811 said:
"On The Job" the FDNY television training program was broadcast on Channel 31, then known as WUHF. An article in WNYF (1st/1962) covers the program's inception, early program topics, and brief instructions on how to adapt your television set to receive it.
A follow up piece in WNYF (2nd/1965), page 15, gives a larger list of early programs and says that they were to be broadcast from the Municipal Building over WNYC on Channel 31 UHF on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. The early logo pictured here
Perhaps I should post this in "War years veteran" death notification. But since "On the Job" is mentioned here, I will pass along the death of retired Lieut. Richard "Dick" Nagel. Dick produced the OTJ series. He passed away December 2018, lived in northern Westchester. Dick was an actor, director and producer. Most importantly a loving dad and husband.
I met Dick in Montour Falls NY back in early 2003. Dick was the Director of the NYS Firefighter Training Center there. I had recently retired and wanted to "stay in the game" so to speak. So I signed up for the six day "Firefighter Instructor Methodology" course that is seldom given. The course required you to stay on campus at this pre-war converted convent for the duration of the course. I lived about 5 hours away, so that worked for me. On my first day, I arrived early, walking through the empty halls I noticed a patch collection on the walls and was taking it in. Dick came early too, approached me and introduced himself. I mentioned I just retired from the FDNY, he lit up! We immediately began exchanging stories. You see, far and few FDNY members took these NYS courses. Needless to say, we hit it off. We spent lunch and most of the down time chatting about the job. He was very passionate and excited to recall the yester-years. We enjoyed each others late night chit-chats, (Dick also stayed on campus as he also lived about five hours away). I told him that I signed up for the fire instructor class and would be missing my retirement party that was put together after I enrolled into the class. There was about eight other brothers retiring, so I did not think I would be missed, furthermore, this class would not be held for another year. I was looking ahead. Anyway, at the end of the school day and my "retirement party date" Dick say's "let's get out of here"- meaning the academy. We escaped in his white caddy to the local town. He and I spent a wonderful evening at the local Red Lobster eating like Kings, sipping scotch, sharing stories and laughing to no end. Dick would not let me go near my pocket! A very special ending to my career shared with a very special new friend.
Thanks Dick, you were a very kind and fine gentleman. I wished I could have known you longer. Rest in peace, Boss.
