- Joined
- Apr 25, 2008
- Messages
- 640
Surely the best of times!
FDNY and NYC Firehouses and Fire Companies - 2nd Section
- Thread starter mack
- Start date
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 firehouse 248 W. 143rd Street Harlem, Manhattan Division 6, Battalion 16 "Harlem Hilton"
Combined Engine Company 69 organized 243 E 233rd Street 1899
Combined Engine Company 69 disbanded 1916
Engine 69 reorganized 248 W 143rd Street at Ladder 28 1917
Engine 69 moved 503 W 139th Street at Engine 80 1997
Engine 69 returned 248 W 143rd Street 1998
Ladder 28 organized 248 W 143rd Street w/Ladder 28-2 1905
Ladder 28 moved 111 W 133rd Street at Ladder 30 1997
Ladder 28 returned 248 W 143rd Street w/Engine 69 1998
Ladder 28-2 organized W 143rd Street w/Ladder 28 1905
Ladder 28-2 disbanded 1915
District Engineer 4 BFD organized 160 Carlton Avenue w/Engine 10 BFD 1869
District Engineer 4 BFD moved 159 Taaffe Place at Engine 9 BFD 1895
District Engineer 4 BFD moved 894 Bedford Avenue at Ladder 2 BFD 1896
District Engineer 4 BFD became Battalion 4 FDNY 1898
Battalion 4 became Battalion 24 1898
Battalion 24 disbanded 1906
Battalion 24 reorganized 248 W 143rd Street at Ladder 28 1907
Battalion 24 disbanded 1909
Battalion 16 organized 126 E 50th Street at Ladder 2 1901
Battalion 16 moved 133 W 99th Street 1903
Battalion 16 returned 126 E 50th Street at Ladder 2 1904
Battalion 16 moved 248 W 143rd Street at Ladder 28 1909
Battalion 16 moved 52 E 114th Street at Ladder 26 1936
Battalion 16 returned 248 W 143rd Street at Engine 69 1940
Battalion 16 moved 415 W 125th Street at Engine 37 1997
Battalion 16 returned 248 W 143rd Street w/Engine 69 1998
243 E 233rd Street Combined Engine Company 69 firehouse 1899-1916:
248 W 143rd Street firehouse:
Combined Engine Company 69 organized 243 E 233rd Street 1899
Combined Engine Company 69 disbanded 1916
Engine 69 reorganized 248 W 143rd Street at Ladder 28 1917
Engine 69 moved 503 W 139th Street at Engine 80 1997
Engine 69 returned 248 W 143rd Street 1998
Ladder 28 organized 248 W 143rd Street w/Ladder 28-2 1905
Ladder 28 moved 111 W 133rd Street at Ladder 30 1997
Ladder 28 returned 248 W 143rd Street w/Engine 69 1998
Ladder 28-2 organized W 143rd Street w/Ladder 28 1905
Ladder 28-2 disbanded 1915
District Engineer 4 BFD organized 160 Carlton Avenue w/Engine 10 BFD 1869
District Engineer 4 BFD moved 159 Taaffe Place at Engine 9 BFD 1895
District Engineer 4 BFD moved 894 Bedford Avenue at Ladder 2 BFD 1896
District Engineer 4 BFD became Battalion 4 FDNY 1898
Battalion 4 became Battalion 24 1898
Battalion 24 disbanded 1906
Battalion 24 reorganized 248 W 143rd Street at Ladder 28 1907
Battalion 24 disbanded 1909
Battalion 16 organized 126 E 50th Street at Ladder 2 1901
Battalion 16 moved 133 W 99th Street 1903
Battalion 16 returned 126 E 50th Street at Ladder 2 1904
Battalion 16 moved 248 W 143rd Street at Ladder 28 1909
Battalion 16 moved 52 E 114th Street at Ladder 26 1936
Battalion 16 returned 248 W 143rd Street at Engine 69 1940
Battalion 16 moved 415 W 125th Street at Engine 37 1997
Battalion 16 returned 248 W 143rd Street w/Engine 69 1998
243 E 233rd Street Combined Engine Company 69 firehouse 1899-1916:
248 W 143rd Street firehouse:
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 (continued)
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_hBPcVykzY
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_hBPcVykzY
Last edited:
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 (continued)
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 medals:
CHARLES A. HOLMES FF. ENG. 69 MAR. 21, 1936 1937 CONRAN
JOSEPH A. LAWLER LT. ENG. 69 DEC. 30, 1950 1951 DELEHANTY
LAWRENCE E. CENTRILLA LT. ENG. 69 MAR. 9, 1959 1960 LA GUARDIA
JOHN E. KELLY LT. ENG. 69 MAY 17, 1963 1964 BROOKMAN
JAMES A. MC GINNIS FF. ENG. 69 FEB. 4, 1975 1976 CONRAN
ARTHUR R. BANKS FF. ENG. 69 JUL. 3, 1979 1980 DOUGHERTY
EDWARD PAGE FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 14, 1905 1906 HUGH BONNER
JOSEPH W. BROCHU, JR. FF. LAD. 28 APR. 5, 1941 1942 MC ELLIGOTT
WHITNEY S. HARRIS FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 8, 1952 1953 JOHNSTON
JOHN J. MEARA FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 11, 1954 1955 HUGH BONNER
FRANK M. CRIMI FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 12, 1955 1956 TODD
MICHAEL J. O'DRISCOLL PROBIE LAD. 28 DEC. 17, 1955 1956 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
ROBERT S. O'BRIEN FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 15, 1956 1957 STIEFEL
WILLIAM J. CASCARELLA FF. LAD. 28 APR. 18, 1957 1958 THIRD ALARM
MICHAEL J. O'DRISCOLL FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 17, 1955 1957 HARRY M. ARCHER
ANTHONY J. CRUCIATA FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 19, 1959 1960 STIEFEL
ROBERT S. O'BRIEN FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 19, 1960 1961 SCOTT
THOMAS D. FERRAIUOLO FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 13, 1966 1967 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
ANTHONY J. CRUCIATA FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 13, 1966 1967 HUGH BONNER
JOSEPH T. BOYLAN FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 19, 1970 1971 THOMPSON
THOMAS D. FERRAIUOLO FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 19, 1970 1971 BRUMMER
JAMES M. DOOLEY FF. LAD. 28 APR. 3, 1973 1974 LA GUARDIA
JOSEPH L. CARBER CAPT. LAD. 28 MAR. 29, 1974 1975 WAGNER
WALTER P. CARROLL, JR. FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 2, 1975 1976 DOUGHERTY
MICHAEL J. GURRY LT. LAD. 28 SEP. 2, 1978 1979 COLUMBIA
JOSEPH J. NICHOLSON FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 13, 1979 1980 DELEHANTY
THOMAS J. NEARY LT. LAD. 28 JUL. 3, 1979 1980 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
GERARD MC PARLAND FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 30, 1979 1980 BROOKMAN
CHARLES F. WILLIAMS FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 31, 1979 1980 GOLDENKRANZ
RAY B. SMITH, JR. FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 16, 1979 1980 HUGH BONNER
CONRAD A. TINNEY FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 30, 1979 1980 BRUMMER
JOHN J. MC DONNELL FF. LAD. 28 APR. 30, 1981 1982 DELEHANTY
ROSS GERBINO FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 24, 1983 1984 FDR
ROBERT J. DAVIDSON FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 21, 1983 1984 STEUBEN
THOMAS J. NEARY LT. LAD. 28 MAR. 1, 1984 1985 FIRE BELL CLUB
BRIAN F. MC PARLAND FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 20, 1985 1986 GOLDMAN
JAMES A. MC GINNIS FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 20, 1985 1986 FIRE BELL CLUB
JOHN J. MC DONNELL FF. LAD. 28 JUL. 26, 1987 1988 NYS HONORARY FIRE CHIEFS
JOHN J. MC DONNELL FF. LAD. 28 JUL. 26, 1987 1988 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
BRIAN F. MC PARLAND FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 14, 1989 1990 DOUGHERTY
MICHAEL E. MC PARTLAND FF. LAD. 28 MAY 21, 1990 1991 THIRD ALARM
LAWRENCE M. FLAIM FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 6, 1990 1991 MARTIN
STEVEN RODRIGUEZ FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 28, 1994 1995 CINELLI
JAMES P. CASH FF. LAD. 28 NOV. 30, 1994 1995 SCOTT
ROBERT R. MORRIS CAPT. LAD. 28 OCT. 16, 1995 1996 DELEHANTY
JOHN K. DUDDY FF. LAD. 28 NOV. 25, 1996 1997 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
The members of Ladder Company 28 arrived at 30 Hamilton Place and were met by a scene worthy of a Hollywood disaster movie. The six-story hotel housing homeless persons occupied the entire block on Hamilton Place, from 138th to 139th Streets with approximately three hundred residents in 147 apartments. A fire which had started in a fourth floor apartment spread quickly to the hallway, race up the south stairwell and mushroomed on the top floor, rapidly extending down the sixth floor hallway. A heavy smoke condition was issuing from the upper floors and it seemed as if every window had a trapped occupant screaming for help and waiting to be rescued.
Firefighter John K. Duddy, Ladder Company 28's "Outside Vent Man" and Firefighter Thomas Grimshaw, Ladder Company 28's chauffeur, quickly assessed the situation and focused their attention on two people who were enveloped in swirling smoke and threatening to jump from a sixth floor window at the north end of the building. The two firefighters positioned Ladder 28's 100-foot aerial ladder for a n immediate rescue and FF Duddy quickly ascended to remove the victims. However, upon reathing his objective he was met by an ornamental fence which obstructed he lower half of the window. Disregarding his own safety, FF Duddy balanced himself with one foot on the aerial ladder and one foot on the window sill so as to be able to lift the trapped occupants over the obstruction and onto the ladder where they were assisted by FF Grimshaw. In his official endorsement, Battalion Chief Robert Busch stated that FF Duddy "placed himself in extreme personal danger" in executing these rescues which "required acrobatic type skills and daring."
While being assisted down the aerial ladder, the two victims informed the firefighters that two more people were still in the same apartment that they had just escaped. However, before the firefighters could return to the original apartment, two hysterical victims appeared at the window of an adjoining apartment. The firefighters decided that they could not delay the rescue of the two hysterical occupants for fear that they would jump.
They repositioned the aerial ladder and, duplicating his previous exploits, FF Duddy again balanced on the tip of the ladder and lifted the two new victims to safety.
Realizing time was running out for the two reported victims in the first apartment, FF Duddy decided that he could not wait for the second set of victims to descend the ladder and for the ladder to be repositioned again, so he decided to crawl through the apartment, through the burning public hallway in order to enter the original apartment and search for the two reported occupants.
Through the searing heat and blinding smoke in the public hallway, FF Duddy groped for the door and, finding it, entered and began his search. He quickly discovered two unconscious victims and called for assistance over his Handie-Talkie. As he dragged the victims back towards the hallway, he was met by two firefighters from Rescue Company 3. The three firefighters dragged the victims across the hallway to the north stairwell and removed them to safety in a clear area one floor below.
Deputy Chief Alexander Santoro stated in his official report that FF Duddy placed himself in "extreme personal danger" in effecting the rescue of these six occupants without the protection of a hoseline. "In the finest tradition of this Department, he performed his duties above and beyond what is expected." For his actions, Firefighter John K. Duddy was awarded the FDNY's highest honor, the James Gordon Bennett Medal.
