New Home for Monmouth Beach Firefighters
Always Ready & Brave …
MB firefighters …
The Monmouth Beach Fire Company is front of mind currently. Its new firehouse on Beach Road has been completed — there for all to see. Situated at the heartbeat of Monmouth Beach — its civic center — is a spanking new, large and modern firefighting complex. A place both necessary and fulfilling.
Organized in 1905, MBFC service actually predates the borough by a year. Most borough residents are wise enough to realize their good fortune in having such able and alert firefighters on duty. The sacrifice and skill they’ve exhibited through the years — protecting the lives and property of neighbors — is a matter of record. I am a proud volunteer fireman since March 1982.
In January 1906 the “Monmouth Beach firehouse construction contract” was awarded to Abraham Francis (a North Long Branch builder), according to the Long Branch Daily Record. Built at the corner of Beach Road and Borden Street the structure was moved east in 1919 to its present location next to Borough Hall. While it’s had several alterations through the years (big ones in the late-1950s and 1980s), much of the original frame structure endures as part of the new facility.
That’s 119 years and counting. I’ve always thought the building had a strength and character about it — much like its membership. It has been my honor to serve with many fine people over four decades. Associating with a lot of men that I respect and admire. Our firehouse — with its colorful past and promising future — is a tribute to their Monmouth Beach loyalty. I’m excited and hopeful about the future of the fire company and its fine new headquarters. Good luck to all!
To this day fire company membership owns the building and the land. Presented here are some firehouse images and other MBFC photos from various times, places and sources. Check back for updates:
• More MBFC History — HERE
Help the Heroes! — Old Monmouth Beach firehouse sign, 1930. Based on 2024 borough finance department calculations, Mayor David Stickle said that if taxpayers had to fund annual professional fire protection the cost would reach $3 million. Currently the all-volunteer fire company receives a $55,000 annual appropriation from the town’s budget. It’s a fabulous arrangement for taxpayers but in the course of building a modem fire headquarters on Beach Road, the company has taken on a mortgage (about $250,000). The cause and the contract are worth preserving. For donation info go — HERE.
Sign of the Times — New Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road, March 2024. The modern facility ensures the survival and integrity of municipal volunteer service — a cornerstone of what makes Monmouth Beach such an outstanding and close community.
On Duty — New Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road, May 2024.
Happy New Year! — Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road aerial image, January 1, 2024 (David Booth Photo).
Shining Through — Monmouth Beach firehouse on Christmas morning, December 2023.
Sharper Image — New Monmouth Beach firehouse nearly ready, November 2023.
First Home — The original Monmouth Beach firehouse, 1910. Built on the corner of Beach Road and Borden Street in 1906. The land was purchased from Isaiah West for $500. The building was later remodeled and moved to its present location in 1919.
Town Footprint — Monmouth Beach Borough Hall (l) and Firehouse (r) at Beach Road and Willow Avenue, 1950s. Most of the property was owned by Jemima Cook. Born in England, she came to Monmouth Beach in 1867 and lived in town until her death in November 1913 at age 93. Her husband, Jonathan, the original Beach Road property owner, died in 1876. The town acquired the land from her estate in 1917.
Front Lines — Borough Hall (l) and Firehouse (r) on Beach Road, 1930. In June 1914 the town acquired the old casino and Cook properties (at Willow Avenue and Beach Roads) for $4,000, according to the Long Branch Daily Record.
Watching Over — Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road aerial image, Fall 2012.
Plans Change — New firehouse in Monmouth Beach? Long Branch Daily Record, March 1919. By August 1919, the company had agreed to save and move the structure.
For Sale! — Monmouth Beach firehouse. Long Branch Daily Record ad, March 1919.
Early Days — The firehouse (l) when it was located at the corner of Beach Road and Borden Street, 1906. The fire company had acquired the property from Isaiah West for $500. The building was moved east next to borough hall in 1919.
See Thru — Monmouth Beach firehouse during major renovations, November 2022. The century-old building was badly damaged in Superstorm Sandy over a decade ago. The $1.5 million upgrade is being done by Shorelands Construction.
Monmouth Beach firehouse, 2022. The first ever vote to build a borough school was held in the firehouse in July 1906; the electorate rejected a $20,000 appropriation by 40-8.
