This shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the Newark Fire Department with badge number 272. The badge has a stippled background, with raised upper and lower banners that read “NEWARK/EXEMPT” in black enamel. A fire hydrant (or “plug”) is at the bottom of the badge, while two curled hoses emanate from either side of the hydrant and frame the badge’s text. After serving for seven years, members of Newark’s volunteer fire department were exempt from five dollars of tax each year, exempt from jury duty, and exempt from serving in a militia during a time of peace. An association for these exempt firemen was established in Newark on December 17, 1857 for the purpose of aiding disabled members and their families and to render assistance in combating fires as directed by the civic authorities.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the fire department of Passaic, New Jersey. Exempt firemen served five years or more in the volunteer company, granting them exemptions from certain other civic responsibilities. These “exempts” often created associations which mainly served as social clubs, although some exempt fire fighters continued to serve as fire departments if needed. This badge likely dates to the late 19th century. The top of the badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The banners are inscribed with the text “PASSAIC/EXEMPT/FIRE DEPARTMENT.” A laurel wreath surrounds the word “EXEMPT.” This badge is very similar to object 2005.0233.1345, an exempt badge from Kingston.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to the Volunteer Firemens Association of New York City. The badge has a central decoration of a fire helmet with trumpet, hook, ladder, lamp, and axe arrayed in a circular pattern behind it. A spread-winged eagle is at the top of the shield, and a plaque at the bottom is inscribed with the number “500.” The Volunteer Firemens Association of New York City was founded on December 22, 1883. The Association welcomed all volunteer firemen who left their companies in good standing as members and provided a social space for them to meet as well as a burial fund to pay for their internment after passing. Other associations for volunteer firefighters—including the Exempt Firemens Association of New York—required five years of service in a volunteer company before joining.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This circular metal fire badge was used by a member of the reorganized Philadelphia Fire Department between 1868 and 1871. A number of municipalities in the county of Philadelphia were consolidated into the City of Philadelphia in the mid-1900s and, in response, the city reorganized its fire department from 1855. The Philadelphia Fire Department was under control of the Committee on Trusts, the Select Council and representatives from the fire service. The Fire Department was still made up of volunteers, with only the Chief Engineer and Assistant Engineers paid by the city.
In 1868, an ordinance was passed to establish this badge for firefighters to wear when not in the uniform of their company. This badge, #95, was issued to James McGough of the Perseverance Hose Company No. 5 on June 1868. The badge has a stippled background and a rim representing a hose. The badge reads “PHILADa’ FIRE/DEPARTMENT” in raised lettering with the silver-colored half inch number “95” in the center.
This shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a member of the New Brighton Fire Department No. 3 of Staten Island, New York. Numerous villages on Staten Island began operating their own volunteer departments in the 1870s. Staten Island was consolidated into the Greater City of New York in 1898, and volunteer departments were replaced with paid municipal companies from 1905 until 1937. This badge likely dates from 1870–1937. There is a circular plaque at the top of the badge with the number “153” inside. Below this are the initials “N.B.F.D.” in silver and beneath that are the raised letters “III” in brass metal. At the bottom of the badge are two female figures flanking a shield with a spread winged eagle gripping a globe on top of the shield. The image is very similar to the state seal of New York, in which mythological figures of Liberty and Justice flank a shield depicting the sun rising behind Mount Beacon over the Hudson River, and a spread winged eagle grips a globe in its talons. At the bottom of the badge are two female figures flanking a shield, with a spread–winged eagle is atop a globe on top of the shield, likely a simplified version of the state seal of New York.