JOHN K. DUDDY FF. LAD. 28 NOV. 25, 1996 1997 NYS HONORARY FIRE CHIEFS
JAMES P. GINTY LT. LAD. 28 NOV. 25, 1996 1997 EMERALD
BRIAN P. DAVAN LT. LAD. 28 JUN. 24, 2006 2007 KENNY
LADDER 28 MEMBERS JAN. 18, 2016 2017 WTC
SAMUEL WERBLOOD FF. BAT. 16 NOV. 11, 1956 1957 THIRD ALARM
PIETRO J. VALENZANO LT. BAT. 16 L-34 NOV. 6, 1967 1968 PRENTICE
NOEL P. WATERS FF. BAT. 16 DEC. 13, 1975 1976 THOMPSON
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 medals:
CHARLES A. HOLMES FF. ENG. 69 MAR. 21, 1936 1937 CONRAN
JOSEPH A. LAWLER LT. ENG. 69 DEC. 30, 1950 1951 DELEHANTY
LAWRENCE E. CENTRILLA LT. ENG. 69 MAR. 9, 1959 1960 LA GUARDIA
JOHN E. KELLY LT. ENG. 69 MAY 17, 1963 1964 BROOKMAN
JAMES A. MC GINNIS FF. ENG. 69 FEB. 4, 1975 1976 CONRAN
ARTHUR R. BANKS FF. ENG. 69 JUL. 3, 1979 1980 DOUGHERTY
EDWARD PAGE FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 14, 1905 1906 HUGH BONNER
JOSEPH W. BROCHU, JR. FF. LAD. 28 APR. 5, 1941 1942 MC ELLIGOTT
WHITNEY S. HARRIS FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 8, 1952 1953 JOHNSTON
JOHN J. MEARA FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 11, 1954 1955 HUGH BONNER
FRANK M. CRIMI FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 12, 1955 1956 TODD
MICHAEL J. O'DRISCOLL PROBIE LAD. 28 DEC. 17, 1955 1956 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
ROBERT S. O'BRIEN FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 15, 1956 1957 STIEFEL
WILLIAM J. CASCARELLA FF. LAD. 28 APR. 18, 1957 1958 THIRD ALARM
MICHAEL J. O'DRISCOLL FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 17, 1955 1957 HARRY M. ARCHER
ANTHONY J. CRUCIATA FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 19, 1959 1960 STIEFEL
ROBERT S. O'BRIEN FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 19, 1960 1961 SCOTT
THOMAS D. FERRAIUOLO FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 13, 1966 1967 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
ANTHONY J. CRUCIATA FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 13, 1966 1967 HUGH BONNER
JOSEPH T. BOYLAN FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 19, 1970 1971 THOMPSON
THOMAS D. FERRAIUOLO FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 19, 1970 1971 BRUMMER
JAMES M. DOOLEY FF. LAD. 28 APR. 3, 1973 1974 LA GUARDIA
JOSEPH L. CARBER CAPT. LAD. 28 MAR. 29, 1974 1975 WAGNER
WALTER P. CARROLL, JR. FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 2, 1975 1976 DOUGHERTY
MICHAEL J. GURRY LT. LAD. 28 SEP. 2, 1978 1979 COLUMBIA
JOSEPH J. NICHOLSON FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 13, 1979 1980 DELEHANTY
THOMAS J. NEARY LT. LAD. 28 JUL. 3, 1979 1980 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
GERARD MC PARLAND FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 30, 1979 1980 BROOKMAN
CHARLES F. WILLIAMS FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 31, 1979 1980 GOLDENKRANZ
RAY B. SMITH, JR. FF. LAD. 28 JAN. 16, 1979 1980 HUGH BONNER
CONRAD A. TINNEY FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 30, 1979 1980 BRUMMER
JOHN J. MC DONNELL FF. LAD. 28 APR. 30, 1981 1982 DELEHANTY
ROSS GERBINO FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 24, 1983 1984 FDR
ROBERT J. DAVIDSON FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 21, 1983 1984 STEUBEN
THOMAS J. NEARY LT. LAD. 28 MAR. 1, 1984 1985 FIRE BELL CLUB
BRIAN F. MC PARLAND FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 20, 1985 1986 GOLDMAN
JAMES A. MC GINNIS FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 20, 1985 1986 FIRE BELL CLUB
JOHN J. MC DONNELL FF. LAD. 28 JUL. 26, 1987 1988 NYS HONORARY FIRE CHIEFS
JOHN J. MC DONNELL FF. LAD. 28 JUL. 26, 1987 1988 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
BRIAN F. MC PARLAND FF. LAD. 28 FEB. 14, 1989 1990 DOUGHERTY
MICHAEL E. MC PARTLAND FF. LAD. 28 MAY 21, 1990 1991 THIRD ALARM
LAWRENCE M. FLAIM FF. LAD. 28 MAR. 6, 1990 1991 MARTIN
STEVEN RODRIGUEZ FF. LAD. 28 DEC. 28, 1994 1995 CINELLI
JAMES P. CASH FF. LAD. 28 NOV. 30, 1994 1995 SCOTT
ROBERT R. MORRIS CAPT. LAD. 28 OCT. 16, 1995 1996 DELEHANTY
JOHN K. DUDDY FF. LAD. 28 NOV. 25, 1996 1997 JAMES GORDON BENNETT
The members of Ladder Company 28 arrived at 30 Hamilton Place and were met by a scene worthy of a Hollywood disaster movie. The six-story hotel housing homeless persons occupied the entire block on Hamilton Place, from 138th to 139th Streets with approximately three hundred residents in 147 apartments. A fire which had started in a fourth floor apartment spread quickly to the hallway, race up the south stairwell and mushroomed on the top floor, rapidly extending down the sixth floor hallway. A heavy smoke condition was issuing from the upper floors and it seemed as if every window had a trapped occupant screaming for help and waiting to be rescued.
Firefighter John K. Duddy, Ladder Company 28's "Outside Vent Man" and Firefighter Thomas Grimshaw, Ladder Company 28's chauffeur, quickly assessed the situation and focused their attention on two people who were enveloped in swirling smoke and threatening to jump from a sixth floor window at the north end of the building. The two firefighters positioned Ladder 28's 100-foot aerial ladder for a n immediate rescue and FF Duddy quickly ascended to remove the victims. However, upon reathing his objective he was met by an ornamental fence which obstructed he lower half of the window. Disregarding his own safety, FF Duddy balanced himself with one foot on the aerial ladder and one foot on the window sill so as to be able to lift the trapped occupants over the obstruction and onto the ladder where they were assisted by FF Grimshaw. In his official endorsement, Battalion Chief Robert Busch stated that FF Duddy "placed himself in extreme personal danger" in executing these rescues which "required acrobatic type skills and daring."
While being assisted down the aerial ladder, the two victims informed the firefighters that two more people were still in the same apartment that they had just escaped. However, before the firefighters could return to the original apartment, two hysterical victims appeared at the window of an adjoining apartment. The firefighters decided that they could not delay the rescue of the two hysterical occupants for fear that they would jump.
They repositioned the aerial ladder and, duplicating his previous exploits, FF Duddy again balanced on the tip of the ladder and lifted the two new victims to safety.
Realizing time was running out for the two reported victims in the first apartment, FF Duddy decided that he could not wait for the second set of victims to descend the ladder and for the ladder to be repositioned again, so he decided to crawl through the apartment, through the burning public hallway in order to enter the original apartment and search for the two reported occupants.
Through the searing heat and blinding smoke in the public hallway, FF Duddy groped for the door and, finding it, entered and began his search. He quickly discovered two unconscious victims and called for assistance over his Handie-Talkie. As he dragged the victims back towards the hallway, he was met by two firefighters from Rescue Company 3. The three firefighters dragged the victims across the hallway to the north stairwell and removed them to safety in a clear area one floor below.
Deputy Chief Alexander Santoro stated in his official report that FF Duddy placed himself in "extreme personal danger" in effecting the rescue of these six occupants without the protection of a hoseline. "In the finest tradition of this Department, he performed his duties above and beyond what is expected." For his actions, Firefighter John K. Duddy was awarded the FDNY's highest honor, the James Gordon Bennett Medal.
JOHN K. DUDDY FF. LAD. 28 NOV. 25, 1996 1997 NYS HONORARY FIRE CHIEFS
JAMES P. GINTY LT. LAD. 28 NOV. 25, 1996 1997 EMERALD
BRIAN P. DAVAN LT. LAD. 28 JUN. 24, 2006 2007 KENNY
LADDER 28 MEMBERS JAN. 18, 2016 2017 WTC
SAMUEL WERBLOOD FF. BAT. 16 NOV. 11, 1956 1957 THIRD ALARM
PIETRO J. VALENZANO LT. BAT. 16 L-34 NOV. 6, 1967 1968 PRENTICE
NOEL P. WATERS FF. BAT. 16 DEC. 13, 1975 1976 THOMPSON
Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 (continued)
Engine 69/Ladder 28 LODDs:
FIREFIGHTER JAMES J. MURPHY ENGINE 69 July 4, 1924
James J. Murphy, on "floor watch" at the quarters of Engine 69, at 248 West 143rd Street, was inspecting hose when he fell to the bottom of the hose pit, breaking his neck. He was dead when Dr. Berson of Harlem Hospital arrived. Murphy was thirty-two years old and lived with his wife and two children at 300 West 113th Street. (From "The Last Alarm")
FIREFIGHTER CHARLES STENVALL JR. ENGINE 69 October 16, 1940
While fighting a smoky fire in the rear hallway on the ground floor of a six-story tenement at 254 to 256 West 146th Street, Fireman Charles A. Stenvall, attached to Engine Company 69, collapsed at 8 o?clock at night. He was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died of carbon monoxide poisoning at 8:40 p.m. Fireman Stenvall, with other members of the company, was fighting the blaze in the smoke-filled hallway for twenty minutes when he suddenly collapsed. His companions carried him out of the building and a call was sent for an ambulance. Battalion Chief O?Brien of the 16th Battalion, in command at the fire, said only slight damage had been caused by the blaze, the cause of which was undetermined. No one else was injured. Fireman Stenvall who had been in the Department two years, lived at 602 West 137th Street and was twenty-four years old. (From "The Last Alarm")
FIREFIGHTER JAMES J. RUANE ENGINE 69 November 17, 1962
Manhattan Box 75-1648 535 W 150 Street
Fireman James J. Ruane of Engine 69 was overcome by smoke and badly burned at a tenement fire. The fire was in a five-story apartment building that left sixteen families homeless. Fireman Ruane was on the Department for three years and was twenty-nine years old. He was the father of two daughters. (From "The Last Alarm")
FIREFIGHTER HENRY OLTMANN LADDER 28 August 8, 1918
World War I - US Army - Henry Oltmann was a New York City fireman assigned to Ladder 28. He was living at 465 West 131st Street, Manhattanville, New York. He was inducted into the United States Army on July 22, 1918. His Service ID number was 3741804. He died of disease on August 8, 1918.