Town Center — Borough Hall and Firehouse on Beach Road, 1950s. The Borough Hall — “a home for the business of the borough,” according to Mayor A.O. Johnson — was officially opened in April 1918. Prior to that, the borough council met in the firehouse (paying a $10 monthly rent).
Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road, 1934.
Foundation Guys — Ground-breaking for a $100,000 firehouse addition, June 1983. At right are: Mayor Lou Sodano, Builder Bill Hansen, Architect Al Benoist and Fire Chief Bill Barham. The addition was needed to house the department’s new tower-ladder firetruck.
High Tide — Superstorm Sandy did catastrophic damage to the firehouse, October 2012.
After Sandy — Monmouth Beach firehouse, November 2012.
Winter Warriors — Monmouth Beach firehouse, December 2010.
Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road, 1910s. The curved bell was donated by the NJ Southern Railroad in May 1907. The tower and bell were removed in 1919 after the firehouse was moved up the road and it could hook into the town’s electric alarm system.
Monmouth Beach firehouse, 2016.
Monmouth Beach firehouse, 2017.
Monmouth Beach firehouse, 1940s.
Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road, July 1983.
Monmouth Beach firehouse, 1955.
Monmouth Beach firehouse, 1941.
Line Up — Monmouth Beach firehouse, 1950s.
MBFC and MB First Aid Squad buildings, 1984. Work on a $100,000 addition designed by Al Benoist is underway at the firehouse
MB Firehouse, 1938. The first aid squad building would fill the next door vacant lot — but not for another 35 years.
Firehouse on Beach Road, 1939.
Borough Hall and firehouse on Beach Road, 1930s.
Santa & Elves — The firehouse on Christmas Day, 1940s.
MBFC Model ‘A’ Ford Hose & Chemical Fire Truck, 1930.
MBFC Mack Fire Truck, 1948. The 500-gallon pumper — still active today — was the first joint fire company-borough purchase.
MBFC Dodge Fire Truck. The 200-gallon pumper and auxiliary vehicle went online in town in early 1955.
God’s Hand — The Reverend W. Winfield West, MBFC Chaplin, 1983. A man of varied abilities, “Wink” West was elected to the Monmouth Beach School board of education in 1941. Appointed board business secretary in 1953 he held that post for over 35 years. His influence was so profound that he was occasionally called a “10th board member.” In addition to his 50-year MBFC service, he managed the Monmouth Beach Freezer Company from 1945 to 1982. He was also a Methodist pastor. Ordained in 1941, he ministered in North Long Branch, Rumson, WLB, and Wayside. The borough native and father of five died in July 1993.
“Lest We Forget” — MB Fire Company-MB First Aid Squad memorials on Beach Road, 2017
Honor Duty — Memorial Day services at the firehouse on Beach Road, 1950s.
Big Reach! — The MBFC held a “Wet Down” for its new Sutphen 100+ Tower Ladder — seen here on display at the firehouse on Beach Road. May 1988 (Jack Flaherty Photo).
MBFC junior firemen receive instruction, 1950s. Several future fire chiefs are in the image.
Building & Growing — Volunteer members working on a firehouse addition, 1959.
On the Team — Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of MBFC at firehouse on Beach Road, October 2015.
MBFC Santa and elves on Christmas morning, December 2023.
Winners — A victorious MBFC Field Day team at the firehouse, Fall 1931.
Old Guard — Firefighters at the firehouse on Beach Road, 1910.
In Honor — Firehouse tribute to Ex-Chief William Marsh, September 2019. The borough’s longtime electrician, Bill was a 70-year MBFC member and its chief in 1960.
Big Guy — MBFC Sutphen Tower Ladder truck, 2014.
More MBFC Images …
Lost Leader — John A. Maney, Jr. house & paint shop on Riverdale Avenue, 1920s. A Monmouth Beach pioneer, he was the borough’s first fire chief (in 1908) and also a member of the first borough council (in 1906). According to the Long Branch Daily Record, he died in his shop from accidental asphyxiation in February 1925 the night before beginning a paint contract on Borough Hall. The 1865 borough native left a wife and five children (and three future fire chiefs).
