M.F.D. History

1 2 5 t h A N N I V E R S A R Y


		On May 23 2006, the Madison Fire Department celebrated one hundred and twenty five years of providing fire protection to the people of Madison, New Jersey. Prior to the Departments inception, the Morristown Fire Department provided firefighting protection to the community. The Madison Fire Department is one of the oldest fire departments in Morris County.


*A look back at the 100 Year Celebration 1981*
HARTLEY DODGE MEMORIAL		WAVERLY PLACE RAILROAD UNDER-PASS

and the winning ticket....... 0-7-6-5
Above ticket was purchased by William Della-Calce of Convent Station, New Jersey. Winner of the 2006 Harley Davidson Soft-tail Classic Motorcycle. Pictured right is William with his wife and daughter in addition to; (L-R) Fire Chief Atchison Firefighter Carl Weisgerber and Captain Lou DeRosa.
BELOW ARE A FEW PICTURES FROM THE DEPARTMENT PICNIC...



1 8 8 1 January 25, 1881 Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell form the Oriental Telephone Company. February 5, 1881 Phoenix Arizona is incorporated. May 21, 1881 The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton. May 23, 1881 The Madison Hook & Ladder Company is Incorporated. July 18, 1881 Billy the Kid, is gunned down by Sheriff Garrett. August 27, 1881 Approximately 700 people were killed when a hurricane hits Florida and the Carolinas. October 26, 1881 The famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone Arizona takes place. 1881 was the only year in which three different U.S. presidents occupied the White House: Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur Population of the United States 152,271,00 Population of New Jersey 1,131,116


125 Years of the Madison Fire Department 1877 A severe fire on Main Street threatened the whole business district. Morristown Fire Department responded to the blaze. Three Morristown Fireman became trapped in the basement due to a first floor collapse. 1881 Madison Hook & Ladder Company Incorporated 1882 Firemen's Relief Association is Incorporated. 1890 Fire Department Officers resolve to place fire department under the authority of the Mayor and Council. 1894 A modern horse drawn fire cart is purchased. 1903 The Burnett family deeded land to build a new Fire Headquarters at the corner of Central Avenue and Cook Avenue. 1904 The first full time fireman is compensated. 1909 Gamewell Alarm system is installed throughout Madison. Boxes were utilized until 1990. 1910 Madison Hose Company is formed. 1914 First Motorized pumper was purchased. 1935 Fire Headquarters at the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building is occupied. 1955 The fire department apparatus is fully motorized. 1961 Edward Daniher Jr. was appointed as the first career/paid fire chief. 1978 Jaws of Life rescue tools are donated by the Madison Rotary Club. 1994 The Madison Fire Department achieves a class II insurance rating, thereby decreasing insurance rates for residents and commercial property owners. 1996 The department becomes the area technical rescue team. Personnel are trained in Confined Space, Trench Rescue and High Angled Rescue 1998 A fundraiser organized by two local residents raised over $38,000 to purchase two thermal imaging cameras