FDNY and NYC Firehouses and Fire Companies - 2nd Section
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ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
BATTALION 7 MEDAL
BC GEORGE L. ROSS, BN. 7 JAN. 10, 1908, 1909 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
Battalion Chief George L. Ross, received the Bennett Medal for saving the life of Department Chief Langford at the Parker Building fire, January 10, 1908, when he carried his unconscious comrade from the fourth floor, where they had been overwhelmed with falling debris, to the street.
1909 MEDAL DAY
PARKER BUILDING FIRE
225 Fourth Avenue, New York City
January 17, 1908
Thirteen-Story Parker Building In New York Destroyed
The Fiercest Fire in Years - Three Firemen Dead and Many Others Injured - Many Daring Escapes From Tenth Story.
New York City. -- Flames consumed to its skeleton or iron and brick the supposedly fireproof structure known as the Parker Building, which occupies the northwest segment of the block bound by Fourth avenue, Eighteenth and Nineteenth streets and Irving place.
The flames licked to the bare bones of the thirteen-story structure. The steel girders, with their facing of white stone on the Fourth avenue side and brick on the other sides, threatened to collapse, and because of this peril the police cleared buildings which nestled beneath the burning structure of hundreds of tenants.
The subway runs under Fourth avenue, and because of the menace of falling walls peremptory orders were sent to the officials of the Inter-Met. Railway to stop traffic in the subway immediately. In case of the collapse of the building. Fire Department officials said, it was practically certain that thousands of tons of masonry would crash into the subway. The order to stop traffic was obeyed.
Three lives were lost and scores of firemen were injured.
The dead are: JOHN FALLON, Fire Patrol 3; GEORGE O'CONNOR, Engine 72; THOMAS PHILLIPS, Engine 72.
Seldom have New York firemen had to fight a more stubborn blaze. There were many thrilling rescues, and from time to time rumors went around that some of those fighting the flames had been killed by falling debris. Many of those working in the building when the fire started were saved with difficulty.
The amount of damage done was estimated by Fire Commissioner LANTRY and Assistant Fire Chief BINNS at more than $6,000,000. They said that the disaster proved the inability of the New York Fire Department to cope successfully with flames in the city's skyscrapers at a greater height than the eighth story.
Parker building fire -numerous rescues - 10th floor - two FDNY LODDs - one NYFP LODD
http://www.ufanyc.org/cms/contents/view/13445
PARKER BUILDING
PARKER BUILDING FIRE - 2 FDNY 1 NYFP LODDS
JOHN FALLON NYFP LODD
FF WINFIELD WALSH LADDER 9 LODD
RIP. NEVER FORGET.
BATTALION 7 MEDAL
BC GEORGE L. ROSS, BN. 7 JAN. 10, 1908, 1909 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
Battalion Chief George L. Ross, received the Bennett Medal for saving the life of Department Chief Langford at the Parker Building fire, January 10, 1908, when he carried his unconscious comrade from the fourth floor, where they had been overwhelmed with falling debris, to the street.
1909 MEDAL DAY
PARKER BUILDING FIRE
225 Fourth Avenue, New York City
January 17, 1908
Thirteen-Story Parker Building In New York Destroyed
The Fiercest Fire in Years - Three Firemen Dead and Many Others Injured - Many Daring Escapes From Tenth Story.
New York City. -- Flames consumed to its skeleton or iron and brick the supposedly fireproof structure known as the Parker Building, which occupies the northwest segment of the block bound by Fourth avenue, Eighteenth and Nineteenth streets and Irving place.
The flames licked to the bare bones of the thirteen-story structure. The steel girders, with their facing of white stone on the Fourth avenue side and brick on the other sides, threatened to collapse, and because of this peril the police cleared buildings which nestled beneath the burning structure of hundreds of tenants.
The subway runs under Fourth avenue, and because of the menace of falling walls peremptory orders were sent to the officials of the Inter-Met. Railway to stop traffic in the subway immediately. In case of the collapse of the building. Fire Department officials said, it was practically certain that thousands of tons of masonry would crash into the subway. The order to stop traffic was obeyed.
Three lives were lost and scores of firemen were injured.
The dead are: JOHN FALLON, Fire Patrol 3; GEORGE O'CONNOR, Engine 72; THOMAS PHILLIPS, Engine 72.
Seldom have New York firemen had to fight a more stubborn blaze. There were many thrilling rescues, and from time to time rumors went around that some of those fighting the flames had been killed by falling debris. Many of those working in the building when the fire started were saved with difficulty.
