Family Photographs (1)

Thomas A. Douglas, my great-great grandfather on my father's side started this tradition. Although that is NOT him in the photo above, he was the first member of the family to join the Millburn, NJ Fire Department. On April 21, 1876, a bucket brigade was organized in Millburn, NJ. It became known as "Volunteer Fire Company No. 1," and functioned until 1889 when it was reorganized as "Millburn Fire Department." In 1894 the Short Hills and Wyoming sections of Millburn formed companies also and purchased some equipment. It was not until 1912, however, that all companies were organized as one unit under the control of the Township Committee. Thomas A. Douglas was the Fire Chief at that time.

This photo is of Millburn Hose Company #1's Banquet that has held in November of 1912. The gentleman in the rectangle is John T. Partington, my great grandfather on my mother's side. His two sons, John J. (who went on to become Chief) and Ray (who went on to become Captain) were also members of the department.

This is Engine Company #5 of the Millburn Fire Department. The year of the photo is unknown and it is thought that it was taken in front of the Hobart Avenue School. Both of the gentlemen in the rectangle are my great grandfathers. John T. Partington (mother's side) on the left and Douglas MacPhail (father's side) on the right.

This gentleman is Chief Fred L. Buchholz of the Veterans Administration Supply Depot Fire Department in Summerville, NJ. He is my grandfather on my mother's side. "Pa," along with his brother Henry, also served with the Millburn Fire Department. My father's father, John "Grand-Daddy" Aurnhammer was also a member of the department during this period.

The gentleman rectangled in this photo is my father. Lieutenant Douglas Aurnhammer (Millburn Police) did a stint with the Essex County Arson Task Force in the 1980's. Other family members who belonged to the MFD from this generation were my two uncles, Roger Brown and Peter Rooney.

My brother, Don Aurnhammer and his two boys, Sam and Donald, Jr. Don joined the Millburn, New Jersey Fire Department as a volunteer member in 1994. He was appointed to the career division of the department in 1999. My sister, Peggy, was also a member of the department from 1981 to 1986.

The faces that only a mother could love! This is a photo Don and I had taken for mom, on one of my trips to New Jersey.

Fire Chief Thomas W. Aurnhammer, Farmington, NM Fire Department.