How World War II affected The Paramus Fire Dept.

1/13/1942 (Soon after the US enters WW II) “Comrade Ed Koenig, the Firematic member of the Defense Council, stated that in the very near future he would have a speaker on the matter of handling bombs at fires, and asked that all firemen make it their business to attend such meeting.

Commissioner Behnke took the opportunity to state that shortly it is expected that there will be a blackout, and when this alarm is sounded all firemen are asked to immediately report to their respective firehouses, and that all fire trucks be at once started and kept running until the all clear signal is given.

5/19/1942    “At this time the the Commissioner is taking up the question of providing additional motor fuel beyond that granted on the ration card, to firemen who use their own cars, but meanwhile the companies, when an alarm is sounded, are requested to wait a minute or two for the arrival of such firemen who may be able to reach the firehouse.

This led to some discussion, and finally it was moved by Comrade Koenig, seconded by Comrade Menzel: That the Secretary write a letter along the following lines to the Paramus Rationing Board:

  “The Board of Fire Officers of the Borough of Paramus respectfully petitions your board to endeavor to make some provision which would enable the volunteer firemen of this Borough to replenish such supplies of gasoline which they may use in attending fires in their own cars. An additional supply is asked for beyond their ordinary allowance under the ration system.

“It is to be stressed that in order to maintain the efficiency of the Department to protect life, limb, property and homes and thereby help to maintain the morale of the home fighting front such a step is absolutely necessary.

“In a rural community such as this many of the firemen reside or work some distance from their fire quarters; to ask that the fire apparatus be held awaiting the arrival of the firemen might very easily waste valuable minutes and meanwhile the fire makes headway. It may be added that in some cases firemen reside as much as half to one mile from the firehouse.

“This means that the fire truck pulls out with such help as is immediately at hand, while the rest follow in their own cars. It seems unwise to hold the truck for a period longer than a minute or two before pulling out, inasmuch as many of the members could not very well reach fire quarters unless they can use their cars.

“It may be pointed out that during the month of April the four Companies of Paramus responded to a total of 75 alarms; probably from sixty to eighty percent of the men responded to these alarms in their own cars.

“Your interest in behalf of your Fire Companies and the maintenance of home front morale in your own community will be appreciated.”

7/18/44     Gas Ration Stamps

East Ridgewood Avenue Co. No. 1, reports that whenever they require gasoline for their truck, it is necessary for them to call on the Borough Clerk for the stamps, this entailing unnecessary wear and tear on the trucks, also is a waste of time.

Moved by Comrade Van Binsburger, seconded by Comrade Schwarz: that the Secretary write to Mr. Hebberd, asking him if possible to give each Company their full allotment of stamps for the quarter, turning these over to the Chief and Assistant Chiefs, who will be responsible…….