I have had the privilege to work in the South BX in the late 70's and early 80's. I was in 48 Truck and we ran in with both 31 & 42 Trucks. Georgie Munch, legendary BX Dispatcher, told me the 3 busiest Trucks when the BX was Burning were 31, 42 & 48. Seeing these Legends operate was beyond belief. Big Jim Ginty was in the middle of it all. I loved going down Bruckner Blvd towards their area. St John's & Beck was a Good box. I then had the opportunity to work with his son, Jimmy, in 59 Truck (The Blue Devils). Jimmy & I studied together for the LT exam and were promoted on the same day in 1994. When I had the Honor to become the Captain of Tower Ladder 120, Big Jim's other son, Patty became the Capt of Hook & Ladder 175. We saw then often and had a great time when we did, besides going to many fires together. We were part of the 44 Battalion. Arguably the best Battalion on the Job. I am trying to wrap my limited skull around this loss and it is difficult. We just buried Capt Frank Pampalone (Ladders 40, 42, 59 & 111) within the last year and he and Jimmy worked together in 42. As a young Fireman in Ladder Company 48, I would be working the holidays. We would go to midnight mass at 42 Truck's quarters on Christmas Eve. There would be 10-12 rigs outside. It was a wonderful & moving experience. Today, they would "hook you up" for being out of your area. Big Jim, rest easy My Friend. The Best thing I have heard since Jimmy's passing was from a 236 Engine guy (and former Marine) thanking Jimmy for starting up "this Beautiful thing, the band". RIP to a True FDNY & American Legend...
Read more: http://fdnyrant.proboards.com/thread/21008/ret-james-ginty-korean-veteran?page=1#ixzz5UHZZtSTf
