By Mike Ciampo

Saddle River is located in Bergen County, NJ, and is a suburb of New York City. The borough has many historic homes and large mansions sitting on acres of land. Many celebrities call it home due to the fact it is close to the city yet has a country setting. At one time President Nixon was a resident of this town. The borough is only 25 miles from the city, making it an easy commute into Manhattan. The borough is protected by the Saddle River Fire Department, which was established in 1912.

Like many early fire departments, members were summoned to the firehouse when a gong was struck with a hammer. Many of these gongs were made by heating and bending a section of railroad track into a circular ring and can still be found near many firehouses around the country today. Saddle River’s original firehouse was a barn, where members would respond with their horses after hearing the gong’s distinct alarm. The first member to hook up their horses to the wagon, which carried a tank of water, was paid $5 for the horse team’s service.

Today, the department is equipped with new and updated apparatus—a far cry from a horse-drawn wagon with a tank on it. Its new 2019 Pierce Enforcer was designed to not only be an engine but also allow it to carry rescue tools and equipment. The rescue pumper has some uniquely designed compartments as well as graphics; Fire & Safety Services, LTD of South Plainfield helped the members design—and sell to the department—the apparatus.