History of Franklin Lakes Fire Department

Franklin Lakes was formed as a Borough in 1922. Two years later in the Winter of 1924, the Borough still had no fire protection. On December 4, with a blizzard raging outside, the gentlemen citizens of Franklin Lakes held an open meeting to discuss the formation of a Volunteer Fire Company.

The Mayor of Franklin Lakes at the time, William Valentine Pulis spoke of being strongly in favor of creating our own department and Harry Gale McNomee of the Oakland Fire Department was invited to speak to the assembled group on the efforts necessary to form a fire company.

At the conclusion of the meeting, twenty five men stepped up and became the founders of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department.

Original Members who signed up 12/4/24

Alfred H. Ackerman
William H. Ainlay
Frederick Bender
Robert Bender
Roy Bender
Samuel Bowers
Samuel Bowers,Jr.
C.H. Bush
Ernest E. Bush
Kendall W. Chilton
E.F. Clark
Mike Cook
Harry E. Estes Jr.
Claude C. Ferdinand
Aaron Hopper
John A. Hopper
Stephen Jackson
Albert Lozier
John Howard Payne
Dewitt Pruden
William Pulis
William V. Pulis
John R. Sanders
Delbert Teter
J. G. Valentine
Ezra Voorhis

It should be noted that at this meeting it was decided that because of the foul weather that the new department would actively seek to add members through the beginning of the new year. A 1934 publication for the 10th Anniversary of the FLFD shows the following men added to the Charter as founding members:

Additional Charter Members

A.Z. Ackerman
Robert Allen
Harry Atema
August Bender
Charles Bowers
M.W. Burnish
Roy Bush
Dennis Butler
Harry Carlough
K.W. Chilton
Henry L. Clark
W.H. DeBrot
George C. Demarest
J.R. Ewing
Charles Fox
Charles J. Fox
Edward Gorman
Francis Gorman
Frank Heath
August Hilbig
Stephen Jackson
F.L. Kackenmacher
Joseph Masker
Harry McKee
Hiram Meredith
Geo. J. Paterson
John B. Protheroe
A.W. Ramsey
L.S. Reyenga
Angelo Rizzo
R.T. Rothwell
F.P. Sanders
F.H. Schefers
Norman F. Sisco
William F. Sisco
Clarence Smith
John B. Storms
John R. Van Houten
John C. Vermuelen
Henry Voorhis
Arnold Walders
Henry Zuhr

These men met again in February of 1925 and began putting together the beginnings of our fire company. J.G. Valentine put forth that a plot of land measuring 184' by 150' located on Pulis avenue between the school house (currently Franklin Avenue Middle School) and Mrs. Ewing's house was available for $300.00.

This information was presented to the Mayor and Council and Franklin Lakes Borough Ordinances No.7 and No.8 were introduced on March 13th 1925 to officially authorize the spending of $300.00 to aquire a plot of land and build a firehouse on said property with the cost of the building not to exceed $22,000.00 and to Establish and Create a Fire Department in the Borough of Franklin Lakes and to Regulate, Govern and Control the same. Ordinances passed on April 10th of 1925.

1926 Seagrave Pumper (10/03/26)		Pulis Avenue Firehouse

At the December 4 meeting, after deciding to form the Fire Company, the men who signed up that night held nominations and elections right then to decide the leadership of the new Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The results were as follows:

President: Harry E. Estes Jr.
Vice-President: Jacob G. Valentine
Secretary: Delbert Teter
Treasurer: Robert Bender
Chief of Department: William H. Ainlay
1st Asst. Chief: William Pulis
2nd Asst. Chief: Ernest E. Bush

These men assumed the responsibility of working with the Boro to begin purchasing equipment and gear for fighting fires. They also began the process of putting together the Department Charter. They held office through December 1925.

