Public Safety

The Paterson Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1815. The Police Department was created in 1866. Learn how these first-response departments have developed over time to meet the changing needs of a growing city.

Get up close to two of the oldest fire engines in New Jersey, the Gooseneck of Passaic Company No. 1 (1821) and the Jeffers Steam Fire Engine of Washington Company No. 3 (1864). Learn about the devastating fire of 1902, which destroyed most of Paterson’s downtown and Sandy Hill neighborhood.