessary equipment for fighting fires. In 1973, the panel truck was replaced with an International Mini attack four-wheel drive pumper. The two International pumpers, all types of fire fighting equipment and 20 members bring the Broadway fire department to date since 1976.

New Village Fire Department:

A group of civic-minded men discussed the idea of starting a volunteer fire company for the safety and benefit of the citizens of New Village and surrounding area. Their ideas were brought forth late in 1948 at the first public meeting being held in January, 1949, with many interested residents of the town present. Some of these men are still active. At the first meeting temporary officers were elected as follows:

President ----------------- Joseph DeMasi
Vice President ---------- Atilio Carnali
Secretary ----------------- Vincent J. Fucci
Treasurer ----------------- Dominick Colaluce
Chief ----------------------- Fank Shiner
Assistant Chief --------- Nick Colucci
Captain ------------------- Michael Klaus
Lieutenant ---------------- Robert Grimes
Trustees ------------------ Peter Poalini, Florin Weiss, Nick Poalini

Plans were discussed regarding the setup of the company. The main interest was the purchasing of a fire truck and firefighting equipment. Suggestions were made about how, when and where money was to be raised. The Broadway Volunteer Fire Company, which had recently been organized, was present. They offered suggestions and procedures that had proved to be successful for themselves.

A fire truck and various other equipment were purchased at a cost of $1,854.00. After a public hearing inspection, approval was given and New Village had their first fire truck, a 1923 American La France. By the end of 1949, the company had over 100 social and active members. (At the time, Ernest Day of the New Jersey Fire Equipment Co. (Dullen) was helpful in suggesting, choosing, and making decisions for the best use of our limited budget.)

Following the purchase of the truck, which was just the beginning of forming a fire company, were the purchases of hose masks, brooms, insurance and other essential items. Not only were the items necessary but so was the schooling of several members in fire fighting techniques, cooperation and equipment usage.

On July 3, 1949, on the old baseball field, the company held their dedication services with many in attendance. Among those present were various businessmen and organizations.

Later that year, plans were discussed on the idea of going into debt for the erection of a new building to house our firefighting equipment. The fire company issued shares at $10 per share for its members.

The site chosen for the building was next to the Italian-American Pleasure Club of New Village. Arthur Creveling and John Chieser offered much time, know-how and advice in erecting the fire house.

In May of 1952, a 1000 gallon truck (57-62) was ordered at a cost of $13,001.50. Delivery was to be around January, 1953. The United Can Company helped defray the cost of the new truck with sizable contributions.

In February 1956 the pleasure club and the fire company united as one and are known as the New Village Firemen's club and the New Village Volunteer Fire Co.

During the past eight to ten years, bringing us to around 1976, the Fire Company has run bingo. Bingo has resulted in a 1968 fire truck purchased at a cost of $23,000.00 and the erection of a bigger and more modern firehouse. The money from bingo was also used to purchase hose and air packs. Its also helped purchase Plectron’s for the firefighters homes.

If anyone one else has any history of the fire companies and/or additions/changes, please feel free to email the department.