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This circular fire badge was made for an exempt fireman in the New York Fire Department sometime between 1860 and 1865. The badge is made from white metal, with the raised company number “40” in the center made of Prince’s metal. The rim of the badge is made to resemble a riveted fire hose, with the nozzles joined at the bottom. At the top of the badge is the badge number “20” inscribed into a circular plaque. The badge has the initials “N.Y.F.D.” at the top and a raised image of a four wheeled hose carriage at the bottom. This was the second type of badge issued by the New York Fire Department, after an 1855 ordinance by the Common Council authorized a badge to be issued to the city’s firemen. Exempt firemen received a badge in white metal with numbers cast in Prince’s metal. Firemen that had not previously served five years received badges made of Prince’s metal with white metal numbers.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the Hoboken (New Jersey) Fire Department. The badge has a central image of a hook, ladder, lantern, and trumpet arrayed behind a fire helmet. A circle around the decoration bears the raised text “EXEMPT/HOBOKEN.FIRE.DEPT.” Different cities had different rules regarding the years of service necessary to be considered exempt and what duties were exempted. Generally, exempt firemen were firemen who had served a set number of years in the volunteer department and were now excused from certain civic responsibilities like jury duty, some taxes, and peacetime militia service. Later, exempt firemen created their own social associations to foster camaraderie and “continue the fraternal associations” established as volunteer firemen. The Hoboken Association of Exempt Firemen was established in 1860, and its meeting house still stands at 213 Bloomfield Street and serves as a Fire Department Museum.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Rapid Hose Company No. 1 of Rondout (now Kingston), New York. The Rapid Hose Company was founded in 1860 before Rondout became part of Kingston, New York, in 1872. In 1877 Kingston incorporated the Rapid Hose Company No. 1, and it still operates into the 21st century. The badge has an upper banner that is inscribed “RAPID HOSE,” a lower banner inscribed “RONDOUT,” and a bottom plaque inscribed with the number “1”. All the inscriptions are filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge is decorated with a raised image of a four-wheeled hose carriage, flanked by the initials “F” and “D.” Two crossed trumpets are behind the upper banner, and two hooks and a ladder protrude from the bottom plaque.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Newark, New Jersey. The white metal badge has an upper banner that reads “NEWARK FIRE” and a lower banner that reads “DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. The raised number “327” in brass colored metal is in the center of the badge. Newark had a volunteer fire department prior to its incorporation as a city in 1836, when it transferred to a part paid and part volunteer department. In 1857, the department was re organized, and in 1889 it became a fully paid department. The 1857 city ordinance re organizing the department describes the badge as “made of German silver, bearing the words ‘Newark Fire Department’ and each badge shall bear a distinct number in raised figures thereon of brass metal.” Each member of the department received his badge from the Chief Engineer with a fifty cent deposit.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a superintendent of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments often worked hand-in-hand. Fire Patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, and fire extinguishers and buckets to squelch small fires. The patrols would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge has a banner engraved “SUPERINTENDENT” filled in with black enamel. The Philadelphia Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The original commander’s rank of Captain was changed to Superintendent circa 1915.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Kingston Exempt Association of Kingston, New York. Exempt Associations were formed when exempt firemen, who had served five years or more in the volunteer company, created associations after the introduction of paid fire departments. The exempt associations served to foster camaraderie and “continue the fraternal associations” established as volunteer firemen. This badge likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, when most volunteer companies were replaced with paid fire departments. The top of the badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and a hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The banners are inscribed with the text “KINGSTON/EXEMPT/ASSOCIATION/N.Y.” filled in with black enamel. A laurel wreath surrounds the word “EXEMPT.”
