^^^ The Photo above from the Daily News was taken by Paul Thayer .....
PAUL THAYER... a name from the past who loved the FDNY & the BROTHERS.....Paul contributed so much to chronicling FDNY 1950's Harlem Fire History from back when....Paul was actually a NYC Bus Driver (who on more than one occasion stopped his Bus along the route & jumped out to snap a few Fire pictures)....he originally spent many hours riding with LAD*26 & had a darkroom in the cellar of ENG*58 / LAD*26 then later at ENG*69 / LAD*28 / BN*16 where he also rode for a lengthy period ....he was harassed by the 1950's FC Edward Cavanaugh .....he did not like Paul because Paul's photos focused on the Brothers & not the FC & the big wigs....at one point he vindictively actually had Fire Marshal's destroy Paul's FH cellar darkroom.....in the '60s Paul authored a weekly column in the old Civil Service Leader / The Chief titled "FIRE FLIES"....in his column he regularly took HQ to task for their actions or in actions .....when Paul Retired around 1971 there was an extremely large well attended Retirement Party held at the BX Marina Del Rey that Howie Carlson & my self & several 108 & 175 Members attended (BKLYN IN THE HOUSE ).....
I owe Paul a debt of gratitude as the few 8x10 black & white photos I have of my Father while OTJ were taken by Paul.