The amount of damage done was estimated by Fire Commissioner LANTRY and Assistant Fire Chief BINNS at more than $6,000,000. They said that the disaster proved the inability of the New York Fire Department to cope successfully with flames in the city's skyscrapers at a greater height than the eighth story.
Parker building fire -numerous rescues - 10th floor - two FDNY LODDs - one NYFP LODD
http://www.ufanyc.org/cms/contents/view/13445
PARKER BUILDING
PARKER BUILDING FIRE - 2 FDNY 1 NYFP LODDS
JOHN FALLON NYFP LODD
FF WINFIELD WALSH LADDER 9 LODD
RIP. NEVER FORGET.
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ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF JOHN R. HARCKE, LAD. 12 AUG. 20, 1909, 1910 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF Harcke was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal in 1910 for the heroic rescue of Mrs. Mary Louise Bina in a fire August 20, 1909 at 17 E 104th Street.
MEDAL DAY 1910
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF JOHN R. HARCKE, LAD. 12 AUG. 20, 1909, 1910 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF Harcke was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal in 1910 for the heroic rescue of Mrs. Mary Louise Bina in a fire August 20, 1909 at 17 E 104th Street.
MEDAL DAY 1910
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF FRANK J. COSTELLO, LAD. 12 JUL. 18, 1913, 1914 TREVOR-WARREN MEDAL
FF Costello was awarded the Trevor-Warren Medal for the heroic rescues of Louis LeRoff and Isadore Hirschkorn at a fire at 141 W 20th Street on July 18, 1913.
MEDAL DAY 1914
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF FRANK J. COSTELLO, LAD. 12 JUL. 18, 1913, 1914 TREVOR-WARREN MEDAL
FF Costello was awarded the Trevor-Warren Medal for the heroic rescues of Louis LeRoff and Isadore Hirschkorn at a fire at 141 W 20th Street on July 18, 1913.
MEDAL DAY 1914
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDAL
CAPT LAWRENCE MCGUIRE, LAD. 12 1915, 1916 STEPHENSON MEDAL
Capt. McGuire, Ladder 12, was awarded the Stephenson Medal for commanding the most efficient and best disciplined FDNY company in 1915. Capt. McGuire was on the FDNY Roll of Merit 5 times.
MEDAL DAY 1916
LADDER 12 MEDAL
CAPT LAWRENCE MCGUIRE, LAD. 12 1915, 1916 STEPHENSON MEDAL
Capt. McGuire, Ladder 12, was awarded the Stephenson Medal for commanding the most efficient and best disciplined FDNY company in 1915. Capt. McGuire was on the FDNY Roll of Merit 5 times.
MEDAL DAY 1916
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDALS
FF FRANK J. COSTELLO, LAD. 12 AUG. 17, 1920, 1921 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF Frank J Costello, Ladder 12, was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal in 1921 for the rescue of another firefighter who was trapped at a store fire August 17, 1920.
When his company was forced to abandon their hoseline, Probationary FF Dennis Donavan, Engine 20, failed to reach the sidewalk with other members. Undauted by several unsuccessful attempts made to rescue him, FF Costello, disregarding his personal safety, descended into the cellar opening from which a terrific volume of heat and smoke was issuing like a chimney to rescue Donovan. He located his brother fireman and carried him as far as the foot of the ladder. There he was forced to leave him, being exhausted by his efforts, and the work was completed by another fireman. His splendid spirit and courage displayed in the rescue of his comrade, well merit the honor conferred upon him.
FF CHARLES F. MCGRATH, LAD. 12 AUG. 17, 1920, 1921 KENNY MEDAL
FF Frank J McGrath., Ladder 12, was awarded the Kenny Medal in 1921 for heroically assisting FF Costello rescue Probationary FF Dennis Donavan, Engine 20, who was trapped at a store fire August 17, 1920.
FIRE 48-50 W 14TH STREET
FF DENNIS DONOVAN ENGINE 20 LODD RIP NEVER FORGET.
