HISTORY OF THE JAKELAND FIRE DEPT.
1913 - 1920
The Jakeland Fire Dept. was established on November 16, 1983. Prior to this, firefighting in Jakeland was handled by volunteers and one paid fire company at the North Jersey University campus. The first organized group of volunteer firemen, established the Heights Hose & Ladder Co. 1 in 1913. Their single bay firehouse was an abandoned barn which the members refurbished. Donations were the main income for the fire company which allowed them to purchase their first piece of fire apparatus, a 1910 American La France. Fires in Jakeland during this time were scarce due to the city being mostly rural. The population in Jakeland at the time was just over 1,000. This would quickly change however with the start of World War I. When America became involved in the war, massive factories were constructed in Jakeland to contribute to the war effort. This caused a boom in population as farmers were given money for land to develop residential and industrial complexes.
1921 - 1925
Because of this boom, fires became more frequent than before. Still a rare occasion, but after a major fire hit the block of Adams Lane in July 1921, more volunteers in Jakeland stepped up to pitch in. Two more volunteer firehouses were opened. The first was in February of 1922. A total of 23 men pitched in and organized the Jakeland Volunteer Chemical Fire Co. 2 on Jakeland Ave in a two bay garage in the Pendleton Industrial Development. Arthur Pendleton donated the garage and a 1918 American La France to the volunteers. A year and a half later in November of 1923, the Jakeland Volunteer Fire Co. 3 was established. This volunteer fire company was located on Main St in a brand new firehouse with a brand new 1923 Ahrens Fox. The three volunteer firehouses had their disputes at times, however when called to duty, all three worked as a team and saved dozens of civilians at many incidents. The most famous incident the volunteers faced was in 1925 at the Hewitt Mascar industrial complex fire. The fire originated on the first floor of the three story brick mill. Toxic smoke filled all three floors of the complex trapping multiple victims on the second and third floors. Firefighters from all three volunteer companies risked their lives climbing ground ladders and rescued five people from the second and third floors. Sadly however twelve people perished.
1926 - 1947
Heights Hose & Ladder Co. 1, Jakeland Volunteer Chemical Fire Co. 2 and Jakeland Volunteer Fire Co. 3 from 1925 to 1945 were the only protection against fire in the City of Jakeland. The three volunteer firehouses operated a total of 5 engines and 2 city service ladder trucks. In 1946 a fourth volunteer firehouse opened up to help. Veterans Victory Protection Fire Co. 4 was organized by 54 veterans of World War II. They were able to get the US Navy to donate two fire engines that badly needed repairs. These men unselfishly used their own hard earned money to fix the apparatus and buy an abandoned auto body on Jacobs Ave. The veterans, who quenched action and were ready to serve, did not have to wait long unfortunately. In 1947, less than a year after the opening of the fourth firehouse, another massive fire struck the City of Jakeland on 11/17/1947. A fast moving fire ripped through a four story brick housing complex on Ridge Rd in the middle of a freezing night. The fire originated on the second floor as a family of 6 tried to stay warm by creating a makeshift fire pit in their apartment. Fire quickly spread to the third and fourth floors filling apartments of unsuspecting residents with black smoke. Twenty three residents were killed in the fire, most from smoke inhalation as they slept. Also five firefighters were killed and thirteen more were injured. Three members of the Veterans Victory Protection Fire Co. 4 were killed as they all attempted to climb a wooden ladder at the same time when it snapped due to the weight. Two other firemen from Heights Hose & Ladder Co. 1 were killed on the first floor when the ceiling collapsed on them.
1948 - 1956
Incidents in Jakeland were still being handled by the four volunteer fire companies. No other major fires had broken out since the 1947 Jacobs Ave fire and all was quiet for the most part. This was until March 15, 1954 when another massive fire struck the Thomas Edison Dormitory at North Jersey University. An electrical fire broke out in the basement of the dormitory and quickly spread up the walls of the structure. Students on all three floors of the building were trapped as the flames raged quickly out of control. When the Jakeland Volunteer Fire Co. 3 arrived first on scene, flames were already through the roof and out windows on all three floors. Forty eight students were killed. In response to this tragedy, parents demanded better fire protection for the campus. In 1956, the North Jersey University Fire Co. was established. This was the first paid fire department in the history of Jakeland.