FIREFIGHTER THOMAS J. CONNOLLY LADDER 28 April 10, 1924
FIREFIGHTER GERALD J. FRISBY LADDER 28 June 27, 1980
Jun 27, 1980 Box # 33-1651, 512 W. 151ST ST. - ROOF ROPE BROKE BEING RESCUED
This date in 1980, 2 firefighters lost their lives at Manhattan 3rd alarm Box 1651... one firefighter lost his life trying to save another. While operating at 512 West 151 Street, FF Gerald Frisby, L-28, separated from the inside team. He made his way to a window & summoned for help. FF Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Rescue 3, heard the calls from the roof & set up a Roof Rope Rescue. FF Fitzpatrick was lowered off the side of the building on the rope to the window FF Frisby was at. FF Frisby put his arms around FF Fitzpatrick & stepped off the sill. The rope proved to be faulty and FF Fitzpatrick & FF Frisby fell to their deaths. Thank you for taking your time today to read this report & remember the deaths of 2 brother firemen 33 years ago. They are gone but they will never be forgotten. (from NYC Fire Wire)
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL DAVIDSON ENGINE 69 March 23, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AhbLXmSmE0
ABC News - Friday, March 23, 2018 HARLEM --
Michael Davidson went into a fire in Harlem on Thursday night like he did so many times over the last 15 years, but this time he became trapped. Davidson became separated while firefighters battled flames in the basement of a building being used as a movie set in Harlem. He was later found unconscious and died later at a hospital. Davidson was appointed as a Firefighter in May of 2003 and assigned to Engine Company 69 in Harlem. His father was a firefighter for 26 years, and they worked in the same firehouse until his father retired. His brother, Eric, is also an 11-year veteran, of Engine Company 88 in the Bronx.
"Our entire department, our entire city, mourns this horrific loss of a very brave firefighter," FDNY chief Daniel Nigro said.
Davidson of Floral Park, New York, is survived by his wife, Eileen, and their four children; three daughters, ages 7, 3, and 1 and a son, age 6.
The FDNY said that Davidson was cited four different times during his time at the department for his bravery while on duty.
He is the 1,150th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the line-of-duty. His death comes eight days after the deaths of Lieutenant Christopher J. Raguso and Fire Marshal Christopher T. "Tripp" Zanetis, who died in an American military helicopter crash in Iraq.
RIP. Never forget.
Engine 69/Ladder 28 LODDs:
FIREFIGHTER JAMES J. MURPHY ENGINE 69 July 4, 1924
James J. Murphy, on "floor watch" at the quarters of Engine 69, at 248 West 143rd Street, was inspecting hose when he fell to the bottom of the hose pit, breaking his neck. He was dead when Dr. Berson of Harlem Hospital arrived. Murphy was thirty-two years old and lived with his wife and two children at 300 West 113th Street. (From "The Last Alarm")
FIREFIGHTER CHARLES STENVALL JR. ENGINE 69 October 16, 1940
While fighting a smoky fire in the rear hallway on the ground floor of a six-story tenement at 254 to 256 West 146th Street, Fireman Charles A. Stenvall, attached to Engine Company 69, collapsed at 8 o?clock at night. He was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died of carbon monoxide poisoning at 8:40 p.m. Fireman Stenvall, with other members of the company, was fighting the blaze in the smoke-filled hallway for twenty minutes when he suddenly collapsed. His companions carried him out of the building and a call was sent for an ambulance. Battalion Chief O?Brien of the 16th Battalion, in command at the fire, said only slight damage had been caused by the blaze, the cause of which was undetermined. No one else was injured. Fireman Stenvall who had been in the Department two years, lived at 602 West 137th Street and was twenty-four years old. (From "The Last Alarm")
FIREFIGHTER JAMES J. RUANE ENGINE 69 November 17, 1962
Manhattan Box 75-1648 535 W 150 Street
Fireman James J. Ruane of Engine 69 was overcome by smoke and badly burned at a tenement fire. The fire was in a five-story apartment building that left sixteen families homeless. Fireman Ruane was on the Department for three years and was twenty-nine years old. He was the father of two daughters. (From "The Last Alarm")
FIREFIGHTER HENRY OLTMANN LADDER 28 August 8, 1918
World War I - US Army - Henry Oltmann was a New York City fireman assigned to Ladder 28. He was living at 465 West 131st Street, Manhattanville, New York. He was inducted into the United States Army on July 22, 1918. His Service ID number was 3741804. He died of disease on August 8, 1918.
FIREFIGHTER THOMAS J. CONNOLLY LADDER 28 April 10, 1924
FIREFIGHTER GERALD J. FRISBY LADDER 28 June 27, 1980
Jun 27, 1980 Box # 33-1651, 512 W. 151ST ST. - ROOF ROPE BROKE BEING RESCUED
This date in 1980, 2 firefighters lost their lives at Manhattan 3rd alarm Box 1651... one firefighter lost his life trying to save another. While operating at 512 West 151 Street, FF Gerald Frisby, L-28, separated from the inside team. He made his way to a window & summoned for help. FF Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Rescue 3, heard the calls from the roof & set up a Roof Rope Rescue. FF Fitzpatrick was lowered off the side of the building on the rope to the window FF Frisby was at. FF Frisby put his arms around FF Fitzpatrick & stepped off the sill. The rope proved to be faulty and FF Fitzpatrick & FF Frisby fell to their deaths. Thank you for taking your time today to read this report & remember the deaths of 2 brother firemen 33 years ago. They are gone but they will never be forgotten. (from NYC Fire Wire)
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL DAVIDSON ENGINE 69 March 23, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AhbLXmSmE0
ABC News - Friday, March 23, 2018 HARLEM --
Michael Davidson went into a fire in Harlem on Thursday night like he did so many times over the last 15 years, but this time he became trapped. Davidson became separated while firefighters battled flames in the basement of a building being used as a movie set in Harlem. He was later found unconscious and died later at a hospital. Davidson was appointed as a Firefighter in May of 2003 and assigned to Engine Company 69 in Harlem. His father was a firefighter for 26 years, and they worked in the same firehouse until his father retired. His brother, Eric, is also an 11-year veteran, of Engine Company 88 in the Bronx.
"Our entire department, our entire city, mourns this horrific loss of a very brave firefighter," FDNY chief Daniel Nigro said.
Davidson of Floral Park, New York, is survived by his wife, Eileen, and their four children; three daughters, ages 7, 3, and 1 and a son, age 6.
The FDNY said that Davidson was cited four different times during his time at the department for his bravery while on duty.
He is the 1,150th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the line-of-duty. His death comes eight days after the deaths of Lieutenant Christopher J. Raguso and Fire Marshal Christopher T. "Tripp" Zanetis, who died in an American military helicopter crash in Iraq.
RIP. Never forget.
mack said:
Regarding FDNYs Engine 69, Ladder 28, Battalion 16 - during the 1980s, I believe this site member Mike D., aka "mikeindabronx", considered "Our Most Valuable Player" was granted special permission through the FDNY to ride along with these companies.
During that riding time, Mike put his Photographic Skills to work taking hundreds of photos, many of which now appear on his web site titled:
www.fdnysbravest.com
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2013
- Messages
- 914
mack said:
1869 - 1885 District Engineer 4 E9 E10 L2
1885 - 1892 District Engineer 4 E9 E10 L2
1892 - 1896 District Engineer 4 E9 E10 E30 L2
1896 - 1897 District Engineer 4 E9 E10 E30 L2 WT1
1897 - 1898 District Engineer 4 E9 E10 E30 E51 L2 WT1
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2013
- Messages
- 914
Battalion 24 was first activated from 1898 to 1906 when it was renumbered as Battalion 34.mack said:
Brooklyn
1898 - 1900 Battalion 24 E9 E10 E30 E51 L2
1900 - 1901 Battalion 24 E109 E110 E130 E151 L52
1901 - 1906 Battalion 24 E109 E110 E130 E151 L52 L69
Manhattan
1907 - 1908 Battalion 24 E37 E47 E59 L28 L28-2 L30
1908 - 1909 Battalion 24 E37 E47 E80 E80-2 L23 L28 L28-2
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2013
- Messages
- 914
mack said:
1901 - 1909 Battalion 16 E8 E39 L2 L16
1909 - 1910 Battalion 16 E37 E47 E80 E80-2 L23 L28 L28-2
1910 - 1915 Battalion 16 E37 E47 E80 E80-2 L23 L28 L28-2 L40
1915 - 1922 Battalion 16 E37 E47 E80 L23 L28 L40
1922 - 1930 Battalion 16 E37 E47 E69 E80 L23 L28 L40
1930 - 1951 Battalion 16 E37 E59 E69 E80 L23 L28 L30 L40
1951 - 1955 Battalion 16 E37 E59 E69 E80 L23 L28 L30
1955 - 1969 Battalion 16 E37 E59 E69 E80 L23 L28 L30 S1
1969 - 1975 Battalion 16 E69 E80 E84 L23 L28 L34
1975 - 1989 Battalion 16 E37 E69 E80 L23 L28 L40
1989 - Battalion 16 E59 E69 E80 L23 L28 L30
Engine 213 firehouse 137 Powers Street East Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11th Division, 35th Battalion DISBANDED
Engine 13 BFD organized 137 Powers Street former volunteer quarters 1869
Engine 13 BFD new firehouse 137 Powers Street 1880
Engine 13 BFD became Engine 13 FDNY 1898
Engine 13 became Engine 113 1899
Engine 113 became Engine 213 1913
Engine 213 disbanded 1959
Battalion 35 located at 137 Powers Street at Engine 113 (213) 1908-1915
Volunteer Williamsburg Fire Department - pre-Brooklyn Fire Department (BFD):
Neptune Engine 7, a volunteer company in the Williamsburg Fire Department, was organized in 1850 at Graham Avenue and Grand Street. They moved to a new firehouse at 137 Powers Street which became the initial quarters of the paid BFD Engine 13 when organized in 1869.
Brooklyn Fire Department (BFD):
On Sept 15, 1872, the BFD placed two new fire companies in service in the Greenpoint and Williamsburg sections. The population of these two areas was spreading out further from the center of town as new people moved into the area. With this migration the fire department needed more companies. Engine 15(215) was located in Greenpoint and Engine 16(216) in the southern section of Williamsburg.
The fire protection in Williamsburg was provided by Ladder 5 (105), located at Manhattan Avenue and Ten Eyck Street, Engine 13 (213) at Powers Street and Graham. Ladder 4 (104) was in the center of Williamsburg on S. 3rd Street. Engine 16 was placed in the former volunteer quarters of Eagle Engine Company No. 6, located on Stagg Street near Union. The house was built around 1854 for Bucket Company 6 and Engine 6 moved into the house replacing the Bucket Company a short time later. Around the corner on Scholes Street was Continental Hose 6.
During 1873 Ladder 5 (105) was disbanded, leaving the area with only Ladder 4 (104) to the north. Five years after Engine 16 was organized the Fire Department placed Engine 18 (218) in service at 112 Seigel Street on November 30, 1877. The need for a ladder company in this section of Williamsburg was great and Ladder 8 (108) replaced Engine 18 on Seigel Street. Engine 18 was moved to new quarters at 650 Hart Street on December 1, 1887.
Engine 13 BFD:
Engine 13 BFD:
"Protectors of the Residential Quarter
Engine Company No. 13 has its quarters in one of the pleasantest and most aristocratic portions of the Eastern District. The house stands on Powers Street, near Ewen, but a short distance from the residence of Fire Commissioner John ENNIS. It was built in 1880 and stands on the site of the house occupied by Neptune Engine Company No. 7, in the Volunteer Department days. It has a frontage of 25 feet and is 90 feet long, with 10 feet of yard at the rear. The interior of the house is a marvel of attractiveness and throughout shows the clever handiwork of the men who make up the company. On the ground floor is the sitting-room of the men, the stalls for the horses, and the engine and hose-cart. Along the wall on the northerly side are thirteen hose-racks, one above the other, which run half the length of the house, and on which lengths of hose are stretched to dry. On the opposite wall are photographs of prominent fire officials, and memorials of brave men who lost their lives in the discharge of their duty. The electric clock, which hangs over the big brass gong, is surmounted by a heavy bronze eagle, holding in its beak a bunch of red, white and blue streamers. An invention located in the cellar which, by the way, is a model for the owner of a private dwelling to imitate, furnishes the heat for keeping the water boiling in the engine, and was planned and built by one of the men in the company. At the rear of the engine is another device which is so arranged that when the engine goes out it will stop a small clock in another part of the house at the exact second, and remain in that position until the engine returns.