FIRE BUILDING 48-50 W 14TH STREET
MEDAL DAY 1921
PULMOTOR RESUSCITATOR - USED ON FF DONOVAN BY DR ARCHER
The Pulmotor was introduced by the Draeger company, of Lubeck, Germany, in 1907. This example was made by a Draeger branch in Pittsburgh, PA. The Pumotor was the first artificial respiration device that could automatically deliver gas and/or air at specific volumes. It was designed to resuscitate the victims of mine disasters, and also became popular for victims of smoke inhalation, drowning and electric shock.
https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/museum/item/96/draeger-pulmotor
LADDER 12 MEDALS
FF FRANK J. COSTELLO, LAD. 12 AUG. 17, 1920, 1921 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF Frank J Costello, Ladder 12, was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal in 1921 for the rescue of another firefighter who was trapped at a store fire August 17, 1920.
When his company was forced to abandon their hoseline, Probationary FF Dennis Donavan, Engine 20, failed to reach the sidewalk with other members. Undauted by several unsuccessful attempts made to rescue him, FF Costello, disregarding his personal safety, descended into the cellar opening from which a terrific volume of heat and smoke was issuing like a chimney to rescue Donovan. He located his brother fireman and carried him as far as the foot of the ladder. There he was forced to leave him, being exhausted by his efforts, and the work was completed by another fireman. His splendid spirit and courage displayed in the rescue of his comrade, well merit the honor conferred upon him.
FF CHARLES F. MCGRATH, LAD. 12 AUG. 17, 1920, 1921 KENNY MEDAL
FF Frank J McGrath., Ladder 12, was awarded the Kenny Medal in 1921 for heroically assisting FF Costello rescue Probationary FF Dennis Donavan, Engine 20, who was trapped at a store fire August 17, 1920.
FIRE 48-50 W 14TH STREET
FF DENNIS DONOVAN ENGINE 20 LODD RIP NEVER FORGET.
FIRE BUILDING 48-50 W 14TH STREET
MEDAL DAY 1921
PULMOTOR RESUSCITATOR - USED ON FF DONOVAN BY DR ARCHER
The Pulmotor was introduced by the Draeger company, of Lubeck, Germany, in 1907. This example was made by a Draeger branch in Pittsburgh, PA. The Pumotor was the first artificial respiration device that could automatically deliver gas and/or air at specific volumes. It was designed to resuscitate the victims of mine disasters, and also became popular for victims of smoke inhalation, drowning and electric shock.
https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/museum/item/96/draeger-pulmotor
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ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDALS
FF MICHAEL MCINERNEY, LAD. 12 APR. 12, 1926, 1927 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF McInerney was awarded the James Gordon Bennet Medal for the heroic rescue of Mrs. Abbie Chamberlain who was trapped in her apartment at a fire at 311 W 27th Street on April 12, 1926. Mrs. Chamberlain was about to jump when FF McInerney pulled her by her wrist 5 feet to the top of an aerial ladder to save her life.
FF MICHAEL MCINERNEY, LAD. 12 APR. 12, 1926, 1927 HARRY M. ARCHER MEDAL
FF McInerney was also awarded the James Gordon Bennet Medal for the heroic rescue of Mrs. Abbie Chamberlain on April 12, 1926.
FIRE BUILDING 311 W 27TH STREET
MEDAL DAY 1927
LADDER 12 MEDALS
FF MICHAEL MCINERNEY, LAD. 12 APR. 12, 1926, 1927 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF McInerney was awarded the James Gordon Bennet Medal for the heroic rescue of Mrs. Abbie Chamberlain who was trapped in her apartment at a fire at 311 W 27th Street on April 12, 1926. Mrs. Chamberlain was about to jump when FF McInerney pulled her by her wrist 5 feet to the top of an aerial ladder to save her life.
FF MICHAEL MCINERNEY, LAD. 12 APR. 12, 1926, 1927 HARRY M. ARCHER MEDAL
FF McInerney was also awarded the James Gordon Bennet Medal for the heroic rescue of Mrs. Abbie Chamberlain on April 12, 1926.
FIRE BUILDING 311 W 27TH STREET
MEDAL DAY 1927
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ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
ENGINE 3 MEDAL
FF GEORGE E. CAVANAGH, ENG. 3 MAY 26, 1932, 1933 SCOTT MEDAL
FF Cavanagh was awarded the Scott Medal in 1933 for assisting Capt. Cornell Garety with the heroic rescue of Capt. William Heffernan and an unconscious firefighter who were trapped in a dangerous warehouse fire May 26, 1932.
MEDAL DAY 1933
ENGINE 3 MEDAL
FF GEORGE E. CAVANAGH, ENG. 3 MAY 26, 1932, 1933 SCOTT MEDAL
FF Cavanagh was awarded the Scott Medal in 1933 for assisting Capt. Cornell Garety with the heroic rescue of Capt. William Heffernan and an unconscious firefighter who were trapped in a dangerous warehouse fire May 26, 1932.