1957 - 1983
When the "war years" were in full force in other cities like Newark, NJ and New York City, Jakeland still was very calm. With the increase of the population, the call volume also increased. This started the debate over a volunteer fire department vs a paid fire department, Even with the call volume, the volunteers were still able to effectively serve the city. Jakeland tax dollars did contribute to the four volunteer fire companies. This helped the volunteers purchase up to date apparatus and equipment. However, when a fire did occur and the response time of the volunteers seemed long, it would spark an argument at city council meetings calling for a "professional" fire department.
On July 21, 1981, a fire broke out at a high rise residential complex at 54 Veterans Ave. Firefighters from the North Jersey University Fire Company witnessed the smoke coming from the complex and immediately raced to the scene, rather than wait to be called to assist the volunteers. This would become the beginning of the end for both the volunteer fire companies and the North Jersey University Fire Company. When the firefighters from North Jersey University arrived on scene, they were able to quickly rescue two people who were trapped above the fire on the fifth floor. Word quickly spread throughout the residents of Jakeland of how quickly a paid fire crew arrived on scene and sprung into action. Questions were raised and the city council was faced with the "what if the trapped occupants had to wait for the volunteer fire companies?". The city council at this point had no choice and organized a Fire Department Committee to evaluate what was needed to have an adequate fire department to serve the City of Jakeland. After 2 years, a plan was drawn up and was prepared for a vote. The plan consisted of 6 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, 1 Rescue company and 1 Battalion Chief to cover the busiest and most populated areas of the city 24/7. All the volunteer fire companies would still be able to operate, however they would be privatized and would no longer receive funding from the city. The North Jersey University Fire Company would remain separate and operate independently from the Jakeland Fire Department. Kenneth Garret, who was the Chief of the Heights Hose & Ladder Co. 1 would be hired as the Chief of the Jakeland Fire Dept. The vote took place on November 1, 1983. The vote received a unanimous decision and was passed. On November 16, 1983, the Jakeland Fire Department officially opened placing in service Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 5, Engine 6, Truck 1, Truck 2, Ladder 3 and Rescue 1.
On July 21, 1981, a fire broke out at a high rise residential complex at 54 Veterans Ave. Firefighters from the North Jersey University Fire Company witnessed the smoke coming from the complex and immediately raced to the scene, rather than wait to be called to assist the volunteers. This would become the beginning of the end for both the volunteer fire companies and the North Jersey University Fire Company. When the firefighters from North Jersey University arrived on scene, they were able to quickly rescue two people who were trapped above the fire on the fifth floor. Word quickly spread throughout the residents of Jakeland of how quickly a paid fire crew arrived on scene and sprung into action. Questions were raised and the city council was faced with the "what if the trapped occupants had to wait for the volunteer fire companies?". The city council at this point had no choice and organized a Fire Department Committee to evaluate what was needed to have an adequate fire department to serve the City of Jakeland. After 2 years, a plan was drawn up and was prepared for a vote. The plan consisted of 6 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, 1 Rescue company and 1 Battalion Chief to cover the busiest and most populated areas of the city 24/7. All the volunteer fire companies would still be able to operate, however they would be privatized and would no longer receive funding from the city. The North Jersey University Fire Company would remain separate and operate independently from the Jakeland Fire Department. Kenneth Garret, who was the Chief of the Heights Hose & Ladder Co. 1 would be hired as the Chief of the Jakeland Fire Dept. The vote took place on November 1, 1983. The vote received a unanimous decision and was passed. On November 16, 1983, the Jakeland Fire Department officially opened placing in service Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 5, Engine 6, Truck 1, Truck 2, Ladder 3 and Rescue 1.
This patch was the first patch designed for the Jakeland Fire Dept.