Foreman KEIGHLER has displayed some of the ingenuity of which he has an abundance, in decorating the five horse stalls which are located in the rear of the house just back of the four-wheeled hose-cart. Over the front of each stall is a semi-circular iron bar. Depending from the centre of each is a small board sign, the ground-work being red and the lettering in gilt. The signs bear the name of the horse in the stall over which it hangs. With the exception of the centre stall, a miniature bronze horse surmounts the sign. The centre stall is occupied by a handsome, good tempered young bay horse called "Harry," after the Foreman of the company. In addition to the sign bearing the name of the horse, there is also a shield on the front of which is inscribed " B. F. D. No. 13," and on the reverse in white letters, "Organized Sept. 15, 1869." Above all is a large bronze eagle. "Bill," a fine young bay horse, is named after the Assistant Foreman and occupies the first stall; with "Harry," he makes up the team for the hose-cart. In the second stall is a large dapple gray horse called "Stonewall Jackson." He and "Mike," a big black horse who occupies the fourth stall, make up the team for the engine. The fifth stall is occupied by a handsome little dark bay horse, who is as fleet footed as the wind. His name is plain "John," and he carries Fire Commissioner John ENNIS to and from Headquarters every day, and wherever else that duty may demand his master's presence.
The apparatus consists of a first-class Amoskeag engine which weighs 7640 pounds and has been in use about two years. Prior to that time the company had a "La France " which weighed 9000 pounds. The latter is now used as a spare engine for service on the water-front. About seven months ago the company was furnished with a new four-wheeled hose-cart which carries all modern equipments. The old hosecart was rebuilt and is now in service with Engine Company No. 31.
The members of Engine Company No. 13 are all first-class men. They have first-class apparatus and horses, and their quarters are kept in first-class condition. No body of men in the Department, congregated under the same roof, work and associate more thoroughly in unison than do these men.
Foreman HENRY M. KEIGHLER is one of the most courteous and obliging men in the Department. He is prominent in social, political and fire circles, and has been a fireman since he was old enough to run with a machine. Mr. KEIGHLER was born in New York City on March 23, 1840; he is married and lives at No. 267 Ainslee Street. In the days of the Volunteer Department he served faithfully as Foreman of Neptune Engine No. 7, and for a few years as Assistant District Engineer. On Oct. 19, 1869, he received his appointment to the uniformed force, and was assigned to duty as a private with Engine No. 13. His ability was soon recognized, and on the first day of July following he was promoted to the grade of Foreman. Soon afterwards he assumed command of Engine No. 11 and remained there sixteen months. Later he was transferred to Hook and Ladder No. 6, and remained there for ten months, then to Hook and Ladder No. 4, and on Feb. 11, 1886 was again put in command of Engine No. 13. In 1883 his leg was injured by a falling wall. He won the title of a hero as far back as 1873 by an attempt to rescue a woman and several children from the top floor of a burning three-story frame dwelling and store at Boerum and Graham Avenues, after all were supposed to be out. The smoke was so dense that he was nearly suffocated before he could make his way into the rear room where the woman and children were said to be sleeping. The woman was very large and it took all his strength to get her to the front window and down the ladder to the ground. This done, he went back to rescue the children. His heroic exertions were of no avail, as mother and children had suffocated before Mr. KEIGHLER reached them.
Assistant Foreman WILLIAM C. ROGERS is one of the bravest and hardest workers in the service of the Department. He was born in New York on April 10, 1861, and received his appointment as a fireman on June 15,1885, when he was assigned to Engine No. 13. He rose rapidly from the ranks and on March I, 1887 was promoted to the grade of Assistant Foreman. He is married and lives at No. 49 South Sixth Street.
Engineer WILLIAM H. HOLMES was born in this city, Nov. 15, 1855. At the time of his appointment, Jan. I, 1863, he was assigned to duty with Engine No. 5. He was transferred later to Engine No. 13, and on June 17, 1865 was advanced to the grade of engineer. He is married and lives at No. 137 Ainslee Street. During his term of service he was laid up for several months with a
dislocated hip received from the kick of a horse.
Engineer GEORGE H. WALLACE was born in this city on Nov. 30, 1862. He was assigned to Engine No. 6 when appointed on Sept. 1, 1885, and on Feb. 7. 1891, after his transfer to Engine No. 13, was made an engineer. He is a married man, and lives at No. 235 Ainslee Street.
HENRY REESE, the stoker, was appointed Sept. 1, 1885 and has since served with this company. He was born in this city on April 9, 1860, and lives at No. 39 North Seventh Street.
THOMAS F. HARRINGTON is a first-grade fireman, and was appointed on Jan. 2, 1889. While detailed to Truck No. 6, he was quite seriously injured by the kick of a horse. Mr. Harrington was born in this city on Nov. 27, 1862, and was recently married; he lives at No. 173 Ainslee Street.
JOHN ADAMS was born in this city, on Oct. 10, 1854. He was appointed on March 21, 1888. He is in the first-grade, is married, and lives at No. 13 Ainslee Street.
JOHN KNAPP FICKETT is also a first-grade fireman, and was appointed on Sept. 15, 1880. He was born in this city on Jan. l6, 1839. and lives with his family at No. 120 Wither Street. He enlisted as a sergeant in the 99th Regiment. N. Y. Vols. in May, 1861, and after serving three years, re-enlisted on Aug. 4, 1864, with Company E, 19th Regiment, N. Y. Vols.
JOHN J. O'BRIEN was born in New York City on Oct. 1, 1854, and was appointed to the Fire Department on Aug. 1, 1889. He is a fireman of the first-grade and lives with his family at No. 554 South Fifth Street.
EUGENE OSCAR POWNALL is the driver of the engine. He is a bachelor and was born in New York on Sept. 22, 1859. He has been attached to this company since he was appointed to the uniformed force on April 1, 1892.
CHARLES WORNER NORRIS is an old volunteer fireman and ran with Neptune Engine Company No. 7. He was born in this city, Sept. 22, 1839, and received his appointment to the Department on April 10, 1872. He is a fireman of the first-grade and lives at No. 237 Ainslee Street with his family.
JOSEPH P. FLYNN was born in Cambridge, Mass., on April 23, 1867. He was a railroad man at the time of his appointment on July 1, 1892.
On a first-alarm the members of Engine No. 13 respond to calls from 66 boxes, and their district includes all the large buildings, both private and public, in the Eastern District. Among the principal ones are the Waterbury rope works, the Lawrence cordage works, Solon & Fleming's oil works. Cooper's glue factory, Hardy & Voorhis' lumber yard, Charles H. Reynolds & Son's coal and wood yard and planing mills, Kalbfleisch & Son's chemical works, Solon's planing mills, Warn's furniture factory. Turner Hall, Union Hall, Batterman's large dry goods house, Benjamin Kaufman's Bazaar, Uber's brewery, Kiefer's brewery, Fallott brewery, Friese & Son's brewery, Seitz's brewery, St. Catherine's Hospital, Och's brewery, a large chair factory covering nearly a block on Meserole Street, near Bushwick Creek, Ketcham's furniture factory. Cable's wire works, a six-story tin factory on Union Avenue, Yeoman's cork works, Havemeyer's frame stables, a large
blacksmith and wheelwright shop at Grand Street, the Brookfield's glass works, the Grand Street Line car stables, the South Fourth Street car stables. Congress Hall, Public Schools Nos. 18, 20, 23 and 37, Holy Trinity church school, the First Baptist church and a Presbyterian church on Ainslee Street, the Second Baptist church, St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, Grace Free Baptist church, German Roman Catholic cathedral, the Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, the German Lutheran church and school, the Novelty theatre, the Amphion theatre, the Lee Avenue Academy, the new Bedford theatre, the Grand Street Museum and Phillip's theatre.
The district also includes a large number of five-story frame tenements which run 70 feet back, and in each of which at least fifty families live, all of whom are Polish Jews. This company has attended all the large fires in the Eastern and Western Districts since it has been in existence. The company worked thirty-five hours at the first fire at Pratt's oil works in 1874. They effected good work at Solon & Fleming's oil works, when eight tanks blew up one after the other and placed the lives of the firemen in great peril. They were at fires at the Havemeyer sugar works, Solon's planing mills, where some of the men were badly scorched; and at the big fire in Horseman's bakery, June 22, 1884, when Firemen TYACK and HAIGHT were killed by falling walls. They worked hard for nine hours at the Grand Street car stable fire in 1876, when fifty-four horses were burned to death; and three years later they had a hard experience at the burning of the South Fourth Street car stables, at which nearly sixty horses were destroyed. The last big fire they attended was the Smith, Gray & Company clothing house fire. On second and third alarms and special calls they go to all the big fires in the Eastern District and Greenpoint, and at times down into the Western District." (from Our Firemen: The Official History of the Brooklyn Fire Department)
137 Powers Street firehouse:
Engine 13 BFD organized 137 Powers Street former volunteer quarters 1869
Engine 13 BFD new firehouse 137 Powers Street 1880
Engine 13 BFD became Engine 13 FDNY 1898
Engine 13 became Engine 113 1899
Engine 113 became Engine 213 1913
Engine 213 disbanded 1959
Battalion 35 located at 137 Powers Street at Engine 113 (213) 1908-1915
Volunteer Williamsburg Fire Department - pre-Brooklyn Fire Department (BFD):
Neptune Engine 7, a volunteer company in the Williamsburg Fire Department, was organized in 1850 at Graham Avenue and Grand Street. They moved to a new firehouse at 137 Powers Street which became the initial quarters of the paid BFD Engine 13 when organized in 1869.
Brooklyn Fire Department (BFD):
On Sept 15, 1872, the BFD placed two new fire companies in service in the Greenpoint and Williamsburg sections. The population of these two areas was spreading out further from the center of town as new people moved into the area. With this migration the fire department needed more companies. Engine 15(215) was located in Greenpoint and Engine 16(216) in the southern section of Williamsburg.
The fire protection in Williamsburg was provided by Ladder 5 (105), located at Manhattan Avenue and Ten Eyck Street, Engine 13 (213) at Powers Street and Graham. Ladder 4 (104) was in the center of Williamsburg on S. 3rd Street. Engine 16 was placed in the former volunteer quarters of Eagle Engine Company No. 6, located on Stagg Street near Union. The house was built around 1854 for Bucket Company 6 and Engine 6 moved into the house replacing the Bucket Company a short time later. Around the corner on Scholes Street was Continental Hose 6.
During 1873 Ladder 5 (105) was disbanded, leaving the area with only Ladder 4 (104) to the north. Five years after Engine 16 was organized the Fire Department placed Engine 18 (218) in service at 112 Seigel Street on November 30, 1877. The need for a ladder company in this section of Williamsburg was great and Ladder 8 (108) replaced Engine 18 on Seigel Street. Engine 18 was moved to new quarters at 650 Hart Street on December 1, 1887.