Fifteen days later, when these men met for the purpose of signing the Incorporation papers that would make the Department official, they held a second election. This night was when the Department would elect its inaugural Trustees. The men elected that night were:

William V. Pulis
G.H. Bush
A.W. Ramsey
Henry Zuhr
Charles Fox

These men would remain in office until the end of 1928.

In November of 1925, the membership recommended to the Borough Council that a Seagraves combination pumping, double chemical tank and hose car be purchased. In February of 1926, this recommendation passed the Borough Council and Ordinance No. 10 was adopted providing $7,000.00 to provide a fire engine and equipment for the Fire Department. On March 22nd, Seagraves bid of $6,900.00 was accepted and the apparatus was delivered in October of 1926.

Meanwhile construction on the new Firehouse was being completed and on October 9, 1926, the Pulis Avenue Fire House was formally dedicated by the Borough of Franklin Lakes.

January of 1926 saw President Estes leave office and the following officers take over.

President: J. G. Valentine
Vice-President: J. H. Payne
Secretary: Delbert Teter
Treasurer: Wm. Ainlay
Chief of Department: Wm. Ainlay
1st Asst. Chief: William Pulis
2nd Asst. Chief: Ernest A. Bush

This year also saw the requirement that in order to become a member, one had to be a male, of at least 21 years of age and in good standing in the community. Specifically, no legal troubles. There was also a membership fee of $1.00 and annual dues of $3.00 (By contrast, in 1926, a dozen eggs cost $0.56 and a four piece bedroom set cost $157.00). The Department began a program of purchasing fire extinguishers and selling them at cost to homeowners in the Borough who wished to learn how to use them.

As of July 1926, the Department is holding equipment drills with all the men on Tuesday nights to practice techniques for extinguishing brush fires. William Pulis and Ed Clark were appointed to begin measuring distances from water sources to Boro buildings. August of 26, saw a by-law that is still in effect today. Monthly business meetings were changed from the first Friday night of each month to the first Thursday night.

November saw FLFD officially enter into mutual aid agreements with the Townships of Oakland and Wyckoff for assistance during major fires or emergency calls.

1927 began with a change in the officers of the Department again. William Pulis began a run of 12 consecutive years as the Chief of Department. He continues to hold the record for longest tenured Chief in Department history.

Officers for 1927:

President: J.G. Valentine
Vice-President: J.H. Payne
Secretary: Delbert Teter
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: August Bender
2nd Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers Jr.

November of 1927 saw Franklin Lakes begin the process of incorporating its own Relief Association.

1928 saw yet another change in leadership for the Firehouse. President Valentine declined to run again and so a new president was elected.

Officers for 1928:

President: J.H. Payne
Vice-President: A.H. Ackerman
Secretary: Delbert Teter
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: August Bender
2nd Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers Jr.

In July of 1928, the State of New Jersey Volunteer Firemen's Association officially recognized the Franklin Lakes Firemen's Relief Association. In August the Department elected its first delegates to the New Jersey State Firemen's Convention. The original delegates and alternates were as follows.

Delegate: Wm. Pulis
Delegate: Edward F. Clark
Delegate: Harry E. Estes Jr.
Alternate: August Bender
Alternate: Hiram Meredith
Alternate: A.H. Ackerman

These men attended the convention held in Atlantic City, NJ in September of 1928 on behalf of the membership.

January of 1929 saw the leadership of the fire company change once again.

President: William Hill
Vice-President: John A. Hopper
Secretary: Charles J. Fox
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: August Bender
2nd Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers

Trustee: C.H. Bush
Trustee: W.V. Pulis
Trustee: A.H. Ackerman
Trustee: J.G. Valentine
Trustee: H.L. Clark

February saw Secretary Fox resign his position and Charles Gorman was promptly elected to the position. The Fire Department voted to join the NY/NJ Volunteer Firemen's Association. The following members were voted the initial Delegates and Alternates to the Association.

