It was less than one year after the separation of Verona and Cedar Grove in 1910 that this history began.
Samuel Brower had the first barbershop billiard table in Cedar Grove north of his residence at the northwest corner of Pompton and Bradford Avenues where it was quite customary for individuals to meet and discuss various issues surrounding the town. On May 18, 1908 a meeting was held at Sam’s place, officers elected and a constitution adopted to form a Volunteer Fire Brigade. The minutes of the meeting state that 30 men attended.
Andrew Jackson Taylor (a Civil War veteran), suggested that a bucket brigade be organized in Cedar Grove, a timely suggestion that met with approval from all parties. Steps were taken immediately with meetings and in cooperation with the Cedar Grove Improvement Association, which had been organized in 1906. The result of this activity was the Cedar Grove Fire Company No. 1, now Center Fire Company No. 1, which was formally organized May 18, 1908.
The first fire vehicle was built in November 1908 by Andrew Orr, who operated a blacksmith shop on the corner of Ridge Road and Bradford Avenue. It was hand pulled, had two wheels and carried only ladders and buckets. The firmen, in 1911, moved the equipment to the basement of the newly constructed Public Hall. Also in 1911, a new four wheeled hand-pulled and hand operated pumper was built by Andy Orr and this is still owned and displayed by Fire Company No.1 at the North Jersey Firemen’s Museum. It has a double action pump operated by eight men. It was equiped with 300 feet of hose and at its demonstration, coud throw a stream of water over the red brick school building on Pompton Avenue. After acceptance demonstration in January 1912, it was recorded that the committee moved to fireman Charles Falk’s place for refreshments.
It operated in accordance with booklets that had been approved, ordered and then distributed to each fireman. These booklets included the Constitution and by-laws of the company.
Louis Captain Sr., was elected the first Foreman, or Chief, at the organization’s first meeting. He had owned and operated his blacksmith shop at 452 Pompton Ave. for a number of years before that time.
Organization, however, was merely the beginning of matters. A number of problems had to be considered and solved. One of these was the need for a place to hold meetings and to house equipment, when and as purchased. A Fireman’s Committee was appointed to meet with the Board of Education to discuss this question, and from the Board, the fireman received permission to use the south end of the school building for that purpose.
Another important matter after the organization of men was a survey of the best locations to reach and have water available throughout the different sections of the Township in case of fire. Through a committee, a check was made to find where wells, cisterns, springs, ponds and brooks were located as sources of water, as well as the best available places for emergency location of equipment in time of need. At that time the Township was divided into thirteen fire districts
In 1928, a new volunteer fire company was organized, known as the North End Fire Company No.2 and its first meeting was held in a room over Dittig’s store at the corner of Stevens Avenue and East Lindsley Road. The president was Willaim W. Myers, Jr. and there were elevn charter memebers. The first fire truck was a used Loco-mobile Car with a modified body to enable it to carry fire hose. After the new brick firehouse was completed in 1931, a Lincoln sedan was converted to a hose cart replacing the older Loco-mobile.
To properly locate fire equipment, it was found nessary to have a third fire company in the south end of the tow. In August 1929, Cedar Knoll Fire Company No.3 was organized with Frances Barry, President; William Spahn, Vise President; Frank Corbett, Treasure; George Irving Jacobus, Secretary; and James Cavanaugh, John Vance Smith and Percy Chestnut as Trustees. There were sixteen ddtional charter members.
In 1930, the Cedar Knolls Co. purchashed a used Pierce Arrow fire truck which was used until 1939, when a new Mack pumper was supplied by the town. After purchasing property at 152 Pomton Avenue, opposit Ridge Road, the company built their own firehouse during the summer of 1949, doing an excellent job.