New year, new fire department line officers. That’s how it goes. Since the dawn of Rumson, Fair Haven and all towns’ time, reorganization has been a New Year rite of passage.

So, in honor of celebrating the swearing in of new fire department line officers, we’re taking you back to 1950 in Rumson. And while this may not have been, or was likely not, a reorganization capture, it was definitely a celebration and line-up of sorts of the old Rumson Fire Department line officers of the era.

One thing’s for sure: these Rumson firemen were all dressed up in dress blues with something to celebrate — a win that garnered a trophy, no less. The win for Rumsonites was as it still is — volunteers poised and ready to rescue. And the rescue isn’t always about a fire. Sometimes it’s just about taking good community care and creating a legacy of service.

Legacy embodies this snapshot back in time, as later generations took their places in serving the community.

Know any of these Rumson men of the early 1950s? What RFH graduating class? Well, one, we know, is Joe Slocum (upper left). Some others? According to Slocum’s daughter Jo Ann, a 1979 RFH grad, next to Joe are Elmer Blumel, Jim Wagner, Buddy Bush and John Slocum (Jo Ann’s uncle). Ed Mc Sorley’s in there, too.

The others? Well, they’re prize-winning Rumson firefighters for sure. Know what else some or all of these guys were known for at RFH?

Have you thanked a volunteer firefighter today?

— Photo/courtesy of Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca

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