61°
"One hundred years ago, traveling a mile and a half was difficult. Now, we had to renovate the building to fit in new equipment," said fireman Chris Kerrigan. "We completely outgrew what we had."
Kerrigan is the Vice President of Fire Company 2 and the chairman of the 100th anniversary committee. He also serves as an EMT and trains others in emergency services.
The 60-member department itself predates the incorporation of New Milford, when the borough was part of Palisades Township before 1906.
The original firehouse was built in 1915, as a wood garage of sorts. Since then, a hacienda-style builidng stood in its place in the 1960s. Now, the borough continues to add equipment and new storage areas.
"We added a gear room so that firefighters don't have to get dressed right next to moving vehicles, for their own safety," he said.
They also included a finished basement for storage, an eating area, new offices, and facilities for men and women, even though no females are currently serving in the department.
A few small projects are pending as members hang onto a temporary certificate of occupancy. The department's building dedication at the end of the year will coincide with the borough centennial.
The firehouse will also reopen a 1990 time capsule and add items for a new one, when they are finally settled in the station.
“Fifty years from now, the journal will be for whoever fills our shoes,” the chief said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.