Delegates to 1946 Firemen's Convention

Delegate: Harry E. Estes Jr.
Delegate: Edward F. Clark
Delegate: Delbert Teter
Alternate: John A. Hopper
Alternate: Hiram Meredith
Alternate: Charles J. Fox

Fire reports show that the number of fires in Franklin Lakes has grown from 5 in 1925 to 7 in 1926 and 12 in 1927 to 17 for 1928. The Department in October purchased the first six "smoke" masks to be used by the Fire Department during house fires. Members of the Wyckoff Fire Department advised on the purchase and helped train the men on their usage. In December, Chief Pulis reported that the Police & Fire Committee has purchased a Pope Hartford Supply Wagon for transporting hose to the scene of fires.

Trying out Aluminum Fire Suits circa 1950's

1930 saw a new By-Law change. As per NJ Firemen's Association guidelines, the department is now electing Representatives and Trustees for the Relief Association.
Elected were as follows:

President: William Hill
Vice-President: John A. Hopper
Secretary: Charles Gorman
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers
2nd Asst. Chief: Charles J. Fox
Trustee: C.H. Bush
Trustee: Samuel Bowers, Sr.
Trustee: H.L. Clark
Trustee: J.G. Valentine
Trustee: William V. Pulis
Relief Representative: 3 Year Term - Delbert Teter
Relief Representative: 2 Year Term - William Ainlay
Relief Representative: 1 Year Term - J.G. Valentine
Relief Trustee: 3 Year Term - John B. Storm
Relief Trustee: 2 Year Term - Fred Bohrer
Relief Trustee: 1 Year Term - E.F. Clark

In May the delegates for the NY/NJ Firemen's Association were elected.

Delegate: Robert Bender
Delegate: Hiram Meredith
Delegate: J.H. Payne

In August the position of Chief Engineer is created. The Chief Engineer will be responsible for maintaining all Fire Department equipment. Roy Bender is appointed the first Chief Engineer.

In November, a new By-Law is introduced. As of the age of 65 a member must transfer from being an active member to being an honorary member.

In December, a By-Law is changed. Desk officers are now elected in December for the following year. In addition a new desk officer position is created. Financial Secretary. The Financial Secretary will be responsible for all incoming monies. The Treasurer will now focus on paying the bills. 1931's Desk Officers are:

President: William Hill
Vice-President: Robert Bender
Recording Secretary: Charles Gorman
Financial Secretary: Charles J. Fox
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Trustee: H.L. Clark -3 years
Trustee: William V. Pulis -3 years
Trustee: Fred Bender -2 years
Trustee: Samuel Bowers, Sr. -2 years
Trustee: J.G. Valentine -1 year

Fireman's Relief Association:
President: J.G. Valentine
Vice-President: William Hill
Secretary: Charles Gorman
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Representative: J.G. Valentine -3 year term
Trustee: E.F. Clark - 3 year term

As of December 1930, there are 58 active members.

January 1931 Chief Officers are elected.

Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers, Jr.
2nd Asst. Chief: Charles J. Fox

There is a By-Law change now in effect. Memorial bunting will be displayed on the Firehouse whenever a member (active, honorary or retired) has passed away.

1967 Old Timers Dinner

February 1931, a new mapboard is placed in service. This board will show the location and type of call that is being responded to. The first member to arrive at the firehouse is responsible for putting the location and call type on the map. In addition, the firefighters are now being summoned by a Federal Signal Corporation Fire Siren. The siren will be operated by the New York Susquehana and Western Railway Station Master. The Station Master will receive a salary of $75.00 per year for this duty.

In April 1931, the NY/NJ Firemen's Association delegates are again elected.

Delegate: Hiram Meredith
Delegate: Roy Bender
Delegate: Roy Bush
Alternate: August Bender
Alternate: Fred Bohrer
Alternate: William Hill

In May 1931, the Department mourns the passing of J.G. Valentine. Mr. Valentine is currently a Trustee, Relief President and Relief Representative. He is also a former President and Vice-President. The Fire Department selects M.W. Burnish to fill his role as Trustee for the year.