Engine 13 BFD:
Engine 13 BFD:
"Protectors of the Residential Quarter
Engine Company No. 13 has its quarters in one of the pleasantest and most aristocratic portions of the Eastern District. The house stands on Powers Street, near Ewen, but a short distance from the residence of Fire Commissioner John ENNIS. It was built in 1880 and stands on the site of the house occupied by Neptune Engine Company No. 7, in the Volunteer Department days. It has a frontage of 25 feet and is 90 feet long, with 10 feet of yard at the rear. The interior of the house is a marvel of attractiveness and throughout shows the clever handiwork of the men who make up the company. On the ground floor is the sitting-room of the men, the stalls for the horses, and the engine and hose-cart. Along the wall on the northerly side are thirteen hose-racks, one above the other, which run half the length of the house, and on which lengths of hose are stretched to dry. On the opposite wall are photographs of prominent fire officials, and memorials of brave men who lost their lives in the discharge of their duty. The electric clock, which hangs over the big brass gong, is surmounted by a heavy bronze eagle, holding in its beak a bunch of red, white and blue streamers. An invention located in the cellar which, by the way, is a model for the owner of a private dwelling to imitate, furnishes the heat for keeping the water boiling in the engine, and was planned and built by one of the men in the company. At the rear of the engine is another device which is so arranged that when the engine goes out it will stop a small clock in another part of the house at the exact second, and remain in that position until the engine returns.
Foreman KEIGHLER has displayed some of the ingenuity of which he has an abundance, in decorating the five horse stalls which are located in the rear of the house just back of the four-wheeled hose-cart. Over the front of each stall is a semi-circular iron bar. Depending from the centre of each is a small board sign, the ground-work being red and the lettering in gilt. The signs bear the name of the horse in the stall over which it hangs. With the exception of the centre stall, a miniature bronze horse surmounts the sign. The centre stall is occupied by a handsome, good tempered young bay horse called "Harry," after the Foreman of the company. In addition to the sign bearing the name of the horse, there is also a shield on the front of which is inscribed " B. F. D. No. 13," and on the reverse in white letters, "Organized Sept. 15, 1869." Above all is a large bronze eagle. "Bill," a fine young bay horse, is named after the Assistant Foreman and occupies the first stall; with "Harry," he makes up the team for the hose-cart. In the second stall is a large dapple gray horse called "Stonewall Jackson." He and "Mike," a big black horse who occupies the fourth stall, make up the team for the engine. The fifth stall is occupied by a handsome little dark bay horse, who is as fleet footed as the wind. His name is plain "John," and he carries Fire Commissioner John ENNIS to and from Headquarters every day, and wherever else that duty may demand his master's presence.
The apparatus consists of a first-class Amoskeag engine which weighs 7640 pounds and has been in use about two years. Prior to that time the company had a "La France " which weighed 9000 pounds. The latter is now used as a spare engine for service on the water-front. About seven months ago the company was furnished with a new four-wheeled hose-cart which carries all modern equipments. The old hosecart was rebuilt and is now in service with Engine Company No. 31.
The members of Engine Company No. 13 are all first-class men. They have first-class apparatus and horses, and their quarters are kept in first-class condition. No body of men in the Department, congregated under the same roof, work and associate more thoroughly in unison than do these men.
Foreman HENRY M. KEIGHLER is one of the most courteous and obliging men in the Department. He is prominent in social, political and fire circles, and has been a fireman since he was old enough to run with a machine. Mr. KEIGHLER was born in New York City on March 23, 1840; he is married and lives at No. 267 Ainslee Street. In the days of the Volunteer Department he served faithfully as Foreman of Neptune Engine No. 7, and for a few years as Assistant District Engineer. On Oct. 19, 1869, he received his appointment to the uniformed force, and was assigned to duty as a private with Engine No. 13. His ability was soon recognized, and on the first day of July following he was promoted to the grade of Foreman. Soon afterwards he assumed command of Engine No. 11 and remained there sixteen months. Later he was transferred to Hook and Ladder No. 6, and remained there for ten months, then to Hook and Ladder No. 4, and on Feb. 11, 1886 was again put in command of Engine No. 13. In 1883 his leg was injured by a falling wall. He won the title of a hero as far back as 1873 by an attempt to rescue a woman and several children from the top floor of a burning three-story frame dwelling and store at Boerum and Graham Avenues, after all were supposed to be out. The smoke was so dense that he was nearly suffocated before he could make his way into the rear room where the woman and children were said to be sleeping. The woman was very large and it took all his strength to get her to the front window and down the ladder to the ground. This done, he went back to rescue the children. His heroic exertions were of no avail, as mother and children had suffocated before Mr. KEIGHLER reached them.
Assistant Foreman WILLIAM C. ROGERS is one of the bravest and hardest workers in the service of the Department. He was born in New York on April 10, 1861, and received his appointment as a fireman on June 15,1885, when he was assigned to Engine No. 13. He rose rapidly from the ranks and on March I, 1887 was promoted to the grade of Assistant Foreman. He is married and lives at No. 49 South Sixth Street.
Engineer WILLIAM H. HOLMES was born in this city, Nov. 15, 1855. At the time of his appointment, Jan. I, 1863, he was assigned to duty with Engine No. 5. He was transferred later to Engine No. 13, and on June 17, 1865 was advanced to the grade of engineer. He is married and lives at No. 137 Ainslee Street. During his term of service he was laid up for several months with a
dislocated hip received from the kick of a horse.
Engineer GEORGE H. WALLACE was born in this city on Nov. 30, 1862. He was assigned to Engine No. 6 when appointed on Sept. 1, 1885, and on Feb. 7. 1891, after his transfer to Engine No. 13, was made an engineer. He is a married man, and lives at No. 235 Ainslee Street.
HENRY REESE, the stoker, was appointed Sept. 1, 1885 and has since served with this company. He was born in this city on April 9, 1860, and lives at No. 39 North Seventh Street.
THOMAS F. HARRINGTON is a first-grade fireman, and was appointed on Jan. 2, 1889. While detailed to Truck No. 6, he was quite seriously injured by the kick of a horse. Mr. Harrington was born in this city on Nov. 27, 1862, and was recently married; he lives at No. 173 Ainslee Street.
JOHN ADAMS was born in this city, on Oct. 10, 1854. He was appointed on March 21, 1888. He is in the first-grade, is married, and lives at No. 13 Ainslee Street.
JOHN KNAPP FICKETT is also a first-grade fireman, and was appointed on Sept. 15, 1880. He was born in this city on Jan. l6, 1839. and lives with his family at No. 120 Wither Street. He enlisted as a sergeant in the 99th Regiment. N. Y. Vols. in May, 1861, and after serving three years, re-enlisted on Aug. 4, 1864, with Company E, 19th Regiment, N. Y. Vols.
JOHN J. O'BRIEN was born in New York City on Oct. 1, 1854, and was appointed to the Fire Department on Aug. 1, 1889. He is a fireman of the first-grade and lives with his family at No. 554 South Fifth Street.
EUGENE OSCAR POWNALL is the driver of the engine. He is a bachelor and was born in New York on Sept. 22, 1859. He has been attached to this company since he was appointed to the uniformed force on April 1, 1892.
CHARLES WORNER NORRIS is an old volunteer fireman and ran with Neptune Engine Company No. 7. He was born in this city, Sept. 22, 1839, and received his appointment to the Department on April 10, 1872. He is a fireman of the first-grade and lives at No. 237 Ainslee Street with his family.
JOSEPH P. FLYNN was born in Cambridge, Mass., on April 23, 1867. He was a railroad man at the time of his appointment on July 1, 1892.
On a first-alarm the members of Engine No. 13 respond to calls from 66 boxes, and their district includes all the large buildings, both private and public, in the Eastern District. Among the principal ones are the Waterbury rope works, the Lawrence cordage works, Solon & Fleming's oil works. Cooper's glue factory, Hardy & Voorhis' lumber yard, Charles H. Reynolds & Son's coal and wood yard and planing mills, Kalbfleisch & Son's chemical works, Solon's planing mills, Warn's furniture factory. Turner Hall, Union Hall, Batterman's large dry goods house, Benjamin Kaufman's Bazaar, Uber's brewery, Kiefer's brewery, Fallott brewery, Friese & Son's brewery, Seitz's brewery, St. Catherine's Hospital, Och's brewery, a large chair factory covering nearly a block on Meserole Street, near Bushwick Creek, Ketcham's furniture factory. Cable's wire works, a six-story tin factory on Union Avenue, Yeoman's cork works, Havemeyer's frame stables, a large
blacksmith and wheelwright shop at Grand Street, the Brookfield's glass works, the Grand Street Line car stables, the South Fourth Street car stables. Congress Hall, Public Schools Nos. 18, 20, 23 and 37, Holy Trinity church school, the First Baptist church and a Presbyterian church on Ainslee Street, the Second Baptist church, St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, Grace Free Baptist church, German Roman Catholic cathedral, the Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, the German Lutheran church and school, the Novelty theatre, the Amphion theatre, the Lee Avenue Academy, the new Bedford theatre, the Grand Street Museum and Phillip's theatre.
The district also includes a large number of five-story frame tenements which run 70 feet back, and in each of which at least fifty families live, all of whom are Polish Jews. This company has attended all the large fires in the Eastern and Western Districts since it has been in existence. The company worked thirty-five hours at the first fire at Pratt's oil works in 1874. They effected good work at Solon & Fleming's oil works, when eight tanks blew up one after the other and placed the lives of the firemen in great peril. They were at fires at the Havemeyer sugar works, Solon's planing mills, where some of the men were badly scorched; and at the big fire in Horseman's bakery, June 22, 1884, when Firemen TYACK and HAIGHT were killed by falling walls. They worked hard for nine hours at the Grand Street car stable fire in 1876, when fifty-four horses were burned to death; and three years later they had a hard experience at the burning of the South Fourth Street car stables, at which nearly sixty horses were destroyed. The last big fire they attended was the Smith, Gray & Company clothing house fire. On second and third alarms and special calls they go to all the big fires in the Eastern District and Greenpoint, and at times down into the Western District." (from Our Firemen: The Official History of the Brooklyn Fire Department)
137 Powers Street firehouse:
Engine 213 (continued)
Engine 213:
Engine 213 meal:
Engine 213 WWII-era auxiliaries:
Engine 213 mascot "Buster" 1940s-1950s:
Additional history:
BFD Fire Commissioner Ennis kept his department vehicle at 137 Powers Street firehouse:
35th Battalion Chief Maguire honored at Engine 213 1901:
Engine 213 medals:
WILLIAM F. GALLAGHER FF. ENG. 213 JAN. 29, 1924 1925 BROOKLYN CITIZENS
RUDOLPH J. USTER CAPT. ENG. 213 1924 1925 STEPHENSON
JOHN G. HUTZELMANN FF. ENG. 213 APR. 28, 1925 1926 CRIMMINS
Engine 213 LODDs:
FIREFIGHTER JOHN F. HICKEY ENGINE 213 SEPTEMBER 30, 1896
FF John F. Hickey appointed May 4 1892. Prior injury:
CAPTAIN MATHEW FOHEY ENGINE 213 August 24, 1900
RIP. Never forget.
