The department, started in 1868, converted from a volunteer department to a paid one in 1909 as the city grew much larger. On October 11th the department celebrated their 100 years of service with other fire departments. Firefighter Ernesto Rodriguez II department historian says that we started 18 months ago planning for the 100th anniversary parade we had many fundraiser selling Tee shirts, memorabilia pins, blankets with our department patch on it and our ad journal and many more various things that we could come up with, we raised more than 10,000 dollars, to have this parade.

Chief Trentacost says that this is history in the making and my guys did a fantastic job getting everything together.

The parade started 11:00 a.m., Robert Hare, the department’s 96-year-old fire director, kicked off the parade at Eighth Street, sending the parade forward in a Silver open-topped Ford Mustang. They made a turn on to Passaic Street marching two and a half miles where it ended up in Third Ward Park. One of the Fire truck a 1970 Mack pumper that is privately owned by Ex Chief Keith Brunning of the Lodi fire department dedicated his truck in memory of Firefighter Alberto Tirado who Died on May 9th, 2001 while conducting a primary search for a reported trapped girl at 204 Market Street. The one side of the truck in gold leaf has is name on it.

Firefighter Jake Hrywniak Parade coordinator said that he was glad this day was here and it couldn't have been a more gorgeous day and was glad to be a part of it. Hundreds of people lined Passaic Street to watch their firefighters march down the street and to cheer them on. departments from Clifton, Paterson, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Garfield, Wallington some came as far as Roxbury to help celebrate with this special event. In all there were 25 towns that attended bringing in over 75 pieces of equipment. Where they ended up in the park. There was food, live entertainment, rides, and face painting for the children. Congratulations to the Passaic Fire Department.