MEDAL DAY 1933
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDALS
FF RUDOLPH F. MUSIL, LAD. 12 JUN. 14, 1933, 1934 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF Musil was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal in 1934 for heroism at a fire at 216 9th Avenue on June 14, 1933 when he rescued Harry Johnson, a disabled occupant, by scaling ladder. Johnson trapped on the 4th floor.
FIRE BUILDING 216 9TH AVENUE
Elevated subway prevented use of aerial ladders.
FF CHARLES J. WOLFINGER, LAD. 12 JUN. 14, 1933, 1934 DEPARTMENT MEDAL
FF Wolfinger was awarded a Department Medal in 1934 for heroism rescuing Vera Johnson at a fire at 216 9th Avenue on June 14, 1933.
MEDAL DAY 1934
LADDER 12 MEDALS
FF RUDOLPH F. MUSIL, LAD. 12 JUN. 14, 1933, 1934 JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL
FF Musil was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal in 1934 for heroism at a fire at 216 9th Avenue on June 14, 1933 when he rescued Harry Johnson, a disabled occupant, by scaling ladder. Johnson trapped on the 4th floor.
FIRE BUILDING 216 9TH AVENUE
Elevated subway prevented use of aerial ladders.
FF CHARLES J. WOLFINGER, LAD. 12 JUN. 14, 1933, 1934 DEPARTMENT MEDAL
FF Wolfinger was awarded a Department Medal in 1934 for heroism rescuing Vera Johnson at a fire at 216 9th Avenue on June 14, 1933.
MEDAL DAY 1934
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ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF RUDOLPH F. MUSIL, LAD. 12 MAY 28, 1934, 1935 HARRY M. ARCHER MEDAL
FF Musil was awarded the Harry M. Archer Medal in 1935 for his heroic rescue at a fire at 216 9th Avenue on June 14, 1933 when he rescued Harry Johnson, a disabled occupant, by scaling ladder.
MEDAL DAY 1935
CAPTAIN MUSIL DEATH 1945
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF RUDOLPH F. MUSIL, LAD. 12 MAY 28, 1934, 1935 HARRY M. ARCHER MEDAL
FF Musil was awarded the Harry M. Archer Medal in 1935 for his heroic rescue at a fire at 216 9th Avenue on June 14, 1933 when he rescued Harry Johnson, a disabled occupant, by scaling ladder.
MEDAL DAY 1935
CAPTAIN MUSIL DEATH 1945
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDALS
CAPT THOMAS F. X. O'SULLIVAN, LAD. 12 AUG. 29, 1940, 1941 TREVOR-WARREN MEDAL
Capt. O'Sullivan was awarded the Trevor-Warren Medal in 1941 for heroism rescuing Ms. Cecelia Conrad who was trapped on the 4th floor at a rooming house fire August 29, 1940 at 211 W 22nd Street.
FF WALTER E. HUNT, LAD. 12 AUG. 29, 1940, 1941 KENNY MEDAL
FF Hunt was awarded the Kenny Medal in 1941 for heroism rescuing Ms. Cecelia Conrad who was trapped on the 4th floor at a rooming house fire August 29, 1940 at 211 W 22nd Street.
MEDAL DAY 1941
LADDER 12 MEDALS
CAPT THOMAS F. X. O'SULLIVAN, LAD. 12 AUG. 29, 1940, 1941 TREVOR-WARREN MEDAL
Capt. O'Sullivan was awarded the Trevor-Warren Medal in 1941 for heroism rescuing Ms. Cecelia Conrad who was trapped on the 4th floor at a rooming house fire August 29, 1940 at 211 W 22nd Street.
FF WALTER E. HUNT, LAD. 12 AUG. 29, 1940, 1941 KENNY MEDAL
FF Hunt was awarded the Kenny Medal in 1941 for heroism rescuing Ms. Cecelia Conrad who was trapped on the 4th floor at a rooming house fire August 29, 1940 at 211 W 22nd Street.
MEDAL DAY 1941
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF JOHN J. O'HARA, LAD. 12 MAR. 7, 1942, 1943 PRENTICE MEDAL
LT O'Hara was awarded the Prentice Medal in 1943 for the heroic rescue of a man trapped in a fire at 239 W. 16th Street on March 7, 1942.
