SRFD History

The Saddle River Fire Department was established in 1912.  Prior to that neighbors just helped one another, not that times have changed all that much, which has been proven by the formulation of the Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Association.

In 1912, the firemen of Saddle River were dispatched via a series of gongs throughout the town, eight in total.  A gong was forged by heating and bending a section of railroad track into a circular ring.  The initial gong was sounded at he firehouse, and was operated by striking the section of railroad track with a hammer.  Each firefighter responding would bring their own tram of horses to the firehouse-barn.  The first one at the firehouse would then hitch his team up to the wagon, with its tank of water, and respond to the fire.  This firefighter would be paid five dollars for his horse team's service.  In 1925, the Saddle River Fire Department purchased its first custom-built fire engine.

In 1996, the Saddle River Fire Association became incorporated.  The Department still relies on the generous contributions of our town residents and Borough taxes to support volunteer efforts and the continuing improvement of equipment and training.

Today, the Saddle River Fire Department still operates with tank water and depends on drafting for water supply.  In 1998, 86 years after the conception of the Department, the Saddle River Fire Department will see its first series of fire hydrants and still relies on neighboring towns for Mutual AId assistance.