History

Our department was first organized in 1944 as a Civil Defense Firefighting unit, and became incorporated as the Upper Saddle River Fire Department in 1945. Our first piece of equipment was an old Navy 500 gpm Hale pump mounted on a trailer which was pulled to fires by a members army jeep. Eventually, the members purchased an old International truck and installed the aforementioned Hale pump midship. We then mounted an old FDNY American LaFrance body to the rear. Approximately two years later, the members purchased a US Army crash truck which had a front mounted 250 gpm pump and a 500 gallon water tank. Many other pieces were purchased and since retired, leaving the USRFD today with four modern pieces of firefighting apparatus. The Saddle River Fire Department was responsible for all fire protection in our municipality through December 31, 1949 at the annual cost of $500 per year.

Currently, the USRFD operates four primary pieces of apparatu and two chiefs vehicles.

• First due to all types of calls in town is Engine 1232, a 2008 Pierce Velocity pumper. It carries 1000 gallons of water and has an 8-man cab.
• Second due to hydranted areas is Engine 1231, a 2001 KME pumper. 1231 carries 2500 feet of hose and has a 1000 gallon water tank with a 6-man cab.
• Second due to non-hydranted areas is Tanker 1233, a 1995 KME tanker/pumper. It carries 3000 gallons of water and is outfitted with a 6-man cab.
• Any rescue/extrication type call sends out Rescue 1242, a 2008 Ford/Hackney mini rescue. 1242 is equipped with a full compliment of hydraulic rescue tools and associated equipment. This unit has a 5-man cab.
• The fire chief responds in Car 1230, a 2012 Chevy Tahoe 4×4 SUV. This is equipped with radios for operating as a command post and gear necessary for the first unit on scene.
• The assistant fire chief responds in a 2004 GMC Yukon 4×4 SUV. This unit is similarly set up like Car 1230.

Check out our Apparatus page for photos of many of our retired equipment.