Henry Mihm (r) is honored for his 50 years of service to the MBFC, Long Branch Daily Record, Sept. 1965. Joining him at the Hi-Henry Inn are Judge Frank Crahay (l) and Walter Bloom (c).
In the Beginning — “Monmouth Beach Fire Department” vintage member badge, 1905.
The Mack Fire Truck delivers Santa Claus to well-wishers at the borough hall on Beach Road, December 2023 (Jack Flaherty Photo). The driver is Tim Somers, a current borough commissioner and former fire chief.
New Year — New Jersey Lt. Governor KIm Guadagno and Mayor Dave Stickle at MBFC officer swear-in ceremony, 2012.
Mack Fire Truck rolls along during the American Bicentennial-Monmouth Beach Celebration Parade, July 1976. Acquired by the MBFC in 1948, the 500-gallon pumper is still on line today.
MBFC Mack Fire Truck (Jim Burner Photo).
MBFC Hahn Fire Truck, 1960s. The borough acquired the pumper firetruck in 1962 for $26,000.
MBFC Hahn Fire Truck, 1989.
Company Leaders — Former fire chiefs Phil Kuhlthau and Burt Barham, January 2016. Phil was fire company chief (1990), serviced for 15+ years as the company’s executive secretary and for 25+ years as its chaplain.
From the Top — MBFC Ex-Chiefs: Paul Kleiberg, Jim Maney, Bill Hansen and Donald Ritz, 1990s.
Summer’s End — Monmouth Beach Firemen’s Fair sign on Ocean Avenue, August 1967. (Jack Flaherty Photo). Fireman-brothers John (above) and Charlie Schulz chaired the fair that summer.
“The Mack” — Monmouth Beach Firemen’s Fair ’23 on Ocean Avenue.
MBFC Chief’s Car, September 2023.
MB Fire Company Line Officers, 2012.
MBFD Sutphen 100+ Tower Ladder truck at MBBP, October 2022.
MBFD Sutphen 100+ Tower Ladder truck behind firehouse and borough hall, 2011.
“Santa” and Monmouth Beach firemen deliver toys, Christmas 1973. The borough fire company started distributing Christmas morning presents in 1946. Quality, gift-wrapped toys are home-delivered by “Santa & Elves” to all borough children (Infant to Grade 4).
“Santa” and Monmouth Beach firemen deliver toys on Christmas Day, 1973. Firemen-brothers Ed and Tony Moro each volunteered to serve as “Santa” for over 25 years.
“Santa” and Monmouth Beach firemen deliver toys on Christmas Day, 1973. Borough firemen have been paying “Santa” for 75 holiday seasons now.
Fire at Monmouth Beach Cold Storage plant (“The Freezer”), January 1972. Owned by the Johnson family since 1912, the business packed and stored fish for distribution in the NYC-Philadelphia area. Storage capacity was 1.5 million pounds of fish. The family sold the business in 1977 and planet closed in 1982.
Monmouth Beach Cold Storage plant fire, January 1972. For years, “the Freezer” on Riverdale Avenue offered steady employment for local teens willing to work hard and stink of fish. During a rush some 40 guys were needed. Frank P. Joyce, Sr. served as the plant’s chief refrigeration engineer for 42 years. Born in Norway, he was a longtime Long Branch resident and father of four sons. He died in August 1971.
Parade & Party — Early support for borough firemen. APP story, July 1910.
Gone Glory — this Ocean Avenue mansion was a total loss to fire, 1940s.
River Avenue home is engulfed in flames, 1958.
MBFC members during their “Annual Dinner” at Borough Hall, December 2021.
Enjoying a Mack Fire Truck ride during the MB Firemen Fair held at the MBBP, Sept. 2022.
Big Pitch — Mayor Sidney Johnson plays the dunking booth game during the MB Firemen’s Fair held at the firehouse on Beach Road, August 1973 (Dan Hennessey Photo). The fair’s first dunking booth was in August 1939.
Borough firefighters outside the Monmouth Beach firehouse on Beach Road, 1950s.
Borough firefighters are ready for Christmas Day toy distribution to town children, 1950s.
MBFC Field Day Team, 1990s.
MBFC Mack Fire Truck. Mayor G. Henry Mihm (l) and ex-Chief James Maney (r) inspect the company’s new 500-gallon pumper. Long Branch Daily Record, April 1949.