Engine 213:
Engine 213 meal:
Engine 213 WWII-era auxiliaries:
Engine 213 mascot "Buster" 1940s-1950s:
Additional history:
BFD Fire Commissioner Ennis kept his department vehicle at 137 Powers Street firehouse:
35th Battalion Chief Maguire honored at Engine 213 1901:
Engine 213 medals:
WILLIAM F. GALLAGHER FF. ENG. 213 JAN. 29, 1924 1925 BROOKLYN CITIZENS
RUDOLPH J. USTER CAPT. ENG. 213 1924 1925 STEPHENSON
JOHN G. HUTZELMANN FF. ENG. 213 APR. 28, 1925 1926 CRIMMINS
Engine 213 LODDs:
FIREFIGHTER JOHN F. HICKEY ENGINE 213 SEPTEMBER 30, 1896
FF John F. Hickey appointed May 4 1892. Prior injury:
CAPTAIN MATHEW FOHEY ENGINE 213 August 24, 1900
RIP. Never forget.
FDNY History - the paid department in 1865 - original companies, locations, foremen or captains, pay, uniforms, volunteer companies disbanded
Note - The paid Metropolitan Fire Department (MFD) became the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) in 1870
The New York Times - November 3, 1865
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Completion of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade of New-York. Difficulties in the Work of Reorganization. Catalogue of the City and Suburban Companies. Thirty-five Steam and Five Hand Engine Companies, and Fifteen Hook and Ladder Companies.
THEIR ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION Present Condition of the Paid Fire Department. The Fire Telegraph System--The Board of Engineers.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. SUBURBAN ORGANIZATION. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. NO MORE BELLS. STATUS OF VOLUNTEER FIREMEN. VOLUNTEER COMPANIES DISCHARGED.
The organization of the Paid Fire Department is at last perfected, and the Fire Commissioners, being no longer perplexed with the duties pertaining to the work of changing from the old system to the new, will devote their energies to making the department thoroughly efficient and a credit to the city. That our readers may fully understand the subject, we present a detailed account of the new organization as it now stands.
The work of reorganization has been a task of no small dimensions for apart from the necessary amount of routine business coming before the board, they have been obliged to devote a large portion of their time to the examination into the capabilities of the old department, and to determine upon the best and most economical system for the new organization. The apparatus and hose had to be examined, and more and better provided; applications for appointments on the new force were to be carefully considered alterations to buildings were to be determined upon, and the financial basis of the entire department arranged. All these several duties occupied time, but the Board of Commissioners kept steadily at their work, and now they find the Paid Fire Department substantially complete, only one or two additional companies having yet to be organized. As at present arranged the new department will soon become compact and manageable, and no doubt seems to exist in the minds of those interested in the department of its final and complete success.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BRIGADE.
The entire force of the Metropolitan Fire Department consists of thirty-five steam fire-engine companies and twelve hook and ladder companies for the city proper. One hook and ladder and two engine companies are to be organized immediately. For duty in the suburban districts there will be five hand engine companies and two hook and ladder companies, and they are now organized under the direction of three assistant-engineers.
In the city organization each engine company consists of twelve members, a foreman, assistant-foreman, engineer, driver, stoker and seven privates. The hook and ladder companies have the same number of members, but not requiring an engineer or stoker, the privates are increased to nine men. To each steamer there is attached a tender. Each steamer and hook and ladder truck will be drawn by a powerful team of horses, and the tenders by one horse each, thus employing 129 horses. Each tender is provided with a reel capable of carrying one thousand feet of hose, and a fuel box calculated for three hours' consumption; in front of the tender is placed a wide seat for the driver and three men.
In the suburbs the companies consist of fifty members, and are not paid, a company fund being given them for incidental expenses, the machines being drawn by hand.
The down-town companies are governed by eleven assistant engineers, while the Chief-Engineer holds command over the entire department.
SALARIES.
The expenses of the department for salaries of the force will be as follows:
Chief-Engineer............................... $3,000
Eleven Engineers (each $1,200)................ 13,200
Three suburban Engineers (each $400)........ 1,200
Forty-seven foremen (each $800).............. 37,000
Forty-seven assistant foremen (each $750)..... 36,250
Thirty-five steam engineers (each $900)........ 36,500
Forty-seven drivers (each $700)................ 32,900
Thirty-five stokers (each $700)................. 24,500
Three hundred and fifty-three privates ($700)..247,100
Total....................................$426,250
Company funds for six suburban companies, ($1,000 each)................................ $6,000
Grand total..............................$432,250
THE WHOLE DEPARTMENT.
Consists of a Board of Commissioners and the Board of Engineers, with forty steam, engine and thirteen hook and ladder companies. The following list comprises the officers of the department:
President of the Board -- CHAS. C. PINCKNEY.
Fire Commissioners -- MARTIN B. BROWN, PHILIP W. ENGS and JOSHUA G. ABBE.
Secretary -- CHAS. E. GILDERSLEVE.
Chief-Engineer -- ELISHA B. KINGSLAND.
Board of Engineers -- Joseph L. Perley, First Assistant; G.J. Orr, Eli Bates, Thomas Sullivan, William Shaunessy, Peter Y. Everett, Bernard Sheridan, Wm. Banham, Jr., W.M. Rhodes, John Conley, Joseph D. Coster.
Suburban Engineers -- Michael Halloran, Abraham Howe and John Hunt.
The working force of the brigade consists of the following divisions:
CITY ORGANIZATION.
The following comprises the fire companies for duty in the city proper. Each company consists of twelve men. The total salaries of each engine company will be $8,750 per annum. Those of the hook and ladder companies will be $8,550 each:
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 1, (with horses.) -- WM. CORGAN, foreman, in Park-walk.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 2, (with horses.) -- ROBT. ROBERTS, foreman, No. 304 West Forty-seventh-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 3, (with horses.) -- JOHN MCNEIL, foreman, in West Seventeenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 4, (with horses.) -- THOS. MCCAULEY, foreman, No. 39 Liberty-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 5, (with horses) -- DAVID B. WATERS, Foreman, No. 186 East Fourteenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 6, (with horses) -- JOSEPH J. MALLEN, Foreman, No. 100 Cedar-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 7, (with horses) -- JOSEPH POYNTON, Foreman, corner of Chambers and Centre streets.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 8, (with horses) -- JOHN H. VAN TASSELL, Foreman, No. 106 East Fifty -- first-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 9, (with horses) -- STUART CARSON, Foreman, No. 55 East Broadway.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 10, (with horses) -- JOHN BATTERSBERRY, Foreman, No. 28 Beaver-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 11, (with horses) -- JULIAN C. HARRISON, Foreman, No. 437 East Houston-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 12. (with horses) -- JAMES OATES, Foreman, William-street, near Pearl.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 13, (with horses) -- J.F. GIRAUD, Foreman, No. 99 Wooster-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 14 (with horses) -- W.H. WILSON, Foreman, No. 15 East Eighteenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 15 (with horses) -- JAS. LITTLE, Foreman, No. 269 Henry-street
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 16 (with horses) -- WM. SANDBEG, Foreman, No. 109 East Twenty-fifth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 17 (with horses) -- ROBT. V. MACKEY, Foreman, No. 91 Budlow-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 18 (with horses) -- W.H. HOUSNER, Foreman, No. 26 West Tenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 19 (with horses) -- STEPHEN MITCHELL, Foreman, No. 227 West Twenty-fifth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 20 (with horses) -- HUGH BONNER, Foreman, No. 47 Marion-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 21 (preparing for horses -- JAS. B. HUNT, Foreman, No. 142 East Fortieth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 22 (preparing for horses) -- JOHN B. DUNHAM, Foreman, Eighty-fifth-street, near Third-avenue.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 23, (preparing for horses) -- HENRY A. LINDEN, foreman, Sixty-eighth-street, near Tenth-avenue.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 24, (preparing for horses) -- W.H. WARD, foreman, No. 84 Morton-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 25, (with horses) -- JOHN ALLEN, foreman, No. 148 East Fifth-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 26, (preparing for horses) -- W.M. MITCHELL, foreman, No. 138 West. Thirty-seventh-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 27 -- (with horses) -- LUKE A. MURPHY, Foreman, No. 171 Franklin-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 28 -- (preparing for horses) -- WM. DONNELLY, Foreman, No. 211 East Eleventh-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 29 -- (drawn by hand) -- ARNOT SPENCE, Foreman, temporarily at No. 300 Washington-street, to go to No. 193 Fulton-street, and obtain horses.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 30 -- (preparing for horses) -- WM. SIMPSON, Foreman, No. 253 Spring-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 31 -- (preparing for horses) -- PETER WEIR, Foreman, No. 116 Second-street
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 32 -- (Drawn by Faud) -- WILLIAM BUCKLEY, temporarily at No. 18 Burling-slip.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 33 -- (Preparing for horses) -- HENRY M. VANWORT, Foreman, No. 226, Mercer-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 34 -- (Preparing for horses) -- WM.P. DANIELS, Foreman, No. 286 Thirty-third-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 35 -- Not yet organized.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 -- (With horses) -- WM. BRANDON, Foreman, No. 28 Chambers-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 -- (With horses) -- A.J. BRADY, Foreman, corner of Fiftieth-street and Lexington-avenue.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 3 -- (With horses) -- JAMES TIMONEY, Foreman, No. 78 East Thirteenth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 4 -- (With horses) -- MICHAEL SYNDER, Foreman, corner of Forty-eighth-street and Eighth-avenue.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 5 -- (With horses) -- CHARLES O. SHAY, Foreman, No. 96 Charles-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 6 -- (With horses) -- ABRAHAM C. HURD, Foreman, No. 180 Clinton-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 -- (Preparing for horses) -- ROBERT KING, Foreman, No. 119 East Twenty-eighth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 8 -- (With horses) -- GEO. W. QUACKENBUSH, Foreman, No. 159 Franklin-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 9 -- (Preparing for horses) -- WM. ROE, Foreman, No. 195 Elizabeth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 10 -- (Drawn by hand) -- WM.H. BOWLES, Foreman, temporarily at No. 28 Ann-street, going to No. 193 Fulton-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 11 -- (Preparing for horses) -- C.H. REYNOLDS, Foreman, No. 548 East Fifth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 12 -- Not yet organized.
It will be seen that there are one hook and ladder and one steam engine company yet to be organized. These companies are now under consideration, and in all probability they will be placed in service by the 10th inst. The proper localization of the companies appears to be the cause of the delay, as the board wish to put these machines where they are most needed. As regards the localization of the companies now in active service, most care has been exercised, as to divide the duty properly and at the same time afford all necessary protection to property. Fault has been found with the Board of Commissioners because they have removed one of the steamers from Ann Street, and fears are expressed that the change will prove dangerous. We learn that the reason of the changes in locality was the difficulty of ingress and egress to and from that already crowded street. The railroad now running through Ann Street makes the risk great. In case of a fire in that neighborhood, will be found speedily at hand, as steamers now in Fulton and adjacent streets, and can be brought up speedily.
As already stated, the Board of Metropolitan Fire Commissioners have organized a system of fire companies for the up-town districts. Each company will consist of fifty members, and in lieu of regular individuals compensations the organization to have a company fund of $1,000 per annum. So far there have been organized seven of these out-of-town companies. Harlem is now complete, as are likewise Manhattanville, Yorkville, Bloomingdale and Carmansville.
Those organized are as follows:
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 36 -- ROBT. C. BROWN, in Fourth-avenue, between One Hundred and Twenty-sixth and One Hundred and Twenty-seventh streets, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 37 -- G.B. [???]. Foreman, in One Hundred and Twenty-second-street, between Second and Third avenues, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 38 -- JOHN HAY, Foreman, in Eighty-fifth-street, between Third and Fourth avenues, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 39 -- JNO. E. POOLE, Foreman, in Lawrence-street, between Ninth and Tenth avenues, Manhattanville.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 40 -- WM. HARRIS, Foreman, at Carmansville.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 13 -- CYRUS T. FROST, Foreman, in Eighty-seventh-street, near Third-avenue, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 19 -- MICHAEL MCDERMOTT, Foreman, at Carmansville.
