The vision for a New Jersey Fire Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial began in the 1960’s when Ernest N. Day started donating a remarkably comprehensive collection of firefighting equipment and artifacts to the Division of Parks and Forestry, NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Since that time the NJFM has acquired its own complimentary collection of apparatus, fire memorabilia and archives. Through exhibition and interpretation of both these resources the museum and memorial are intended to honor the heritage and sacrifice of the state’s firefighters by focusing on the history and evolution of firefighting from the 18th century to the present day.
A very important part of this project is identified in our name “Fallen Firefighters Memorial”. This component was added to our charter in the mid 1980’s and remains a most significant part of our effort. It is meant to recognize all firefighters and specifically honor those who have suffered Line of Duty Death.
In addition to a memorial, exhibits of equipment and fire memorabilia a library is being developed that will serve as an educational resource for those beginning a fire service career and for those who have an interest in fire service history. Included will be training publications, periodicals specific to emergency services interests, “run” histories of specific fire departments and art and photos of historical interest.
While it has been a long time since the idea began our board is working with renewed vigor and energy to have the state identify and assign a suitable facility that will provide not only exhibition and educational facilities, but also areas for collections storage and conservation.
An important part of the vision is that you will join with us and others in a collaborative effort to have a significant world class facility to recognize this history and to honor and memorialize those involved!