1984 - 2012
The Jakeland Fire Dept., which was still young, became very active. It didn't take long for Jakelands Bravest to be tested by fire. On December 17, 1983, just over a month old, Jakelands Bravest were called to Venice Gardens Restaurant for a fire on a windy and cold Saturday night. When firefighters arrived on scene, flames were already through the roof. The blaze went to 5 alarms bringing every firefighter from the Jakeland Fire Dept. and North Jersey University Fire Co. to the scene and also all of the volunteers from the still operating Veterans Victory Protection Fire Co. 4. The blaze burned for over 8 hours and crews were on scene for four days extinguishing hot spots and assisting investigators to determine a cause. The cause was electrical and helped change building codes in Jakeland to prevent similar fires from occurring. Luckily no one was killed or injured.
It seemed that one major fire occurred every year since 1983. In 1984 two hi-rise fires broke out in Downtown Jakeland. On August 23, 1984, the Jake Tower Fire occurred that brought in 6 alarms. Then on October 11, 1984, the East Coast Bank Building Fire occurred that also brought in 6 alarms. The first mass casualty incident that the Jakeland Fire Dept. operated at was on May 4, 1985. Just off the Jakeland College campus was a dance club named "Havana Club". A week before graduation, the club was packed beyond capacity with students from North Jersey University and Jakeland College. Smoking at this time was still permitted in bars and restaurants. A careless discarded cigarette ignited a blaze that would claim 23 lives and injured 58. Flames quickly raged out of control before fire crews were on scene. When firefighters did arrive on scene, the crowd was so large firefighters had a tough time accessing the scene. The fire burned for 4 hours before crews could enter the building and begin removing victims. This was another fire that changed building codes in Jakeland to prevent this from happening again. The "Havana Club" was never rebuilt.
At all of these major fires, the North Jersey University Fire Co. would respond to assist Jakelands Bravest. During this time, there had only been 3 confirmed fires on the campus of North Jersey University that required the Jakeland Fire Dept. to respond and assist. A review board was assembled by the North Jersey University to look over the activities of the North Jersey University Fire Co. This would be the beginning of the end for the North Jersey University Fire Co. In 1988, the City of Jakeland agreed to have it's resources protect the campus of North Jersey University. North Jersey University agreed to pay a small percentage to fund the Jakeland Fire Dept. on the condition that at least an engine company would be housed on campus. Engine Company 12 was then established and housed in the old North Jersey University firehouse.
On July 7, 1987, a small house fire occurred on Coles Ave. The fire did not do much damage and was extinguished with an "all hands" assignment. This fire however would be the last time that the Veterans Victory Protection Fire Co. 4 would operate at a fire alongside the Jakeland Fire Dept. On July 24, 1987, the last volunteer fire co. was closed. On the same day, Engine 7 and Truck 4 were established in Jakeland Heights, where the volunteers were assigned first due. The City of Jakeland was now entirely protected by one single fire dept.
As new types of buildings were being constructed and new threats of terrorism were becoming present, two specialized fire companies were placed in service on November 16, 1999. Squads 3 and 10 replaced Engines 3 and 10. The firefighters of Engines 3 and 10 were given special training and new equipment to help support Rescue 1.
On July 17, 2008, the Packard-Webster Chemical Plant exploded. This would become the biggest fire in the history of the Jakeland Fire Dept. from 1983 to 2008. Firefighters from 17 outside agencies assisted Jakelands Bravest for three days. Luckily no one was killed or injured at this incident.
It seemed that one major fire occurred every year since 1983. In 1984 two hi-rise fires broke out in Downtown Jakeland. On August 23, 1984, the Jake Tower Fire occurred that brought in 6 alarms. Then on October 11, 1984, the East Coast Bank Building Fire occurred that also brought in 6 alarms. The first mass casualty incident that the Jakeland Fire Dept. operated at was on May 4, 1985. Just off the Jakeland College campus was a dance club named "Havana Club". A week before graduation, the club was packed beyond capacity with students from North Jersey University and Jakeland College. Smoking at this time was still permitted in bars and restaurants. A careless discarded cigarette ignited a blaze that would claim 23 lives and injured 58. Flames quickly raged out of control before fire crews were on scene. When firefighters did arrive on scene, the crowd was so large firefighters had a tough time accessing the scene. The fire burned for 4 hours before crews could enter the building and begin removing victims. This was another fire that changed building codes in Jakeland to prevent this from happening again. The "Havana Club" was never rebuilt.
