History
The Development of SCBA
Early American firefighters had to face not only fire and the effects of heat with little or no water supply, but also the debilitating effects of smoke with nothing at all to protect them. As was the case for firemen all over the world, they could not effectively operate under the heavy smoke conditions encountered…
Read MoreSmoky Joe & The Volcano
The morning of July 18, 1922 started as a beautiful day in New York City. The summer sun was just peeking over the top of the Manufacturer’s Transit Company’s seven-story warehouse on Jane Street in Greenwich Village. A little after 8 a.m. warehouse workers were busy loading wooden cases filled with powdered magnesium, into the…
Read MoreOctober 11th in the FDNY
In the Line of Duty FF Patrick J Quail, Ladder 18. October 11th, 1902 While running to an alarm for a window curtain fire, Ladder 18 ran upon the curb along Attorney Street turning onto Delancey. FF Patrick Quail, the tillerman, was thrown from his seat. He died at Bellevue Hospital 8 hours later from…
Read MoreOctober 10th in the FDNY
In the Line of Duty FF Carl Herer, Ladder 19. October 10th, 1967 FF Herer died at home from a heart attack. He was injured June 9th 1967 at box 2767. He was appointed June 1st, 1938. FF Dennis J Heedles, Engine 151. October 10th, 2015. FF Heedles succumbed to 9/11 related illness.
Read MoreFebruary 10th in the FDNY
Lt John R Eastburn, Engine 54. February 10th, 1970 Retired FF Kevin T Murphy, Engine 166. February 10th, 2015 9/11 illness
Read MoreFebruary 9th in the FDNY
Assistant Engineer George A Erlacher, Battalion 2. February 9th, 1873. Injured January 17th, 1873, died February 9th, 1873 Box 38- 183 Water Street, Manhattan Asst Engineer Erlacher was thrown from a hose tender while responding. At Peck Slip & Water St, the tender of Engine 12 was upset when it ran over a pile of…
Read MoreFebruary 7-8th in the FDNY
Retired EMS Lt Paige Humphries, Station 16. February 7th, 2021 EMS Lt Humphries died from 9/11 illness. FF David Muldrew & FF David Clute & Asst Foreman John H Bush Engine 30. February 8th, 1876 Box 0167 – 442-452 Broadway Manhattan. While operating a handline, the 3 firemen were buried beneath a collapse of the…
Read MoreFebruary 4th in the FDNY
FF James P Smith, Engine 17. February 4th, 1885 Box 64, 58 Park Place Manhattan. FF Smith was operating on a ladder helping with a charged hose line. The nozzle was operating into a 5th floor window when it slipped from the grasp of the men above him. Fireman Smith, being in the center of…
Read MoreFebruary 3rd in the FDNY
FF John Slowey, Lafayette Engine & FF George W Badger, Americus Engine 6. February 3rd, 1863 209 Cherry Street, Manhattan The 3rd floor of the Goodwin Bakery caught fire around 8pm. Within a very short time, the 3rd floor had spread throughout the 5 story bldg. The building & it’s contents were a total loss…
Read MoreFebruary 2nd in the FDNY
FF James W Kojac, Ladder 128. February 2nd, 1956 FF Kojac suffered a heart attack while operating at a 2 story row of taxpayers. The fire started in the delicatessen & spread to a meat market, real estate agency & children’s clothing shop. FF Kojac was taken to St Johns Hospital where he died several…
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