HISTORY OF THE NJMFPA 20th Anniversary

New Jersey is known in the fire buff world as a state where the fire load is heavy, and the potential fire load is plentiful, and an abundance of apparatus of all sizes and styles. New Jersey also has a dense population of fire buffs throughout its cities and towns.
In late 1984, Rich Wolfson, a volunteer firefighter in Garfield, NJ, and a buff, decided to try to organize the buffs in New Jersey with one common interest that involves the many facets of fire photography. Rich began asking around the state if they would be interested in organizing a photo club. In March 1985, the first meeting was held at Garfield Co. 1's quarters. A large turn out of buffs began to exchange ideas and show each other photos and slides. A decision was made to form a club and the name "New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association" was adopted.

In the 20 years of its existence, the NJMFPA has grown from an original membership of twelve, to a present count of over ONE HUNDRED members and growing. The membership includes volunteer and career firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, fire service magazine staff writers, and buffs, all with the same common interest of fire photography. As the number of members has grown, so has the photographic ability of the members improved, to a point where now, rarely does a issue of a major fire service publication come out without a photo or article by one of our members in it.

Once a year the NJMFPA holds it's annual photo night. Members, friends, and buffs from all over the country (and occasionally from other countries) meet in Northern New Jersey to watch slide programs from members, meet friends, and make new friends. The NJMFPA Annual Valor Award is awarded on this night to a NJ firefighter that made a rescue during the previous year. The highlight of every photo night is the NJMFPA slide program, put together by Rich Wolfson. With the use of music and dissolve units, it never fails to bring out a full range of emotions from the audience. (This slide program was part of the opening ceremonies at the Firehouse Magazine Expo in Baltimore a few years ago) Raffles are held, food is served, and a great time is always had by all.

The NJMFPA publishes a monthly newsletter called "The Straight Tip" . Each issue contains apparatus information, multiple alarm lists for N.J. and FDNY, fire reports, and photos of fires and apparatus in the metro New Jersey area, including New York City. Check the other pages in this web site and sign up to receive a free copy of The Straight Tip with a subscription form.