FIRE BUILDING 239 W 16TH STREET
MEDAL DAY 1943
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF JOHN J. O'HARA, LAD. 12 MAR. 7, 1942, 1943 PRENTICE MEDAL
LT O'Hara was awarded the Prentice Medal in 1943 for the heroic rescue of a man trapped in a fire at 239 W. 16th Street on March 7, 1942.
FIRE BUILDING 239 W 16TH STREET
MEDAL DAY 1943
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
BATTALION 7 MEDALS
BC THOMAS P. O'BRIEN, BN. 7 DEC. 31, 1946, 1947 CONRAN MEDAL
BC O'Brien was awarded the Conran Medal in 1947 for heroism at a 4 alarm fire in a loft building December 31, 1946 at 749 Broadway.
FF EDWARD A. O'BRIEN, BN. 7 DEC. 31, 1946, 1947 DOUGHERTY MEDAL
FF O'Brien was awarded the Dougherty Medal in 1947 for heroism at a 4 alarm fire in a loft building December 31, 1946 at 749 Broadway.
FIRE BUILDING 749 BROADWAY MANHATTAN BOX 44-396
MEDAL DAY 1947
LODDS MANHATTAN BOX 44-396 749 BROADWAY
RIP NEVER FORGET.
BATTALION 7 MEDALS
BC THOMAS P. O'BRIEN, BN. 7 DEC. 31, 1946, 1947 CONRAN MEDAL
BC O'Brien was awarded the Conran Medal in 1947 for heroism at a 4 alarm fire in a loft building December 31, 1946 at 749 Broadway.
FF EDWARD A. O'BRIEN, BN. 7 DEC. 31, 1946, 1947 DOUGHERTY MEDAL
FF O'Brien was awarded the Dougherty Medal in 1947 for heroism at a 4 alarm fire in a loft building December 31, 1946 at 749 Broadway.
FIRE BUILDING 749 BROADWAY MANHATTAN BOX 44-396
MEDAL DAY 1947
LODDS MANHATTAN BOX 44-396 749 BROADWAY
RIP NEVER FORGET.
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ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF FRANK J. SERGI, LAD. 12 OCT. 3, 1949, 1950 BROOKMAN MEDAL
FF Sergi, Ladder 12, was awarded the Brookman Medal in 1950 for heroism rescuing Morris Aughtman at an explosion and fire in a garage at 148-50 W 20th Street on October 3, 1949.
MEDAL DAY 1950
LADDER 12 MEDAL
FF FRANK J. SERGI, LAD. 12 OCT. 3, 1949, 1950 BROOKMAN MEDAL
FF Sergi, Ladder 12, was awarded the Brookman Medal in 1950 for heroism rescuing Morris Aughtman at an explosion and fire in a garage at 148-50 W 20th Street on October 3, 1949.
MEDAL DAY 1950
ENGINE 3/LADDER 12/HIGH RISE 1/BATTALION 7 (CONTINUED)
BATTALION 7 MEDAL
LT ROYAL E. FOX, BN. 7 OCT. 17, 1966, 1967 CONRAN MEDAL
LT Fox was awarded the 1967 Conran Medal for heroism at the 23rd Street Fire.
LT Royal Fox was a newly promoted Lieutenant and working in Ladder Co. 3 on the night of October 17, 1966. Ladder Co. 3 responded to Box 598 at 2136 hours which was the infamous fire known as the 23rd Street Collapse. The 23rd Street Collapse is well known in FDNY history for causing the death of 12 Firefighters. Ladder Co. 3 and Engine Co. 5 were operating in the cellar on the 22nd Street side of the building when the call came over the radio to evacuate the cellar. Lieut. Fox made sure everyone was out of the cellar. When it was just Lieut. Fox and another Firefighter left in the cellar, the other Firefighter could not make it through the intense heat at the cellar entrance. Lieut. Fox pushed and carried the other Firefighter through the intense heat to the street. Lieut. Fox and the other Firefighters that were evacuated out of the cellar were hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital with burns.
A Chief Officer commented: When these men came out of the cellar, I went to help one of them. His coat was so hot that I had to pull my hand away. Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (Ret.), also a veteran of the 23rd Street Collapse, stated that Royal Fox is the reason that we only had 12 Firefighters die that day. If it wasn’t for him, there would have been 20 Firefighters dead.
