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Over the past few years I wrote of the following . I would like to tie these memories together in this one History category, while I can. The Bravest of the Brave. In my 37 years I never worked with a FDNY coward. They were, to the man, the bravest.But one firefighter did stand alone, FF...

Whenever Thanksgiving comes around I can't help but remembering 1961, the Times Tower Fire that Thanksgiving eve. From WNYF Winter 1962- The Times Tower is a 25 story building with a cellar and 3 sub-cellars, the 4th cellar being 70' below the street and was where the fire originated.  This...

As the saying goes "no two fires are the same." Routine perhaps in the majority but never the same. Unusual, seldom used. One "unusual" was during a summer day-tour in 82 engine. A first due box for the house (82,31,B27) came in early in the tour. Responding the Bx dispatcher calls me on the air...

To all the vets out there may you have a happy and healthy Veteran's Day, with many more to come.  My daughters husband was a Navy doctor. They lived in Beaufort, SC as he was stationed at the Marine Corp. Air Station in Beaufort. Outside the main gate of the base was a large billboard reading...

There has been much appreciated praise for the "war years firefighters." The first shots (buildings) of these years started around 1965, ended 1978. If these years had started around 2015 I believe that the FDNY members today would perform no different in any respect to the members of those past...

So many changes from the first year on the job, 1960, and the last, 1997. Responded by the bells which just gave us the street location. During the busy years on busy tours the circuits were open and every box would come in, bells ringing was continuous. When I left we had the teleprinter...

To set the record straight I was against the FAST truck concept at its birth, I thought it would strip areas of truck companies on short-lived all-hands. When I was a BC I transmitted an all-hands, legit, for a job. On the all-hands they relocated as procedures an engine and truck. Found out...

I turned 81 this past August, figured I would post what I remember, while I can, how the FDNY changed over my years. Masks- when I came on assigned 74 engine. My years there 74 was considered busy for engines, we were 9th,11th and 14th in workers my 3 years there, Workers were any job you went...

Thanks Mike. The changes in the FDNY from the day I walked into the 6th Division in 1960 and retired in 1997, really amazing. I can't imagine today letting guys, or girls, girls? walk into a firehouse; no training, put on gear and respond to fires. Changes in the city. In 19 those few weeks I...

A lot of remembrance , where to start, I guess the beginning. Came out of the Navy 1958, did 3 years on what was called a "kiddee cruise," enlisted before 18 discharged before 21. Was fortunate that a number of civil service exams were scheduled in the coming months. Took the FDNY ,NYPD and NY...

FF Joe Ferrari, Ladder 19. Joe was assigned to 19 from 1962 to 1982. Joe could be the "poster boy" for a FDNY  war years firefighter. Tough, dedicated and professional, took no nonsense either in the FH kitchen or at a job. A role model for the younger guys. Rest in Peace Joe, was always a pleasure.

If I had to list the top 10 guys, firefighters and officers, that I worked with, learned from; Vinny Fowler would be in this list. When I first made deputy in 1980 when you were surplus on a weekday 6x9 or on a weekend many times you were assigned to ride with the Safety Chief. This was when I...

As Captain of 82 engine 9/73-5/76 Tommy was one of my Lieutenants. As busy as 82 was then it was a smooth running company before I arrived, during my years and after. So many officers I knew who would do a tour in 82 either on overtime or post coverage would comment to me that when they were...

October 13,1775 the United States Navy had its origins as the Continental Congress ordered the construction of a naval fleet. So, Happy 242nd birthday USN, may there be endless more.

Sorry doesn't express the words for the passing of Tom Lally. The heart and soul of the FDNY are the men. Tom was one of the finest most dedicated to the job of the men I had the privilege of working with during my time.  Rest in Peace Tommy.

Department Order 56 announced the death of retired BC Al Gray, B8 residing in LaJolla, CA. Al Gray was the Captain of Engine 82 early 70's, was Captain Albergray in Dennis Smith's book "Report From Engine 82." He was promoted to BC out of 82 on 9/1/73 and assigned to the 8th Battalion. Saw heavy...

Interesting article in Angie's List Magazine 10/16, Fast Fires.  According to research by Underwriters Laboratories three decades ago you had 17 minutes to get out of your house until the room turned to flashover (1,000 degrees), today you have 3 to 4 minutes. The factors listed are 1...

Maybe again.Had 37 years in the FDNY, many memorable, the most memorable.  Warm summer night tour 1974, 82/31. The Deputy Chief from the 6th Division came into quarters. With the chief was a photographer from Life Magazine. Dennis Smith's book "Report From Engine 82" had been out and on the best...

I do not remember if I posted this FDNY history on this site before, if so; sorry for the repeat, last time. A tribute to a great firefighter and friend, Pete Valenzano, B56 retired, now deceased. In 1985 fairly new on the staff as a DAC I was assigned to the Brooklyn Boro Command as one of the...

Rest in Peace Captain. A leader and firefighter who made a tough job during tough times a little easier and a lot safer.