January 31st in the FDNY
FF Arthur J Renk & FF Christopher Dressel, Engine 138(238). January 31st, 1904
FF Peter J Gaffeney Injured January 31st, died February 1st, 1904
Box 493 2-50 Noble Street Brooklyn.
3 members of Engine 138 ( Now 238) were killed at a fire in the American Manufacturing Company plant at the foot of Noble Street. The factory was filled with jute, the product of hemp. The fire was small but the fumes & smoke were extremely heavy. Engine 138 was first due. Upon entering the building, the whole company was overcome by the smoke & fumes. Firemen Renk, Dressel & Gaffeney along with 9 other men were overcome when the gasses were blown back over them. 30 men were fighting the fire from inside the building. Both Renk & Dressel were removed dead from the building while Gaffeney was taken to a hospital where he died several hours later. Fireman Renk was 24 years old. Fireman Dressel was 32 years old. Fireman Gaffeney was only 22 years old. Renk & Gaffeney both got on the job together.
FF James F Hipple, Ladder 49. January 31st, 1965
FF Hipple collapsed of a massive heart attack while getting off duty.