Lieutenant Fox’s actions at the 23rd Street Collapse in 1966 were remarkably similar to his actions at Broadway and Grand Street in 1960. Lieutenant Royal F. Fox was awarded the William F. Conran Medal for his actions at the 23rd Street Collapse.
- from Division 7 Training and Safety Newsletter March 1916
MEDAL DAY 1967
23RD STREET FIRE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
October 17, 2016 ·
"I am very thankful and grateful to be here today. I was the last one out of the basement, Engine 5 cleared a space to the windows which provided egress for us. The men deserve a lot of credit," says Retired FDNY Battalion Chief Royal Fox, who attended today's Wreath Laying Ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire. Chief Fox, a Lieutenant in command of Ladder 3 at the time, was directed into the cellar of the Wonder Drug Store, but with a sudden expansion of fire to the cellar ceiling an urgent evacuation was transmitted. Lieutenant Fox, with disregard for his own safety, remained in the cellar until he was certain all members were evacuated. In performing this selfless act, Lieutenant Fox was awarded the William F. Conran Medal for heroic actions performed on October 17, 1966 at 6 East 23rd Street where 12 Firefighters made the Supreme Sacrifice. Chief Fox is accompanied by his wife and son, Retired FDNY Firefighter Gene Fox. “Mr. Fox is my inspiration for joining the department. I have been proudly serving the city for 24 years,” says Captain Vincent DiStefano of Engine 67 in Washington Heights, son-in-law to Chief Fox who was also in attendance today.
23RD STREET FIRE LODDS
RIP. NEVER FORGET.
BATTALION 7 MEDAL
LT ROYAL E. FOX, BN. 7 OCT. 17, 1966, 1967 CONRAN MEDAL
LT Fox was awarded the 1967 Conran Medal for heroism at the 23rd Street Fire.
LT Royal Fox was a newly promoted Lieutenant and working in Ladder Co. 3 on the night of October 17, 1966. Ladder Co. 3 responded to Box 598 at 2136 hours which was the infamous fire known as the 23rd Street Collapse. The 23rd Street Collapse is well known in FDNY history for causing the death of 12 Firefighters. Ladder Co. 3 and Engine Co. 5 were operating in the cellar on the 22nd Street side of the building when the call came over the radio to evacuate the cellar. Lieut. Fox made sure everyone was out of the cellar. When it was just Lieut. Fox and another Firefighter left in the cellar, the other Firefighter could not make it through the intense heat at the cellar entrance. Lieut. Fox pushed and carried the other Firefighter through the intense heat to the street. Lieut. Fox and the other Firefighters that were evacuated out of the cellar were hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital with burns.
A Chief Officer commented: When these men came out of the cellar, I went to help one of them. His coat was so hot that I had to pull my hand away. Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (Ret.), also a veteran of the 23rd Street Collapse, stated that Royal Fox is the reason that we only had 12 Firefighters die that day. If it wasn’t for him, there would have been 20 Firefighters dead.
Lieutenant Fox’s actions at the 23rd Street Collapse in 1966 were remarkably similar to his actions at Broadway and Grand Street in 1960. Lieutenant Royal F. Fox was awarded the William F. Conran Medal for his actions at the 23rd Street Collapse.
- from Division 7 Training and Safety Newsletter March 1916
MEDAL DAY 1967
23RD STREET FIRE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
October 17, 2016 ·
"I am very thankful and grateful to be here today. I was the last one out of the basement, Engine 5 cleared a space to the windows which provided egress for us. The men deserve a lot of credit," says Retired FDNY Battalion Chief Royal Fox, who attended today's Wreath Laying Ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire. Chief Fox, a Lieutenant in command of Ladder 3 at the time, was directed into the cellar of the Wonder Drug Store, but with a sudden expansion of fire to the cellar ceiling an urgent evacuation was transmitted. Lieutenant Fox, with disregard for his own safety, remained in the cellar until he was certain all members were evacuated. In performing this selfless act, Lieutenant Fox was awarded the William F. Conran Medal for heroic actions performed on October 17, 1966 at 6 East 23rd Street where 12 Firefighters made the Supreme Sacrifice. Chief Fox is accompanied by his wife and son, Retired FDNY Firefighter Gene Fox. “Mr. Fox is my inspiration for joining the department. I have been proudly serving the city for 24 years,” says Captain Vincent DiStefano of Engine 67 in Washington Heights, son-in-law to Chief Fox who was also in attendance today.
23RD STREET FIRE LODDS
RIP. NEVER FORGET.
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