About Us...
The New Jersey Metro fire Photographers Association
The NJMFPA is made up
of over 100 members from all aspects of the emergency services fields. We
have police officers, firemen, EMS workers, dispatchers, and plenty of
firebuffs. We are one of the largest active fire photography associations
on the East Coast, and our national associate membership base stretches as far
as Chicago, Louisiana, Florida, and overseas to England. We hold monthly
meetings, usually on the third Sunday of each month,
at various firehouse locations in the Bergen, Passaic, and Essex county regions
of New Jersey. Guests and visiting buffs are always welcome to attend a
meeting. Additionally, we organize several trips to visit brother firemen
in other states during the course of the year.
History
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 over 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 Straight Tip newsletter
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. Twelve monthly issues only cost $15.00 for subscribers. All regular
and associate members receive the newsletter as part of their annual dues. Check the other pages in this web site and sign up to receive a free copy
of The Straight Tip with a subscription form.
Association Officers
President:
Damien
Danis
Vice President:
Rich Wolfson
Corresponding
Secretary: Brian Sheppard
Recording Secretary:
Vicki Kaminski
Treasurer:
Scott Wentworth
Sgt. At Arms: William
Walliser
Trustees:
Vinnie Martin,
Keith Nicoliello, John Malool
Committee Chairs
Apparatus Shoots:
ByLaws: Gene Wypler
Membership:
Keith Nicoliello
Newsletter:
James Wood, Sr
PhotoNight:
Carol Candeloro &
Scott Wentworth
Radio System:
Bill Tompkins
Trips & Events:
Website:
Scott Wentworth
Contact us for more info
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