Mayor Sidney Johnson was a longtime member and supporter of the MB Fire Company, 1977.
The MB Firemen’s Fair dunking booth is busy, 1970s.
Mayor Lou Sodano (r) with MBFC chief officers (Kevin Keddy, John Schulz and Tim Somers) at Tower Ladder dedication ceremony, May 1988 (Jack Flaherty Photo).
Fire Chief Tim Somers at the Tower Ladder truck dedication ceremony, May 1988 (Jack Flaherty Photo).
MBFC “Wet Down” for its new Sutphen 100+ Tower Ladder, May 1988 (Jack Flaherty Photo).
1988 MBFC line officers at the “Wet Down” for the new Sutphen 100+ Tower Ladder, May 1988 (Jack Flaherty Photo).
Mayor Lou Sodano with his wife Joan at the MBFC “Wet Down” for its new Sutphen 100+ Tower Ladder, May 1988 (Jack Flaherty Photo). It was under Sodano’s administration that the new fire truck was acquired.
MB Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, 1970s.
MB Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, 2000s.
MB Fire Company members prior to delivering toys on Christmas morning, 2021. Gift-wrapped toys are home-delivered to all borough children, infant through Grade 4. The MBFC is one of the few, if only, area organizations to deliver toys on the actual holiday. The tradition dates to Christmas Day 1946.
The beginnings of the MBFD Ladies Auxiliary. Long Branch Daily Record, February 1909.
MB Firemen’s Fair at MBBP, Sept. 2021.
First Monmouth Beach Firemen’s Fair ad, 1937. Prior to the first fair held in 1937, the fire company’s main fundraiser in the early years was an annual “Summer Dance” held from 1905 to 1936. Fred Cook was a longtime committee chairman.
MB Firemen’s Fair at MBBP, Sept. 2021.
MBFC Grave Decoration Detail, 1970s. From left: Mike Heath, Bob Koch, Tom and Dan Hennessey.
MB Fireman’s Fair ring-toss game, 1970s.
MBFC Mack Fire Truck during town Halloween Parade, 2018.
Firemen Father & Son: Dick and Dickie Keller tend bar during a MBFC Annual Dinner party, 2000s.
MB Fire Company team in action, 2020.
MBFC Line Officers, 1990s.
“Super Santa” — Harold “Skeets” Peterson distributes gifts to kids on Christmas Day, 1950s. Born in Monmouth Beach in August 1916, Harold had a remarkable record of public service — WW II US Navy vet, 4-term borough public works commissioner (1953-1977), fire company chief (1952) and 60-year member. He served with Mayor Sidney Johnson, when the town experienced wide population and construction growth. Successful at business too, he was partners (with Ed Koch, Ed Woolley, and Al Ferrugiaro) in the borough-based Peterson Wholesale Seafood Company for over 40 years. A resident of Navesink Drive, he and his wife, Dorothy, raised six kids in town: Harold, Jr., Barbara, Nancy, Judy, Janet, and Marjorie. Harold died in 2008.
Ladies Auxiliary of the Monmouth Beach Fire Company logo, Founded in 1956.
MBFC celebration, 1970s.
MB Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary 5th Anniversary: from left: Myrt Marsh, Anita Maney, Helen Marsh, Harriet Miller, Alice Johnson, Mary DeMarco and Val Dougherty, 1960.
MBFC line officer, 1950s.
Victorious MBFC Field Day team in Sea Bright, mid-1970s.
MB firefighters battle house blaze on Valentine Street, 2020.
MB Firemen’s Fair, 1973.
MB Firemen’s Fair, 2010s.
Clarence Cook Museum-Building dedication at MBFC, May 1989.
Clarence Cook Museum-Building, May 1989. Clarence was the first chairman of the MB Firemen’s Fair committee in 1937.
Vivian Johnson’s Nightclub in Galilee on fire, 1935.
St. Peter’s Church of Galilee on fire, 1955.
St. Peter’s Church of Galilee on fire, May 1955.
St. Peter’s Church of Galilee on fire, May 1955.
St. Peter’s Church of Galilee on fire, May 1955.
MBFC members, 2005.
MBFD Line Officers, 2005 (Jack Flaherty Photo).
MBFD members, 1910.
