The Gong Club was founded by a group of Jersey City fire buffs in 1950.  Initially, members would respond to fires in their own cars and set up jugs of coffee or cold drinks on the running boards of apparatus.  In 1952, the group acquired a used 1941 Ford delivery van and converted it into an emergency response canteen truck.   

The canteen trucks have continued to evolve, with the first custom designed unit built in 1976.  In the 1970's, this truck was very busy during what was described as the “war years.” That rig was replaced by another custom built model in 2001, continuing the tradition of responding to fires and emergencies in Hudson County.  

On the evening of November 7^th, the Gong Club celebrated  their 75^th anniversary with a dinner at the Chandelier, in Bayonne.  Close to 250 friends of the club participated, which included many active and retired firefighters and chief officers.  Members of other fire buff organizations also participated from various parts of the country.  The Gong Club is a member of the International Fire Buffs Association.  The farthest distance “trophy” went to retired city Deputy Chief Robert Cobb, who traveled from Arizona to attend the event.  

On the following afternoon, current club members held a ceremony at the organizations Summit Avenue quarters to remember a club member that lost his life in a fire.

Edward Rugar, 40, was an active club members.  The Hoboken resident loved the fire service.  He was a WW II veteran, serving with the U.S. Navy, and he received several metals. The lighter captain for the Central Railroad of New Jersey had taken the Civil Service test for fireman; however, in those days you were required to have 20/20 vision, which he did not possess.  Along with the Gong Club, he became a Civil Defense fireman in Hoboken.  They were firemen of volunteer status, back in the day, to supplement the career members.  He died assisting members at a smokey fire on Washington Street in 1965.  

Back in those days, the club relied on donations and selling chance books for an annual raffle, to support operations.   A memorial plaque was not acquired.  In those days, members even used their own money for certain items.  

In 2025, the Gong Club has memorial plaques and photos of members of the organization who gave their lives in the line of duty, in a corner of the apparatus bays, near antique fire memorabilia. They are in honor of city Firefighter Carlos Negron who made the supreme sacrifice at a Palisade av. fire in 1993.  Also honored is city Fire Dispatcher Joeseph Lovero who was killed at the World Trade center on 9/11.  

The Palisade av. firehouse (Engine 14, Ladder 7, Haz Mat 1 and 2) is named in Negron's honor.  The fireboat, Marine 1, is the “Joseph Lovero.”   

On November 8^th, a plaque was unveiled by club Chief Connie Spellamn next to the other club heroes memorials.  A copy of a newspaper article describing Rugar's death is also on display. 

Along with club members, some on duty fire companies and chiefs also attended the memorial.  

Never Forget.