It just happened that the November meeting of the New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association was set for November 17^th. Exactly one year ago, November 17^th, 2023, the club's organizer, Rich Wolfson, passed away. The photo club was one of Richie's proudest accomplishments.

The 2024 meeting was held at Hasbrouck Heights Fire Headquarters, and it was hosted by Chef of Department Robert Knobloch. The chief is a member of the organization. His father, the late Artie Knobloch, was also a past chief of the HHFD, as well as a past president of the NJMFPA.  

Another former president, Damien Danis, acquired a large portion of Richie's slide collection and his slide projectors. On the first anniversary of his death, Damien had put together an old fashion slide show with Richie's work, bringing back many memories for fellow members. 

Meeting the young fire photographer, and Saddle Brook volunteer firefighter, Richie discovered the young man's interest in fire scene photography, and he took Damien under his wing. He became a second father.

It wasn't just Damien. Rich was always available to give advice to anyone who asked. He volunteered and held photography classes at the Bergen County Fire Academy.  

Rich was a private fire investigator and an expert witness. He loved his job, and an investigation he recently conducted would always come up in a conversation.

In 1984, Rich contacted several serious fire scene photographers about forming a club to promote their goals and the New Jersey fire service. They met at Richie's firehouse-Garfield Company 1. In 1985, the NJMFPA was officially organized with a dozen members. It would soon grow to over 100, with Richie as its first president. Members came from all walks of the first responder community.

Garfield Company 1 was host to many meetings, as well as other area firehouses. It was determined that meetings would be held on a Sunday. This would not interfere with the local fire company's regular meetings and training nights. 

The NJMFPA gave light to many local fire departments of the value of on-scene photography. Rich was proud of the close relationships that were formed between the group and fire officers and firefighters. It was his labor of love.

As the group began to expand, a newsletter was formed. “The Straight Tip,” was sent to area fire departments and fire buff clubs around the country, as well as to many subscribers. It was in this newsletter that the the original Ups and Downs column was created.

Members of the club also organized many successful bus trips. They covered the Camden area, FDNY, metropolitan Boston and Virginia Beach areas. The “first due” bus hit several fires during those tours. 

The club was formed back when cameras used film! You took your print and slide film to a local photo shop and picked them up at a later time. Pick out the ones you liked, and go back to the store to have duplicate slides made to send to publications. All time consuming.

In these “time consuming” days, the club members held an annual Photo Night at a firehouse or a school facility.  Firefighters from the area gathered to see slides of the “jobs” they worked at, shopped for firematic items from vendors, have refreshments and to socialize. These Photo Nights were attended by fellow photographers from venues in New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Louisiana, and even England! Many of them were members of their own local photo clubs. There were also representatives from “Firehouse,” “Fire Engineering,” and “1^st Responder News” in attendance.  You could also find a display of local fire apparatus outside.

These days, firefighters can return to the firehouse and view the job they just operated at by checking their cell phones!  Yes, the beat goes on.

Many members of the NJMFPA are now on pension. They still gather several times a year to catch up and continue to promote the fire service through digital photography. Late members, like Richie, Artie, and many others, are remembered and respected for the life's accomplishments. Richie always said, “We had fun.”