Among the proposed improvements in the department is a contract just completed by the board for ten second-class steam engines, of the Amoskeag pattern, the whole number to be ready for delivery next March. The department will then contain twelve new second-class and three first-class steamers. Thirty thousand feet of hose is now in process of manufacture, and will be soon delivered. The uniform of the firemen while on duty consists of a dark blue suit of pilot cloth, red flannel shirt, and the old fire helmet. On ordinary occasions the members will wear a neat forage cap, of a similar pattern to the navy cap, with glazed cover. In front of the cap will be embroidered the initials "M.F.D.," and the number of the company. Each member is required to be in uniform at all times, except when excused. The engineers will wear a white helmet, with gilt front, and on their forage cape is embroidered the word "Engineer," in the form of an arch, and the letters "M.F.D." beneath. The design is neatly made of gold bullion, similar to the style worn by Captains of police. The engineers are also constantly in uniform.
The men appointed on the force are of first-class character, every one an experienced fireman in the old volunteer department, several of the old assistant engineers now serving as foremen. The condition of the apparatus is also first-class, every machine being put into the best of running order before it left the shop. Improvements in several of the steamers have been introduced while in progress of alteration. The appearance of the houses is also good, for the alterations necessary for the new system caused many important changes for the better. Every man has his tedding and everything necessary for cleanliness and comfort. The horses provided for the companies are of the finest description of draught animals, and their appointments are in perfect keeping.
Very soon there will be a complete revolution in fire-alarm system. Instead of the bell-towers and their attendant ringers, the city will be watched by a telegraph system, at once simple and complete. Each fire company will form a telegraph station, in direct communication with the central office at Firemen's Hall. Each station will have a number, and in each station will be placed an alarm-box. In case of a fire occurring, the foreman or acting foreman of the company nearest its location pulls a knob, and so sounds the number of his station. On receipt of the alarm at headquarters the operator pulls another knob controlling every station in that district, and so gives the exact locality of the fire. If, for instance, "No. 4" is sounded at the central office, that number is at once communicated to every company liable for duty, and the plan is so simple that no mistake can possibly occur. Police stations remote from engine-houses will also be made regular stations, but in general the police will be notified by the firemen. In some, cases, of course, the police telegraph will be of use, but the fire alarm, will be relied on as a general rule.
It may be well to mention in this connection that the board have fixed upon the status of volunteer firemen, and by resolution have determined that the term "good standing" shall be construed and mean only those persons who were members of the New-York Fire Department on the 30th day of March, 1865, and who have performed at least fifty per cent. of fire duty, as the same may appear from the company's roll from July 1, 1865, to Sept. 15, 1865, who are free from all charges, and who were not members of any company which has withheld any property belonging to the City of New-York in use by said company, or permitted the same to be injured, defaced or destroyed. This will effectually stop any attempts by delinquents to obtain honorable discharges.
The following companies, comprising the entire old Volunteer Department, have been relieved from duty, and the members in good standing will be discharged as soon as the necessary blanks are ready:
Engine Companies. -- Hudson No. 1, Excelsior No. 2, Forrest No. 3, Protection No. 5, Americus No. 6, Lexington No. 7, Manhattan No. 8, Marion No. 9, Water Witch No. 10, Oceanus No. 11, Knickerbocker No. 12, Eagle No. 13, Columbia No. 14, Marion No. 18, Lafayette No. 19, Washington No. 20, Fulton No. 21, Protective No. 22, United States No. 23, Jackson No. 24, Cataract No. 25, Jefferson No. 26, Washington No. 27, Guardian No. 29, North River No. 80, Peterson No. 31, Black Joke No. 33, Pete Masterson No. 32, Howard No. 34, Columbus No. 35, Harry Howard No. 36, Tradesman No. 37, Southwark No. 38, Lady Washington No. 40, Clinton No. 41, Empire No. 42, Manhattan No. 43, Live Oak No. 44, Aurora No. 45, Valley Forge No. 46, New-York No. 47, Mazeppa No. 48. Pocahontas No. 49, Mutual No. 51, Undine No. 52, Hudson River No. 53, Niagara No. 4, Chatham No. 15, Mo. hawk No. 16, East River No. 17, Pacific No. 28, Franklin No. 39.
Hose Companies. -- Niagara No. 2, Independent No. 3, Marion No. 4, Edwin Forrest No. 5, Croton No. 6, Ringgold No. 7, City No. 8, Columbian No. 9, Liberty No. 10. Jackson No. 13, Atlantic No. 15, Tompkins No. 16, Clinton No. 17, Franklin No. 18, American No. 19, Humane No. 20, Hudson No. 21, Phoenix No. 22, Perry No. 23, United States No. 25, Neptune No. 27, Pearl No. 28, Metamora No. 29, Laurel No. 30, Putnam No. 31, Crystal No. 35, Oceana No. 36, Madison No. 37, Mohawk No. 39, Empire No. 40, Alert No. 41, Mazeppa No. 42, Pioneer No. 43, C.G. Gunther No. 45, Americus No. 48, Lady Washington No. 49, Hope No. 50, Relief No. 51, Harry Howard No. 55, Nassau No. 56, M.T. Brennan No. 60, Zephyr No. 61, Eagle No. 1, Gulick No. 11, Washington No. 12, Excelsior No. 14, National No. 24, Rutgers No. 26, Warren No. 33, Amity No. 38, Washington Irving No. 44, Mechanics, No. 47, Manhattan No. 59.
Hook and Ladder Companies. -- Mutual No. 1, Chelsea No. 2, Eagle No. 4, Union No. 5, Mechanics No. 7, Empire No. 8, Washington No. 9, C.V. Anderson No. 10, Harry Howard No. 11, Friendship No. 12, Columbian No. 14, Baxter No. 15, Liberty No. 16, Hibernia No. 18, Phenix No. 3, Lafayette No. 6, Marion No. 13, John Decker No. 17.
Note - The paid Metropolitan Fire Department (MFD) became the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) in 1870
The New York Times - November 3, 1865
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Completion of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade of New-York. Difficulties in the Work of Reorganization. Catalogue of the City and Suburban Companies. Thirty-five Steam and Five Hand Engine Companies, and Fifteen Hook and Ladder Companies.
THEIR ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION Present Condition of the Paid Fire Department. The Fire Telegraph System--The Board of Engineers.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. SUBURBAN ORGANIZATION. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. NO MORE BELLS. STATUS OF VOLUNTEER FIREMEN. VOLUNTEER COMPANIES DISCHARGED.
The organization of the Paid Fire Department is at last perfected, and the Fire Commissioners, being no longer perplexed with the duties pertaining to the work of changing from the old system to the new, will devote their energies to making the department thoroughly efficient and a credit to the city. That our readers may fully understand the subject, we present a detailed account of the new organization as it now stands.
The work of reorganization has been a task of no small dimensions for apart from the necessary amount of routine business coming before the board, they have been obliged to devote a large portion of their time to the examination into the capabilities of the old department, and to determine upon the best and most economical system for the new organization. The apparatus and hose had to be examined, and more and better provided; applications for appointments on the new force were to be carefully considered alterations to buildings were to be determined upon, and the financial basis of the entire department arranged. All these several duties occupied time, but the Board of Commissioners kept steadily at their work, and now they find the Paid Fire Department substantially complete, only one or two additional companies having yet to be organized. As at present arranged the new department will soon become compact and manageable, and no doubt seems to exist in the minds of those interested in the department of its final and complete success.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BRIGADE.
The entire force of the Metropolitan Fire Department consists of thirty-five steam fire-engine companies and twelve hook and ladder companies for the city proper. One hook and ladder and two engine companies are to be organized immediately. For duty in the suburban districts there will be five hand engine companies and two hook and ladder companies, and they are now organized under the direction of three assistant-engineers.
In the city organization each engine company consists of twelve members, a foreman, assistant-foreman, engineer, driver, stoker and seven privates. The hook and ladder companies have the same number of members, but not requiring an engineer or stoker, the privates are increased to nine men. To each steamer there is attached a tender. Each steamer and hook and ladder truck will be drawn by a powerful team of horses, and the tenders by one horse each, thus employing 129 horses. Each tender is provided with a reel capable of carrying one thousand feet of hose, and a fuel box calculated for three hours' consumption; in front of the tender is placed a wide seat for the driver and three men.
In the suburbs the companies consist of fifty members, and are not paid, a company fund being given them for incidental expenses, the machines being drawn by hand.
The down-town companies are governed by eleven assistant engineers, while the Chief-Engineer holds command over the entire department.
SALARIES.
The expenses of the department for salaries of the force will be as follows:
Chief-Engineer............................... $3,000
Eleven Engineers (each $1,200)................ 13,200
Three suburban Engineers (each $400)........ 1,200
Forty-seven foremen (each $800).............. 37,000
Forty-seven assistant foremen (each $750)..... 36,250
Thirty-five steam engineers (each $900)........ 36,500
Forty-seven drivers (each $700)................ 32,900
Thirty-five stokers (each $700)................. 24,500
Three hundred and fifty-three privates ($700)..247,100
Total....................................$426,250
Company funds for six suburban companies, ($1,000 each)................................ $6,000
Grand total..............................$432,250
THE WHOLE DEPARTMENT.
Consists of a Board of Commissioners and the Board of Engineers, with forty steam, engine and thirteen hook and ladder companies. The following list comprises the officers of the department:
President of the Board -- CHAS. C. PINCKNEY.
Fire Commissioners -- MARTIN B. BROWN, PHILIP W. ENGS and JOSHUA G. ABBE.
Secretary -- CHAS. E. GILDERSLEVE.
Chief-Engineer -- ELISHA B. KINGSLAND.
Board of Engineers -- Joseph L. Perley, First Assistant; G.J. Orr, Eli Bates, Thomas Sullivan, William Shaunessy, Peter Y. Everett, Bernard Sheridan, Wm. Banham, Jr., W.M. Rhodes, John Conley, Joseph D. Coster.
Suburban Engineers -- Michael Halloran, Abraham Howe and John Hunt.
The working force of the brigade consists of the following divisions:
CITY ORGANIZATION.
The following comprises the fire companies for duty in the city proper. Each company consists of twelve men. The total salaries of each engine company will be $8,750 per annum. Those of the hook and ladder companies will be $8,550 each:
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 1, (with horses.) -- WM. CORGAN, foreman, in Park-walk.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 2, (with horses.) -- ROBT. ROBERTS, foreman, No. 304 West Forty-seventh-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 3, (with horses.) -- JOHN MCNEIL, foreman, in West Seventeenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 4, (with horses.) -- THOS. MCCAULEY, foreman, No. 39 Liberty-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 5, (with horses) -- DAVID B. WATERS, Foreman, No. 186 East Fourteenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 6, (with horses) -- JOSEPH J. MALLEN, Foreman, No. 100 Cedar-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 7, (with horses) -- JOSEPH POYNTON, Foreman, corner of Chambers and Centre streets.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 8, (with horses) -- JOHN H. VAN TASSELL, Foreman, No. 106 East Fifty -- first-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 9, (with horses) -- STUART CARSON, Foreman, No. 55 East Broadway.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 10, (with horses) -- JOHN BATTERSBERRY, Foreman, No. 28 Beaver-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 11, (with horses) -- JULIAN C. HARRISON, Foreman, No. 437 East Houston-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 12. (with horses) -- JAMES OATES, Foreman, William-street, near Pearl.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 13, (with horses) -- J.F. GIRAUD, Foreman, No. 99 Wooster-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 14 (with horses) -- W.H. WILSON, Foreman, No. 15 East Eighteenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 15 (with horses) -- JAS. LITTLE, Foreman, No. 269 Henry-street
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 16 (with horses) -- WM. SANDBEG, Foreman, No. 109 East Twenty-fifth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 17 (with horses) -- ROBT. V. MACKEY, Foreman, No. 91 Budlow-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 18 (with horses) -- W.H. HOUSNER, Foreman, No. 26 West Tenth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 19 (with horses) -- STEPHEN MITCHELL, Foreman, No. 227 West Twenty-fifth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 20 (with horses) -- HUGH BONNER, Foreman, No. 47 Marion-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 21 (preparing for horses -- JAS. B. HUNT, Foreman, No. 142 East Fortieth-street.
