My congratulations goes out to Retired FDNY Captain John Bendick as well. John is a good friend to many of us who know him. Of course he is also this sites Administrator.
As I know it, during his career, Capt Bendick began as a firefighter with Engine 96. He then went on to the very busy Squad 2 during some of the busiest years for the FDNY. Squad 2 in those days was quartered with Engine 73/Ladder 42. Squad 2 would rotate nights in Engine 73, Engine 82, Engine 85 - as most of us know some of the busiest fire companies during those very busy years.
After Squad 2 was closed down and eliminated during the FDNY budget crisis which included the lay offs of 300 (?) FDNY members. He was then assigned to Engine 75. At first things were fairly quite. Then almost over night all hell broke out and Engine 75 was at the top of the list for runs and workers as the West Bronx was burning up.
Being promoted then Lt Bendick was assigned as the boss of Engine 68. The fires continued and now into the 1980s/90s most of the Bronx fire activity was involving FDNY companies west of Webster Ave up to about Fordham Rd.
Captain Bendick was the first FDNY member from this site that I got to meet. He invited my wife and I to join him at a restaurant near his home. We have hit it off great since then.
I may have this wrong but as of last count, I think he has 15 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild.
On a side note, I believe that Both Capt Bendick and this sites Retired FDNY B/C Jack K., aka "68jk09", BOTH attended the same Probie School together.
So yes, we are talking "The Greatest Generation of Firefighters" here. Both also Viet Nam War Veterans as well.
Thank you "mack" for posting that as well.