Thomas Coogan, First Fire Chief of Passaic, NJ
From the New York Times of 2 November 1894, here's a brief article entitled "Firemen's Jubilee at Passaic"; the celebration was held on November 1, 1894.
As far as I know, I am not related to this Thomas Coogan, but perhaps some descendant will read this.
It Was a Day of Parades, Dinners, Fireworks, and Dancing.
The Passaic Volunteer Fire Department held its silver jubilee to-day. The city was handsomely decorated.The City Hall looked well, but the work of Alert Truck Company on the river bridge was most admired.The Goddess of Liberty was represented in silver and gold, surmounted by flags, banners, and shields.This piece of work cost the Alerts $3,000.
Good-Will Hook and Ladder Company of Warwick, N.Y. were accompanied by the President, Clerk, and Trustees of the village.They were the guests of the Alerts. The Wallklll Engine Company of Middletown, N.Y., who were also accompanied by their town officers, were the guests of Passaic Engine Company No. 1.
Mayor Walston R. Brown of Passaic invited the more prominent of the visitors to a luncheon at the armory.About 800 guests were present.Mayor Brown reviewed the procession from a platform erected in City Hall Park.All the ex-chiefs of the Passaic Fire Department were in line, in cornmand of THOMAS COOGAN, who was the first chief.
The jubilee closed this evening with a municipal dinner at Whitehead's Opera House, a display of fireworks at the Passaic Athletic Club oval, and a ball at Retlinger's Hall.