Signal 22 began when a small group of concerned citizens aka “fire buffs” were watching the Trenton Fire Department battle a large lumber yard fire in South Trenton, New Jersey in 1938. It was a hot and humid day, and the only nourishment was the water coming out of the fire hoses. Those same concerned citizens, and their wives, went home and made several trips with hot coffee and assorted sandwiches.
Later, when Signal 22 was founded, they only responded to second alarm fires or larger.
Three years later, they formally organized what is now known as the Signal 22 Canteen Unit. The members got together and purchased a pre-World War II walk-in truck. They converted it into the first mobile canteen unit. They also purchased large stainless steel thermoses which they used to transport coffee, and cold water. They mounted one red beacon light which was centered on top over the drivers cab.
By 1955, the Signal 22 Canteen Unit grew to 35 members. Thanks to contributions by fire companies, and individual fire fighters, Signal 22 was able to purchase a 1955 Chevrolet walk-in bread truck. This was converted into their second mobile canteen unit.
In 1997, Signal 22 purchased their third and current primary vehicle. It is a Chevy walk-in truck. Signal 22’s scope of operational calls has expanded to include any emergency, long term, operations. These include water recovery, wind damage, natural gas leaks, and several primary fuel line ruptures of the major fuel distribution line along the turnpike. They responded to the hazmat calls, such as the anthrax contamination event, at the post offices in Trenton, Ewing, Hamilton, and other locations.
Since then, the scope of the operations has grown even more. Signal 22 now responds to all man-made and natural disasters. In 2009, Signal 22 received a donation of a Dodge Mini-van. This second vehicle is being used to re-supply the primary vehicle, and secondary calls. Signal 22 is now not only a canteen unit, but a rehab unit as well.
