ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On Nov. 7, the Englewood Fire Department received a donation of one of its original fire engines—a 1911 American LaFrance Type 5. It was the 46th of this type that was produced in Elmira, New York, and was the first motorized fire engine. Prior to this, all fire department apparatus was either horse-drawn or hand-drawn.
In 1910, after eight years of research and development, American LaFrance introduced its first Type 5 motorized fire apparatus. This design, including its 70 horsepower “T” head motor, was entirely unique. This double tank combination model was purchased by Reading, Pennsylvania, in June of 1911 for the Liberty Engine Company.
The Englewood Fire Department first purchased a Type 5 engine in June 1911 for $7,500. At that time, the governing body understood and appreciated the need to better utilize and care for the engine as well as provide better fire protection for their growing city.
When the city held its annual reorganization meeting on New Year’s Day in 1912, the first matter of business was the creation of a paid fire department of six men with Emil Ruch appointed as the first paid chief. (It should be noted that when it was first organized in 1887, the department was called the Englewood Fire Association and was staffed entirely by volunteers.)
The American LaFrance was the first motorized fire vehicle after the horse-drawn era. It remained in the Englewood fire station on William Street until 1953, when it was purchased by Robert Fuller, a Tenafly volunteer firefighter. The selling price: $50!
This year, Fuller, who is 94 years old and now lives in South Jersey, decided to donate the fire engine back to the Englewood Fire Department.
Englewood Fire Chief Erik Enersen said, “I had been acquainted with Bob Fuller since my introduction into the fire service many years ago. We both shared a keen interest in firefighting history, and when it became necessary to find a new home for the old engine, Mr. Fuller and his daughters reached out to me to see if there would be any interest from the Englewood Fire Department to have it returned to its original home.
“A decision needed to be made rather quickly, as the Fullers were selling the property where the engine had been stored for many years. I discussed the issue with Acting City Manager Jewel Thompson-Chin and she agreed for the donation to be accepted.
“After discussing the issue with other fire apparatus enthusiasts and careful contemplation, I felt it would be in the best interest of the department to take the initial steps to ensure that this piece of history is preserved for the future. Had we not accepted the engine, its future existence would have been quite uncertain.”
Enersen continued, “On behalf of the officers and members of the Englewood Fire Department, I am extremely grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of longtime Firefighter Robert Fuller, who held numerous distinctions and ranks in the Tenafly Fire Department. The Englewood Fire Department has a long history of camaraderie and benevolence with the Tenafly Fire Department, having fought alongside Englewood firefighters at many of the city’s most serious conflagrations throughout the years.”
Moving the fire engine required a flatbed truck and a lot of clearing of dust and debris inside and outside Fuller’s garage at 300 Riveredge Road in Tenafly. The towing was done by ABC Towing in Fort Lee, who donated their services and expertise in vintage transport, particularly those involving difficult removals.
Enersen directed the operation and was assisted by (retired) Firefighter Brian Henecker, whose assistance was greatly appreciated.
“We are very grateful retired Firefighter Brian Henecker, who volunteered his time to help ‘dig out’ the old engine and see it safely returned to Englewood,” Enersen remarked. “Brian, throughout his commendable career, was known for showing outstanding care and concern for the department’s apparatus. His help that day was invaluable.”
Capt. Jeff Kaplan and his son, Evan, and Fuller’s daughters Susan Mann and Nancy Wainwright came to watch the move.
“We are very happy that it is being returned to the fire department,” said Mann.
Enersen explained, “There were a number of concerns about accepting the donation. Among them were considerations about where to store it and future plans for it. Fortunately, we have the shipping container which was acquired by the department when we moved contents and equipment from our old fire headquarters on William Street to our new facility on South Van Brunt Street. Now, we will be doing much research on the appropriate steps to maintain, preserve and possibly restore this piece.”
When the 1911 fire engine arrived at the Englewood fire station on Van Brunt Street, the 10 firemen on duty were amazed at the antique piece of equipment and it generated a great deal of interest and discussion.
Throughout the 1911 LaFrance’s journey from Tenafly to Englewood, passersby gazed in wonder and took selfies, and for good reason: the venerable vehicle is a historic glimpse into a bygone era and part of Englewood’s legacy.
