Fire buffs may be maligned by some elites, but many are very dedicated to supporting the fire service at many levels. And yes, they are organized on an international basis.

On Saturday, June 13^th, members of Region 9 of the International Fire Buff Association (IFBA) held a meeting at the newly renovated John T. Brennan Fire Museum, in Bayonne.  

Fire buff organizations from all over the United States and Canada are divided into regions. This area is known as Region 9.  

Region 9 clubs include the Bayonne Fire Canteen, Bell & Siren Club (East Orange), Countywide Emergency Response (Bergen County), Fire Bell Club of New York, Gong Club (Jersey City), North Jersey Fire Canteen Support, NYCFire.net, Second Alarmers of Philadelphia, Signal 22 Association (Trenton) and the Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (national).    

“The purpose of the IFBA is to serve as a common ground for fire buff, law enforcement, rehab emergency service, firefighting historical groups, other fire service groups and  individuals, allied emergency services and their officers and members,” according to their web page.  

In addition to rehab, organizations in this region are also part of fire museums, conduct apparatus musters and parades, plus sponsor valor awards. The IFBA holds an annual convention in a host city covered by one of the organizations in the USA or Canada. Members visit fire departments and buff organizations to exchange notes and observe how fire departments outside of their own areas operate. They may bring home some new ideas on how to improve operations in their own back yards.   

Members of some of these organizations traveled to the Bayonne museum to discuss various topics. This included better ways to handle rehab operations at emergency scenes, nutrition and healthy items to serve, etc. 

In addition, there was a long discussion on improving communications at a major incident where multiple rehab/canteen units have been dispatched to. For example, a large scale fire involving several buildings and/or blocks. What organizations are at the scene, their location, supplies needed, etc. This discussion was initiated due to the operations at the recent 12-alarm fire in Belleville. 

Before the meeting began, the visitors enjoyed a tour of the museum and the many historical firematic items on display. This includes two hand-drawn pieces of fire apparatus. There are plenty of photos on display to take you back in time to view those members and apparatus that served before us. The museum, located at 10 West 47^th Street, is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Retired city Battalion Chief Robert Kleczynski was on hand to welcome the visitors.

This firehouse was built in 1875 and housed hand-drawn Hook & Ladder Company Number 1. In 1976, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

These groups of buffs consist of blue collar workers, businessmen, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, etc. They also have mechanics. They are needed to keep the antique apparatus rolling! They volunteer their time, and they are proud of what they do and what they accomplish.