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This round metal fire badge has a central decoration consisting of a fire helmet, two crossed fire trumpets, a crossed ladder and hook, fire torch, axe, and other firefighting paraphernalia. Above these is an old fire pumper, and below is a hose reel. The rim of the medal is inscribed "THE VOLUNTEER FIREMENS ASSOCIATION W.D. CITY OF BROOKLYN" with the number "497" inscribed in a plaque at the bottom of the badge. After the dissolution of volunteer firefighting companies in favor of a paid municipal force, volunteer associations were founded to continue the camaraderie of fire houses amongst former volunteers. This badge would have been worn by a member of Brooklyn’s Western District volunteer association, possibly in tandem with his active duty badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped fire badge was made for a fireman in Engine Company No. 38 of the New York Fire Department between 1860 and 1865. The badge is made from white metal, with the raised company number “38” in the center made of Prince’s metal. At the top is the badge number “4” inscribed into a circular plaque. The badge has the initials “N.Y.F.D.” at the top and a raised image of a hand pumped fire engine at the bottom. This was the second type of badge issued by the New York Fire Department, after an 1855 ordinance by the Common Council authorized a badge to be issued to the city’s firemen. Exempt firemen received a badge in white metal with numbers cast in Prince’s medal. Firemen that had not previously served five years received badges made of Prince’s metal with white metal numbers. As a perk of their service, volunteer firemen who served a certain number of years were often “exempt” from various civic responsibilities such as jury duty, peace-time militia service, and certain taxes.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This Maltese cross shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Jersey City, New Jersey. The cross has an image of a crossed hook and ladder on the left arm, the initials “J.C.F.D.” on the upper arm, an image of a steam engine on the right arm, and the number “71” in raised metal on the lower arm. The center of the badge is decorated with the state seal of New Jersey. The seal depicts the female figures of Liberty holding her liberty cap and pole and Ceres (goddess of grain) holding a cornucopia. The figures flank a shield with three plows representing the importance of agriculture, topped by a horse’s head facing left representing speed and strength. The Jersey City Fire Department was organized as a paid municipal fire department in 1871.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a member of the A.M. Dodge & Company Fire Department of Jersey City, New Jersey during the late 19th century. The top of the badge has a decoration of a crossed speaking trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. An upper banner is inscribed “A.M. DODGE & CO.” and a lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. The center of the badge bears a large raised number “28” with the word “FIRE” above it. This badge is somewhat unique in that A.M. Dodge & Co. was a lumber business, and not a municipality. The company organized a fire brigade amongst their employees to prevent what obviously could be a catastrophic loss of wares if a fire did get out of hand. The lumber yard and docks at Jersey City had six fire hydrants and over five hundred feet of hose to help protect the lumber.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This white-metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a fireman with badge number 40 of the Long Island City Fire Department Engine Company No. 1 in Long Island City, New York. The badge was used sometime prior to 1891, when the department became a paid unit. A decoration of a crossed trumpet and a hose nozzle behind a fire helmet sits at the top of the badge. Below is a banner that reads “L.I. CITY F.D.” in raised letters. The badge number “40” is in the center of the badge in Prince’s metal, an alloy of copper and zinc that resembles brass. Below is a raised image of a hand-pumped fire engine in Prince’s metal. A circular plaque at the bottom of the badge is inscribed with the number “1.”
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This metal badge was used by a member of the Brooklyn Fire Department, Eastern District between 1855 and 1869 in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn and New York City were separate municipalities until 1898. The Brooklyn Eastern District Fire Department was organized when the city of Williamsburg was consolidated into Brooklyn, and was separate from the Brooklyn Western District Fire Department until the institution of the paid department in 1870. The oval badge’s rim is encircled by a hose and is topped by a crossed speaking trumpets and a fire nozzle. The badge reads “BROOKLYN E.D./FIRE DEPARTMENT” on upper and lower banners with the brass badge number “1441” raised in the center.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped fire badge of nickel-plated brass belonged to a member of the volunteer fire department of Paterson, New Jersey. The rim of the badge is made to resemble a riveted fire hose, with a fire helmet at the top of the badge. An upper banner bears the word “PATERSON” in raised text, with the lower banner reading “FIRE DEPARTMENT,” also in raised letters. The center of the badge has the raised number “424” in brass in the center. This is the first official badge design adopted by the fire department in Paterson from 1860, and the number was unique to a particular firefighter. These were used until the paid municipal Paterson Fire Department was established in 1890.
