Thanks for adding the update Willy. Yes we are getting close to wrapping up the interviews and photos. Last week, I visited the fire academy and interviewed the Chief of Training Frank Leeb and Chief Ray Downeys son Deputy Chuck Downey. Both were extremely friendly, helpful and kind. Magnificent men in the highest order. Chief Leeb was the IC for the horrible Bronx fire back in January where 17 were killed. I can't say enough about the fine outstanding brothers and their staff, I was furnished with an office to interview and invited to stay for lunch.
While I was there, I met two old friends. The first was Lenny. Lenny and I were firefighters in Manhattan while I was at L 5, he was at L 8 at the time and eventually became the 2nd Batt Chiefs Aide, we studied for the upcoming Lt exam together for a little bit. When I went on vacation, Lenny painted my locker fire engine red, it looked like the quality paint job you'd find on the rig. All the other lockers were black. Lenny is now a Batt Chief!
Then I popped over to the Mann library next door that was always on my bucket list to visit. There were two older gentlemen sitting at different tables doing project work. I was speaking with Dan Maye who runs the library. His dad was the union leader back during the War Years with L 31, Dan is a fire marshal and we were comparing notes. When I mentioned the companies I worked in, specifically L 112, the one guy at the table lifted his head. He said "are you THE Dan Potter from Ladder 112", I then recognized him as Eric the buff, who used to ride with us back in my Bushwick days as a kid and is now a retired correction officer, but still a buff at heart. Small world, right?
Yesterday, May 12, I got to reconnect with Bob Farrell from 50 years ago when I was riding with him in the front seat of L 31's tiller rig. We had a great time tripping down memory lane, and he with loads of funny stories. Bob is the owner of Hooks Unlimited in Wall Township, NJ. near Long Branch. I interviewed him at the factory, I have ever seen so many fire tools in my life, from crates of fire axes, hooks, halligans and much more. Then Glenn (The photographer) and I shot over to Jack Calderones home. He has a beautiful house in NJ on the side of a mountain, 400 ft above sea level and you can see NYC and miles and miles overlooking various cities and landscape, the sight was spectacular. Glenn took Jack's photos (Jack retired from SI, Batt 22) in his room with his collection of over 2,000 fire truck model replicas in about 8 floor to ceiling glass cases, very impressive.
So yes, hope to wrap up soon, total interviews so far, 73, most likely end up with about 83ish. I'll be doing a handfull of interviews the next few weeks of some others including John Norman, Paul Hashagen and our friend Pete Hayden.
Best to all, JohnnyGage.
Snapshot, with L 31 Captain Bob Farrell