MBFD Hook & Ladder, 1910.
MBFD Hook & Ladder, 1910.
MB tower 100-foot ladder truck, 2010s.
MBFD Line Officers, 1950s.
MBFD officers, 1950s.
Channel Club Tower 6th floor fire, 1985.
MB Firemen’s Fair, 1972.
MB Firemen’s Fair, 1972.
MB Firemen’s Fair, 1972.
Good Cookin’ at the MB Firemen’s Fair: Al Jones, Ernie Brina, John Keller and Dickie Keller, 2000s.
Police Chief Dick Keller in dunking booth at MB Friemen’s Fair, 1970s.
MB Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, 2003.
MBFC executive officers, from left: Carl Mason, secretary; Harry Tober, president; and Charlie Schulz, treasurer, 1980.
MB fireman Donald Ritz, 1965.
Pete’s Inn after fire, 1931.
MB School Halloween Parade, 1952.
APP story on the worst fire in borough history, December 1929.
MB firemen in action at Wharfside Manor, 2017.
MBFC ’48 Mack Fire Truck, 2017.
MB firemen battle a Sea Bright fire, 2019.
MB fire, 2000s.
MB Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, 1970s.
MBFC 75th Anniversary celebration, 1980.
MB Fire Company members honored for 50 years of service: Sidney Johnson, Jr., Burt Barham, and Louis Ferrugiaro, 12/18.
MB firemen at Field Day, 1947.
Boat fire near Manahasset Creek in MB, 2018.
MB Firemen’s Fair “Ride on the Mack,” 2015.
MB Fire Company celebration, 1950s.
MB Fire Company bowling team, 1960s.
Shoreland’s boathouse fire, 1965.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 2005.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 2005.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 2005.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 2005.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 2005.
MB firmen celebrate New Year’s Day, 1950s.
Channel Club Tower fire, 1985.
Walter Mihm preps for annual dinner for MB Fire Company, 1970s.
MB firetruck, 1960s.
MB Fire Company Field Day champs, 1976.
MB Fire Company 50-year members, 2005.
MB firemen deliver toys on Christmas morning, 2017.
MB firefighters battle a blaze on Seaview Avenue, mid-2010s.
MB firehouse and fire truck, 1960s.
MBFC Mack Fire Truck, mid-2010s.
MB Fire Company line offers sworn in by Mayor Sue Howard and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, mid-2010s.
MB firefighters battle a blaze on River Avenue, January 2015.
MB firemen, 1945.
MB Fire Company-MB First Aid memorials on Beach Road, 2017
MB firemen deliver Christmas Day gifts, 1940s.
MB firemen delivering Christmas morning gifts, 1950.
Andy Cancalosi and Russ Springs at the gaming wheel for MB Firemen’s Fair, 1970s.
MB-American Bicentennial Celebration: Parade, July 1976.
MB-American Bicentennial Celebration: Parade, July 1976.
MBFC Executive Officers – From left: Treasurer Charles Schulz, Secretary Carl Mason, VP Bob Ruland, and President Harry Tober, 1980.
MBFC’s 1974 Hahn firetruck, 1980.
MBFC’s 1963 Hahn firetruck, 1980.
MBFC’s 1954 Dodge firetruck, 1980.
MBFC Hahn firetruck dedication: From left: Mayor Sidney Johnson, Commissioners Harold Peterson and Ed Feste, MBFC Chief John Brazas and MBFC President Frank Introcaso, 1974.
MBFC members set to deliver toys on Christmas morning, 1940s.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 1980.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 1980.
MB Fire Company ex-chiefs, 1980.
MB firemen and friends at MB Inn for World War II service farewell, early 1940s.
MB Firemen’s Fair, 1980s.
Ladies Auxiliary of the MB Fire Company, 2005.
MB firemen on their new firetruck, 1920s.
MBFC officers John Brazas and Mike Heath thank Jay W. Ross (l) for a sailboat donation, 1970s.
MB Fire Company members, 1980.
MB Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary members aid firefighters, 1950s.
Fire at the 15-room mansion of Dr. John Schwartz on Club Circle-River Avenue, March 1958.
MB Firemen on Christmas morning, 1950s.
MBFC 25th Anniversary party, APP, October 1930.
