For 150 Years, Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department Serves

RED BANK, NJ — Since 1872, the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department has had a proud tradition in the borough. And its 150th year in 2022 is a milestone being celebrated in many ways.

The Borough Council recently adopted a proclamation marking the anniversary, noting some of the department's major historic milestones, including its formation in 1872 as a "bucket brigade" until the founding of the Navesink Hook and Ladder Company in 1872.

Other milestones cited in the proclamation were:

• In 1873, a fire bell was placed on Mechanic Street.
• In 1880, Relief Engine Company, Independent Engine Company and Liberty Hose Company were formed.
• In 1890, Union Hose Company was formed.
• In 1909, Westside Hose Company was formed.
• In 1929, 13 members each contributed $10 toward the purchase of an ambulance that marked the beginning of the First Aid and Rescue Squad in 1930.
• In 1926, when Emma Vernell joined the Westside Hose Company after her husband, Harry, died in the line of duty, the department became the first in the state to have a female firefighter and is so designated by the state.

The Relief Engine Company became an auxiliary unit known as the Historic Relief Engine Company, continuing a tradition of multi-generational membership, so today the department is made up of five companies, its website says.

And Mayor Pasquale Menna, speaking in the proclamation for the borough residents, businesses and Council, praised the department and its members' service to "commend and congratulate the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department on its 150 years of volunteer service to the community and offer our sincere gratitude to not only its dedicated members, but also to their families who have sacrificed so much in the countless hours their family members have given to the fire service."

Current Fire Chief Nick Ferraro, in a statement to the Borough Council, expressed appreciation for the proclamation, according to centraljersey.com: “The membership is proud to have served Red Bank for 150 years. We take time this year to recognize this milestone, while also honoring those who came before us and those who serve now."

Apart from the five fire fighting companies, there is a Fire Police Company and the First Aid and Rescue Squad, according to the department's website, which has a wealth of information about the history of the department, its current programs and tributes to firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Additional support is provided to the department by its Scuba Diving Team, the department’s Fire Cadets, and the Ladies Auxiliary.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the department is planning a dinner later this coming week.

And to remember this important year, you can purchase commemorative items, such as mugs, steins, tiles and more. Go to this link for photos, pricing and other information.

The department's Facebook page has all sorts of latest news about the department and other information too.

The earliest history of the department is also recorded on the department's website:

"Previous to the organization of the Navesink Hook and Ladder Company of Red Bank, the men of the town had formed a bucket brigade to provide fire protection.

"As the village of Red Bank continued to grow, a need for an organized fire company became necessary for improved fire protection. On June 28, 1872, a committee appointed at the Citizens meeting held at the Globe Hotel decided to organize a Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company for Red Bank.

"The Navesink Hook, Ladder, and Bucket company was declared to be the name of the company. On January 5, 1873, the word Bucket was erased from the bylaws to read Navesink Hook and Ladder Company.

"Navesink Hook and Ladder Company were chartered on March 13, 1873, and on July 2, 1873, the company met in their building on Mechanic Street," the website says.

It also recalls a quote from 50 years ago, in 1972, by then Mayor Daniel J. O'Hern and the Borough Council at the time of the 100th anniversary of the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department:

"Countless hours and years of sacrifice on behalf of their fellow citizens have earned these firemen the undying respect of this community." February 8, 1972