Metropolitan Steam-Engine Company, No. 22 (preparing for horses) -- JOHN B. DUNHAM, Foreman, Eighty-fifth-street, near Third-avenue.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 23, (preparing for horses) -- HENRY A. LINDEN, foreman, Sixty-eighth-street, near Tenth-avenue.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 24, (preparing for horses) -- W.H. WARD, foreman, No. 84 Morton-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 25, (with horses) -- JOHN ALLEN, foreman, No. 148 East Fifth-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 26, (preparing for horses) -- W.M. MITCHELL, foreman, No. 138 West. Thirty-seventh-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 27 -- (with horses) -- LUKE A. MURPHY, Foreman, No. 171 Franklin-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 28 -- (preparing for horses) -- WM. DONNELLY, Foreman, No. 211 East Eleventh-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 29 -- (drawn by hand) -- ARNOT SPENCE, Foreman, temporarily at No. 300 Washington-street, to go to No. 193 Fulton-street, and obtain horses.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 30 -- (preparing for horses) -- WM. SIMPSON, Foreman, No. 253 Spring-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 31 -- (preparing for horses) -- PETER WEIR, Foreman, No. 116 Second-street
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 32 -- (Drawn by Faud) -- WILLIAM BUCKLEY, temporarily at No. 18 Burling-slip.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 33 -- (Preparing for horses) -- HENRY M. VANWORT, Foreman, No. 226, Mercer-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 34 -- (Preparing for horses) -- WM.P. DANIELS, Foreman, No. 286 Thirty-third-street.
Metropolitan Steam Engine Company No. 35 -- Not yet organized.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 -- (With horses) -- WM. BRANDON, Foreman, No. 28 Chambers-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 -- (With horses) -- A.J. BRADY, Foreman, corner of Fiftieth-street and Lexington-avenue.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 3 -- (With horses) -- JAMES TIMONEY, Foreman, No. 78 East Thirteenth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 4 -- (With horses) -- MICHAEL SYNDER, Foreman, corner of Forty-eighth-street and Eighth-avenue.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 5 -- (With horses) -- CHARLES O. SHAY, Foreman, No. 96 Charles-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 6 -- (With horses) -- ABRAHAM C. HURD, Foreman, No. 180 Clinton-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 -- (Preparing for horses) -- ROBERT KING, Foreman, No. 119 East Twenty-eighth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 8 -- (With horses) -- GEO. W. QUACKENBUSH, Foreman, No. 159 Franklin-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 9 -- (Preparing for horses) -- WM. ROE, Foreman, No. 195 Elizabeth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 10 -- (Drawn by hand) -- WM.H. BOWLES, Foreman, temporarily at No. 28 Ann-street, going to No. 193 Fulton-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 11 -- (Preparing for horses) -- C.H. REYNOLDS, Foreman, No. 548 East Fifth-street.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 12 -- Not yet organized.
It will be seen that there are one hook and ladder and one steam engine company yet to be organized. These companies are now under consideration, and in all probability they will be placed in service by the 10th inst. The proper localization of the companies appears to be the cause of the delay, as the board wish to put these machines where they are most needed. As regards the localization of the companies now in active service, most care has been exercised, as to divide the duty properly and at the same time afford all necessary protection to property. Fault has been found with the Board of Commissioners because they have removed one of the steamers from Ann Street, and fears are expressed that the change will prove dangerous. We learn that the reason of the changes in locality was the difficulty of ingress and egress to and from that already crowded street. The railroad now running through Ann Street makes the risk great. In case of a fire in that neighborhood, will be found speedily at hand, as steamers now in Fulton and adjacent streets, and can be brought up speedily.
As already stated, the Board of Metropolitan Fire Commissioners have organized a system of fire companies for the up-town districts. Each company will consist of fifty members, and in lieu of regular individuals compensations the organization to have a company fund of $1,000 per annum. So far there have been organized seven of these out-of-town companies. Harlem is now complete, as are likewise Manhattanville, Yorkville, Bloomingdale and Carmansville.
Those organized are as follows:
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 36 -- ROBT. C. BROWN, in Fourth-avenue, between One Hundred and Twenty-sixth and One Hundred and Twenty-seventh streets, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 37 -- G.B. [???]. Foreman, in One Hundred and Twenty-second-street, between Second and Third avenues, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 38 -- JOHN HAY, Foreman, in Eighty-fifth-street, between Third and Fourth avenues, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 39 -- JNO. E. POOLE, Foreman, in Lawrence-street, between Ninth and Tenth avenues, Manhattanville.
Metropolitan Hand Engine Company No. 40 -- WM. HARRIS, Foreman, at Carmansville.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 13 -- CYRUS T. FROST, Foreman, in Eighty-seventh-street, near Third-avenue, Harlem.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 19 -- MICHAEL MCDERMOTT, Foreman, at Carmansville.
Among the proposed improvements in the department is a contract just completed by the board for ten second-class steam engines, of the Amoskeag pattern, the whole number to be ready for delivery next March. The department will then contain twelve new second-class and three first-class steamers. Thirty thousand feet of hose is now in process of manufacture, and will be soon delivered. The uniform of the firemen while on duty consists of a dark blue suit of pilot cloth, red flannel shirt, and the old fire helmet. On ordinary occasions the members will wear a neat forage cap, of a similar pattern to the navy cap, with glazed cover. In front of the cap will be embroidered the initials "M.F.D.," and the number of the company. Each member is required to be in uniform at all times, except when excused. The engineers will wear a white helmet, with gilt front, and on their forage cape is embroidered the word "Engineer," in the form of an arch, and the letters "M.F.D." beneath. The design is neatly made of gold bullion, similar to the style worn by Captains of police. The engineers are also constantly in uniform.
The men appointed on the force are of first-class character, every one an experienced fireman in the old volunteer department, several of the old assistant engineers now serving as foremen. The condition of the apparatus is also first-class, every machine being put into the best of running order before it left the shop. Improvements in several of the steamers have been introduced while in progress of alteration. The appearance of the houses is also good, for the alterations necessary for the new system caused many important changes for the better. Every man has his tedding and everything necessary for cleanliness and comfort. The horses provided for the companies are of the finest description of draught animals, and their appointments are in perfect keeping.
Very soon there will be a complete revolution in fire-alarm system. Instead of the bell-towers and their attendant ringers, the city will be watched by a telegraph system, at once simple and complete. Each fire company will form a telegraph station, in direct communication with the central office at Firemen's Hall. Each station will have a number, and in each station will be placed an alarm-box. In case of a fire occurring, the foreman or acting foreman of the company nearest its location pulls a knob, and so sounds the number of his station. On receipt of the alarm at headquarters the operator pulls another knob controlling every station in that district, and so gives the exact locality of the fire. If, for instance, "No. 4" is sounded at the central office, that number is at once communicated to every company liable for duty, and the plan is so simple that no mistake can possibly occur. Police stations remote from engine-houses will also be made regular stations, but in general the police will be notified by the firemen. In some, cases, of course, the police telegraph will be of use, but the fire alarm, will be relied on as a general rule.
It may be well to mention in this connection that the board have fixed upon the status of volunteer firemen, and by resolution have determined that the term "good standing" shall be construed and mean only those persons who were members of the New-York Fire Department on the 30th day of March, 1865, and who have performed at least fifty per cent. of fire duty, as the same may appear from the company's roll from July 1, 1865, to Sept. 15, 1865, who are free from all charges, and who were not members of any company which has withheld any property belonging to the City of New-York in use by said company, or permitted the same to be injured, defaced or destroyed. This will effectually stop any attempts by delinquents to obtain honorable discharges.
The following companies, comprising the entire old Volunteer Department, have been relieved from duty, and the members in good standing will be discharged as soon as the necessary blanks are ready:
Engine Companies. -- Hudson No. 1, Excelsior No. 2, Forrest No. 3, Protection No. 5, Americus No. 6, Lexington No. 7, Manhattan No. 8, Marion No. 9, Water Witch No. 10, Oceanus No. 11, Knickerbocker No. 12, Eagle No. 13, Columbia No. 14, Marion No. 18, Lafayette No. 19, Washington No. 20, Fulton No. 21, Protective No. 22, United States No. 23, Jackson No. 24, Cataract No. 25, Jefferson No. 26, Washington No. 27, Guardian No. 29, North River No. 80, Peterson No. 31, Black Joke No. 33, Pete Masterson No. 32, Howard No. 34, Columbus No. 35, Harry Howard No. 36, Tradesman No. 37, Southwark No. 38, Lady Washington No. 40, Clinton No. 41, Empire No. 42, Manhattan No. 43, Live Oak No. 44, Aurora No. 45, Valley Forge No. 46, New-York No. 47, Mazeppa No. 48. Pocahontas No. 49, Mutual No. 51, Undine No. 52, Hudson River No. 53, Niagara No. 4, Chatham No. 15, Mo. hawk No. 16, East River No. 17, Pacific No. 28, Franklin No. 39.
Hose Companies. -- Niagara No. 2, Independent No. 3, Marion No. 4, Edwin Forrest No. 5, Croton No. 6, Ringgold No. 7, City No. 8, Columbian No. 9, Liberty No. 10. Jackson No. 13, Atlantic No. 15, Tompkins No. 16, Clinton No. 17, Franklin No. 18, American No. 19, Humane No. 20, Hudson No. 21, Phoenix No. 22, Perry No. 23, United States No. 25, Neptune No. 27, Pearl No. 28, Metamora No. 29, Laurel No. 30, Putnam No. 31, Crystal No. 35, Oceana No. 36, Madison No. 37, Mohawk No. 39, Empire No. 40, Alert No. 41, Mazeppa No. 42, Pioneer No. 43, C.G. Gunther No. 45, Americus No. 48, Lady Washington No. 49, Hope No. 50, Relief No. 51, Harry Howard No. 55, Nassau No. 56, M.T. Brennan No. 60, Zephyr No. 61, Eagle No. 1, Gulick No. 11, Washington No. 12, Excelsior No. 14, National No. 24, Rutgers No. 26, Warren No. 33, Amity No. 38, Washington Irving No. 44, Mechanics, No. 47, Manhattan No. 59.
Hook and Ladder Companies. -- Mutual No. 1, Chelsea No. 2, Eagle No. 4, Union No. 5, Mechanics No. 7, Empire No. 8, Washington No. 9, C.V. Anderson No. 10, Harry Howard No. 11, Friendship No. 12, Columbian No. 14, Baxter No. 15, Liberty No. 16, Hibernia No. 18, Phenix No. 3, Lafayette No. 6, Marion No. 13, John Decker No. 17.