The First Captains Of The
Newark Fire Department
On March 1, 1888, the paid position of Captain was created, thereby replacing the rank of Foreman. The following list shows the members of the NFD who were appointed as the very first captains in the part-paid department.
Engine 1 -
Captain William Godber
Engine 2 - Captain Clarence W. Wagner
Engine 3 - Captain Robert F. Morgan
Engine 4 - Captain J. Calvin Cook
Engine 5 - Captain Alfred D. Douorwer
Engine 6 - Captain John Williams
Engine 7 - Captain Charles J. Hamberger
Engine 8 - Captain James O'Brien
Engine 9 - Captain Joseph E. Sloan
Engine 10 - Captain Edward A. Dolbier
Chemical 1 - Captain Frederick W. Ross
On June 1, 1889, the Newark Fire Department became a fully-paid force. The following list shows the members of the NFD who were appointed as the very first captains in the fully-paid department.
Engine 1 -
Captain Charles J. Hamberger
Engine 2 - Captain James O'Brien
Engine 3 - Captain Herman Voight
Engine 4 - Captain J. Calvin Cook
Engine 5 - Captain James V. Hamlin
Engine 6 - Captain Frederick W. Ross
Engine 7 - Captain William Carlon
Engine 8 - Captain William Godber
Engine 9 - Captain Joseph E. Sloan
Engine 10 - Captain Edward A. Dolbier
Engine 11 - Captain John Balevre
Chemical 1 - Captain Socrates B. Wilkinson
The listings shown above were compiled by fellow NFD historian and researcher, Captain Joseph Sperli, of No. 7 Engine Company. A tip o' the ol' NFH high-eagle leather to Joe for his efforts and for sharing this info with us.