Boonton Fire Department
BFD
301.JPG

Maxfield Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1

MAXFIELD HOOK

& LADDER

 

 

Maxfield Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1

2024

Officers

Captain: Bob DeStefano

Lieutenant: Dan Silva

2024

Company Office Positions

President: Scott Bednar

Vice President: Mike Sulpy

Secretary: Jeff Gregory

Treasurer: Dan Vnencak

Chief Driver: John Steinhauser

Asst. Chief Driver: Billy Clark

Relief Rep: Rich Osborne

Relief Rep: John Steinhauser

LOSAP Rep: John Whritenour

Relief Visitor: Scott Bednar

BFD Rep: Mike Petonak Jr.

BFD Rep: Billy Clark

 

Company History

rumssey.jpg

Although early records do not give an exact starting date for the Maxfield Hook and Ladder as a Company, minutes from the year 1891 show the Boonton Fire Department was originally known as the Maxfield Hook and Ladder until March of 1892. The first apparatus purchased by the town for the Fire Department was " a first class Hook and Ladder, fully equipped, weighing twelve hundred pounds, at a cost of $ 495.00. This unit was delivered to the Town in November of 1891.

In 1926 the first motorized Hook and Ladder was purchased from American LaFrance. An interesting fact about this vehicle was that the truck was to be delivered with a four cylinder engine. The truck committee felt that a six cylinder engine was needed, so the fire Company gave the Town $250.00 to acquire the six cylinder engine.

In July 1948, the Company purchased its first Aerial Ladder Truck. This vehicle was a seventy five foot Seagrave Aerial costing $30,808.00. (this truck was recently found in a Florida junk yard by Thomas Corigliano, Jr.. He has purchased it and intends to restore it.)

In January of 1965 a One Hundred Foot Seagrave Aerial Ladder was ordered to replace the 1948 truck. This vehicle was the first One Hundred foot Aerial in Morris county. The Truck had a turntable lowered eighteen inches so that the unit would fit in the old Maxfield Firehouse located on Main Street.

In 1977 after serious mechanical problems the V-12 gasoline engine was replaced with a Cummins Diesel. The following year an automatic transmission was installed. In 1987 the truck was completely refurbished by Seagrave at its' Wisconsin plant.

In the past, many of the more serious and major fires in the town occurred during a Hook & Ladder Chief's term. Chief Harold Lucus had the Giant Market (Main and Division Streets), S & D Motors, and Boyd's Store. Chief Edward Russell, Sr. (celebrating his fiftieth year in the Fire Department) saw the largest shopping center fire loss in North America at the Shop-Rite Plaza in 1965.

APPARATUS HISTORY

Featured
1891 Rumsey Horse Drawn Ladder Cart Although early records do not give an exact starting date for the Maxfield Hook and Ladder as a Company, minutes from the year 1891 show the Boonton Fire Department was originally known as the Maxfield Hook and L

1891 Rumsey Horse Drawn Ladder Cart

Although early records do not give an exact starting date for the Maxfield Hook and Ladder as a Company, minutes from the year 1891 show the Boonton Fire Department was originally known as the Maxfield Hook and Ladder until March of 1892. The first apparatus purchased by the town for the Fire Department was "a first class Hook and Ladder, fully equipped, weighing twelve hundred pounds, at a cost of $495.00." This unit was delivered to the Town in November of 1891.

The new Hook and Ladder truck arrived early in November and a parade of the Boonton Fire Department, including invited guests, the newly appointed Fire Wardens and Mr. Hessey's Band, all celebrating the arrival of the new apparatus. After the parade they assembled at the Opera House where they were met by the Mayor and Common Council. Speeches and music were heard, followed by the serving of coffee and sandwiches to complete the evening. The new ladder truck was housed in a barn opposite the School Street School until the completion of the Main Street Fire Headquarters.

1926 American LaFrance Motorized Hook & Ladder Truck In 1926 the first motorized Hook and Ladder was purchased from American LaFrance. An interesting fact about this vehicle was that the truck was to be delivered with a four cylinder engine. Th

1926 American LaFrance Motorized Hook & Ladder Truck

In 1926 the first motorized Hook and Ladder was purchased from American LaFrance. An interesting fact about this vehicle was that the truck was to be delivered with a four cylinder engine. The truck committee felt that a six cylinder engine was needed, so the fire Company gave the Town $250.00 to acquire the six cylinder engine

1948 Seagrave 75' Aerial Ladder Truck In July 1948, the Company purchased its first Aerial Ladder Truck. This vehicle was a seventy five foot Seagrave Aerial costing $30,808.00. This truck was recently found in a Florida junk yard by Thomas Corigli

1948 Seagrave 75' Aerial Ladder Truck

In July 1948, the Company purchased its first Aerial Ladder Truck. This vehicle was a seventy five foot Seagrave Aerial costing $30,808.00. This truck was recently found in a Florida junk yard by Thomas Corigliano, Jr.. He has purchased it and intends to restore it.

1965 Seagrave 100' Aerial Ladder In January of 1965, a 100' Seagrave Aerial Ladder was ordered to replace the 1948 truck. This vehicle was the first 100' Aerial in Morris county. The truck had a turntable lowered eighteen inches so that the unit wo

1965 Seagrave 100' Aerial Ladder

In January of 1965, a 100' Seagrave Aerial Ladder was ordered to replace the 1948 truck. This vehicle was the first 100' Aerial in Morris county. The truck had a turntable lowered eighteen inches so that the unit would fit in the old Maxfield Firehouse located on Main Street.

In 1977 after serious mechanical problems the V-12 gasoline engine was replaced with a Cummins Diesel. The following year an automatic transmission was installed. In 1987 the truck was completely refurbished by Seagrave at its Wisconsin plant. The special care that went into maintaining this piece enabled it to stay in service for over 30 years!

1998 Seagrave 100' Aerial Ladder In 1998, the Board of Aldermen authorized the purchase of a new aerial to replace the aging 1964 Seagrave aerial. On March 1, 1999, the Town of Boonton took delivery of the new apparatus. The new apparatus is a 1998

1998 Seagrave 100' Aerial Ladder

In 1998, the Board of Aldermen authorized the purchase of a new aerial to replace the aging 1964 Seagrave aerial. On March 1, 1999, the Town of Boonton took delivery of the new apparatus. The new apparatus is a 1998 Custom Seagrave 100' Patriot Rear Mount Aerial. The aerial has an 8500 watt generator, a generous collection of ground ladders and enclosed seating for eight firefighters. The new apparatus also has ample room for the increasing amount of tools and gear that is required in modern firefighting.