The Firehouse Dog That Never Was: Ridgewood’s “Glen” Remains an April Fools’ Legend
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, If you were walking past the Ridgewood Fire Department this morning hoping to spot a wagging tail and a pair of floppy ears, you might have been met with a familiar grin from the crew instead.
For the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47, April 1st has become a day of legendary digital pranks. While some departments stick to tradition, Ridgewood’s social media team once sparked a local “uproar” that people are still talking about years later: The Legend of Glen the Firehouse Dog.
The Prank That Went Viral
It started with a simple, heart-tugging announcement. The union reported that, after years of requests, the department had finally adopted a firehouse mascot. They even gave him the perfect name: Glen, a tribute to the street where fire headquarters has stood for over 30 years.
The response was immediate and overwhelming:
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The “Uproar”: Local residents, dog lovers, and fellow firefighters flooded the comments with support.
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The Phone Calls: Fire headquarters reportedly fielded a barrage of calls from citizens wanting to drop off treats or meet the new recruit.
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The Social Media Surge: The post gained popularity so quickly it caught the department’s own social media manager off guard.
The Famous “Correction”
By the afternoon, the reality set in. The FMBA had to issue an official (and hilarious) update to stop the influx of puppy fans:
“UPDATE: Yes, unfortunately Glen was just an April Fools’ joke… Now I’ve got some people to answer to! Apologies to anyone who had to field phone calls this morning! We will miss you, Glen!”
Why “Glen” Still Matters in 2026
While Glen was a phantom pup, the prank highlighted the strong bond between the Ridgewood Fire Department and the community. In a profession that deals with high-stress emergencies daily, the April 1st tradition offers a rare moment of levity and connection with the residents they serve.
So, while there is no Dalmatian currently riding shotgun on the ladder truck, the spirit of “Glen” lives on every April 1st in Ridgewood.
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Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #Firefighters #AprilFools #CommunitySpirit #FMBALocal47 #FirehouseDog #GlenRock #BergenCounty
