October is Fire Prevention Month – but for the firefighters of New Jersey, keeping us safe is and always has been a year-round responsibility.

In the earliest days of our state and nation, fire control was limited to the availability of water and the response of the public. Very early on, some brave members of communities took it upon themselves to band together to form volunteer fire brigades and companies. Later, as cities grew, full-time firefighters were hired to provide service including, but not limited to, putting out fires, executing rescues, responding to medical emergencies and educating the public on fire safety.

While it’s almost impossible to determine which is the oldest fire company in New Jersey, some date back more than 250 years. The Endeavor Fire Company in Burlington, for example, has operated under the same name since 1742. Mount Holly also claims to be the home of the state’s oldest volunteer company, noting that it purchased its first piece of fire apparatus in 1755.

According to firedepartment.net, New Jersey is currently served by 1,020 fire departments, both paid and volunteer. Here's a look at some vintage firefighters in the state, their equipment and their headquarters. Be sure to click on the captions button for even more about the Garden State's bravest.

Next week:. Have any pre-1980 photos of great Halloween costumes? We'd love to see them and possibly use them in a gallery. Send a jpg and description to ghatala@starledger.com.