Thank you Chief for this story and my condolences to you and your Brother FDNY Members who feel the loss of these two "Highly Respected" FDNY War Years Captains. Both Captain Bill Tursellino and Captain John Wakie. They weren't afraid to stand up for what is right and what they believed in.
They served their purpose in life well. Not only as some of the worlds busiest firefighters, but as fire officers that other officers throughout not just the FDNY, but other depts. as well, would respect.
I have followed these pages of "Another War Years Vet Passes" since it's beginning. Most of course I don't know but I feel that maybe along the way, "we have met before". As a buff of many years, "I feel that these War Years Firefighters, based on the amount of work they did, there will NEVER be another generation of firefighters like this".
This "Greatest Generation of Firefighters" fought a war on a daily basis for over a decade within our most populated and largest city in the country. They were the "busiest in this country fighting fires" and probably the busiest firefighters in the world.
As a young buff/firefighter, these guys treated me great. They answered my numerous questions, they allowed me to ride with them to see for myself just how it is, and they invited me into their firehouses to stay and see for myself as their visiting guest.
I will ALWAYS be very grateful for what these firefighters did for me.
Thank you and May They Rest in Peace.