Firefighter John C. Lair, of the Paterson Volunteer Fire Department, was one of the original members of the paid Paterson Fire Department, appointed in March of 1890. On November 22, 1900 as the driver of Engine Company 2, Firefighter Lair fell from the horse drawn hose wagon apparatus while responding to a General Alarm fire at the Ivanhoe Mill and was injured. He never returned to active duty. Eight months later on August 4, 1901, he died of complications from that injury.