At all of these major fires, the North Jersey University Fire Co. would respond to assist Jakelands Bravest. During this time, there had only been 3 confirmed fires on the campus of North Jersey University that required the Jakeland Fire Dept. to respond and assist. A review board was assembled by the North Jersey University to look over the activities of the North Jersey University Fire Co. This would be the beginning of the end for the North Jersey University Fire Co. In 1988, the City of Jakeland agreed to have it's resources protect the campus of North Jersey University. North Jersey University agreed to pay a small percentage to fund the Jakeland Fire Dept. on the condition that at least an engine company would be housed on campus. Engine Company 12 was then established and housed in the old North Jersey University firehouse.
On July 7, 1987, a small house fire occurred on Coles Ave. The fire did not do much damage and was extinguished with an "all hands" assignment. This fire however would be the last time that the Veterans Victory Protection Fire Co. 4 would operate at a fire alongside the Jakeland Fire Dept. On July 24, 1987, the last volunteer fire co. was closed. On the same day, Engine 7 and Truck 4 were established in Jakeland Heights, where the volunteers were assigned first due. The City of Jakeland was now entirely protected by one single fire dept.
As new types of buildings were being constructed and new threats of terrorism were becoming present, two specialized fire companies were placed in service on November 16, 1999. Squads 3 and 10 replaced Engines 3 and 10. The firefighters of Engines 3 and 10 were given special training and new equipment to help support Rescue 1.
On July 17, 2008, the Packard-Webster Chemical Plant exploded. This would become the biggest fire in the history of the Jakeland Fire Dept. from 1983 to 2008. Firefighters from 17 outside agencies assisted Jakelands Bravest for three days. Luckily no one was killed or injured at this incident.
In 2009, this patch became to official patch of the Jakeland Fire Dept.
April 6, 2011 would become the darkest day in the history of the Jakeland Fire Dept. Firefighters were dispatched to 85 Coal St on a report of a working fire at the "Jakeland Clipper Public House". When firefighters arrived, they found heavy fire on the first, second and third floors of the three story brick building. Reports that the family who lived and operated the bar were still inside, sprung firefighters into the building to begin search and rescue operations. As conditions quickly deteriorated, FF Jason M. Smith became disoriented and trapped. A mayday call was made bringing every available firefighter to the scene and attempt to rescue FF Smith. Conditions however prevented any rescue effort from occurring. Firefighter Jason M. Smith made the supreme sacrifice that night trying to rescue people he had never met. The family was not in the building at the time of the fire. Firefighter Jason M. Smith is the only firefighter to die in the line of duty in the Jakeland Fire Departments history.
On March 23, 2013, the biggest fire in the history of the Jakeland Fire Dept. occurred. Firefighters fought a 6 Alarm blaze at the Dyson Manufacturing Plant on East Suffolk St. Firefighters were needed to remain on scene from 3/23 - 3/27 to douse the blaze from multiple ladders, deck guns and attack hoses. The fire was determined to be accidental. Twenty two fire departments responded to assist Jakeland.
Even though the brave members of the Jakeland Fire Department know the dangers of their profession, they still continue to serve. These brave men and women go in when others run out.
Whether they were a volunteer in the past, a firefighter presently, or a cadet in the academy to become a firefighter in the future.... The bravest who have served, continue to serve, or will serve, are the definition of the Jakeland Fire Departments three core values... "Honor, Courage, Duty".
Whether they were a volunteer in the past, a firefighter presently, or a cadet in the academy to become a firefighter in the future.... The bravest who have served, continue to serve, or will serve, are the definition of the Jakeland Fire Departments three core values... "Honor, Courage, Duty".