June 1931, the department formally decides to organize a Ladies Auxilliary.

In August, Samuel Bowers, Sr. is elected to fulfill the vacant Presidency of the Relief Association.

In December, President Hill declines to run for re-election so the Desk Officers for 1932 are:

President: Edward F. Clark
Vice-President: Ezra Voorhis
Recording Secretary: Charles Gorman
Financial Secretary: John Hopper
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Trustee: M.W. Burnish -3 years
Trustee: H.L. Clark - 2 years
Trustee: W.V. Pulis - 2 years
Trustee: Fred Bohrer -1 year
Trustee: Samuel Bowers Sr.- 1 year

Relief Representative: John Storms - 3 years
Relief Representative: Norman Sisco - 2 years
Relief Representative: Charles Gorman - 2 years

It is also decided that the President, Recording Secretary and Chief of Department will sit as Representatives of the Relief Association and will attend the State Convention as well.

Relief Trustee: August Bender
Relief Trustee: Charles Fox
Relief Trustee: Delbert Teter

The Fire Department votes to decorate the firehouse for Christmas and to take part in the Boro tree decorating. Total calls for 1931 was 8.

January of 1932 began with election of Chief Officers

Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers, Jr.
2nd Asst. Chief: Charles J. Fox

As of April, per State regulations, the Relief Association meetings are now held seperately from the monthly business meetings. Only Representatives and Trustees are now meeting.

1943 G.I. (This vehicle was Army surplus)

In June, Mrs. C.A. Braman donates a Packard Automobile to the Fire Department to use as an auxilliary fire service vehicle. Mr. Braman had been a long time honorary member prior to his passing away. The vehicle will be used for bringing refreshments to fire scenes and transporting man power and equipment.

In October of '32, the Fire Department begins observing "Fire Prevention Week" with a presentation at Franklin Lakes Public School (now known as Franklin Avenue Middle School).

In December, Desk Officers for 1933 are elected.

Relief Association:
Representative: Charles Gorman - 3 years
Representative: John Storms - 2 years
Representative: Norman Sisco - 1 year
Relief President: Edward Clark
Relief Trustee: Charles J. Fox - 3 years
Relief Trustee: Charles Fox - 2 years
Relief Trustee: Delbert Teter - 1 year
Relief Treasurer: William Ainlay

Department Officers:
President: William Clark
Vice-President: Ezra Voorhis
Recording Secretary: Charles Gorman
Financial Secretary: John Hopper
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Trustee: Fred Bender - 3 years
Trustee: Samuel Bowers, Jr. - 3 years
Chief Engineer: Roy Bender

Having reached 65 years of age, Mr. William V. Pulis becomes an honorary member and resigns his position as a trustee. Alex Romaine is elected a trustee to fulfill his term.

In January of 1933, the Chief Officers are:
Chief of Department: William Pulis
1st Asst. Chief: Samuel Bowers, Jr.
2nd Asst. Chief: Charles J. Fox

The Fire Department forms an Exempt Firemen's Association. Membership is open to any firefighter who maintains a 60% average of fire calls for 7 years. In addition the Fire Department mourns the passing of Relief Trustee Delbert Teter. Mr. Teter was also a former Recording Secretary of the Department as well as the Boro Clerk.

In February, William Ainlay is elected President of the Exempt Association.

In July, H.L. Clark resigns from the Trustees.

In August, Charles Fox is elected to fill this position.

In December, the Desk Officers for 1934 are elected.

President: Ezra Voorhis
Vice-President: Herbert Q. Hopper
Recording Secretary: Charles Gorman
Financial Secretary: John Hopper
Treasurer: William Ainlay
Trustee: Alex Romaine - 3 years
Trustee: Charles Fox - 3 years

A clothing allowance is suggested for the first time (given the hard economic times of the Great Depression). It is suggested to pay every man who makes his 60% a stipend of $10.00 a year.