“The Tradition Continues…

Watkins Street members turned out in force at the Christian Cultural Center on Flatlands Ave as Commissioner Daniel Nigro presided over an FDNY Promotion Ceremony which included Lt Bill Rodgers (L120) to Captain, and FF Bryan Winzer (E231) to Lieutenant. Lt Winzer spent his entire 13 year career in E231 and Captain Rodgers was a long time firefighter in L26 before hanging his hat in L120 for the past 9 years.

Following the ceremony, a promotion party was held at Connolly’s Corner as we raised a glass toasting 2 men who have been a credit to Watkins Street and will be sorely missed. Congratulations Brothers!….”The Tradition Continues…

Captain Duggan Congratulates FF Phiilips After Earning E231 Frontpiece

FF Phillips (E231) Proby Meal

Congratulations to Engine 231 Firefighter Devon Phillips who recently celebrated his first year on Watkins Street with a memorable 6×9 tour as the Brothers played the traditional role of “food critic” in a spirited kitchen. FF Phillips is but (one of many) recently assigned FF who have since raised the bar on Watkins Street on a multitude of levels. Congratulations to all.

“The Tradition Continues…

Watkins Street Commemorates 15th Anniversary

Captain Duggan (E231), Lt Rodgers (L120), & Deacon Andy Gargiulo (L120 Ret)

Our Annual Watkins Street 9/11 Remembrance Breakfast saw the biggest turnout of family, friends, and former members to ever come back on this hallowed day as we marked the 15th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Captain James Duggan (E231) and Lieutenant Bill Rodgers (L120) served as Master of Ceremonies, leading the Watkins Street faithful in a solemn yet poignant tribute to our 343 Brothers who made the Supreme Sacrifice while pounding up the stairs of the WTC in what became the greatest rescue mission ever conducted on our Nation’s soil.

During his traditional 9/11 Address to the Watkins Street Family, Captain Duggan remarked, “These past 15 years tell a story of resilience. New York is still the greatest City in the world, and the FDNY is still the world’s finest Fire Department. We, the members of this firehouse, of this Department, will carry on and perform our duty in a way that will be a worthy tribute to our fallen Brothers.” In one of his final acts as a Company Officer (just days ahead of being promoted to the rank of Captain), senior Lieutenant Bill Rodgers also addressed The Brothers, reflecting on the immense satisfaction demonstrated by today’s members in terms of effort, determination, and the fervent pledge to “never take a knee”.

Delivering the final blessing was our beloved 60 year member and official Watkins Street Deacon, Andy Gargiulo (L120 Ret) who perhaps summed it best when he stated, “As I look out at you guys, I see the faces of guys that I worked with – that you resemble….I love this place.”

See Andy Gargiulo’s final blessing click here.

“The Tradition Continues…

FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall

As we prepare to mark the 15th Anniversary of the September 11th terror attack, the FDNY added 17 names to the 9/11 Memorial Wall at FDNY Headquarters. In addition to the 343 heroes who made the supreme sacrifice, we have added the names of 127 members who have since passed as a result of illness directly related to their rescue and recovery efforts.

Included in this years ceremony were 2 individuals who meant an awful lot to members of Watkins Street – Lt Robert Alford (E231) and BC George Eysser (father of former L120 Captain and current BC Christopher Eysser). Commissioner Dan Nigro who oversaw the ceremony, remarked, “Remembering these heroes, and never forgetting their sacrifice, is one of the FDNY’s most important traditions.”

Please keep the families of all those lost, all those who continue to suffer, and all those who continue to carry on in your thoughts and prayers.

“The Tradition Continues….

Congrats Lt John Narbutt – Last Tour

The Officers & Members of E231/L120/Bn44 congratulate FDNY Lt. John Narbutt on his retirement following 31 years of exemplary service to the City of New York.

A sheer ”doer” in the Firehouse and true leader on Watkins Street, John was appointed to the FDNY on October 7th, 1985 and assigned to E226 where he had the opportunity to work with his dad BC Tom Narbutt (legendary Captain of L105 for 19 years) who retired with 43 years of service in 2002 – earning him the title “Senior Man on The Job”.  Eyeing an increase in fire duty, John transferred to E231 in 1989 where his exposure to old school bosses such as, (but not limited to) Capt Coniglio, Lt Ireland, Lt Ioveno, Lt Atkins, and Lt Healy would help shape his notorious approach towards firefighting, training, accountability, and tradition. In 1994, “Gus” (as he was affectionately called) went across the floor to L120 spending the next 10 years earning the coveted ”gold collar-brass pin” and establishing as mentor to future generations of Watkins Street firefighters. On September 11, 2001 (as one of the senior men in the firehouse), John was among the key figures assisting Captain Higgins E231 and Capt Werner L120 helping to set the tone on Watkins Street as members of the FDNY were called upon to effect the greatest rescue effort in our Nations history. As the FDNY began to rebuild after 9/11, John was promoted to Lieutenant in 2004, and landed the sought after spot in E308, where he spent several years prior to being recruited to the Bureau of Training by AC Tom Galvin (FDNY Chief of Training) where John would bring a whole new meaning to “accountability” during tactical training and the infamous “Mother of all Drills” (MOAD).

The quintessential firehouse leader, athlete, Commissar, kitchen psychologist, (and by all accounts) a world renowned expert in political correctness whose departure has left The Job a whole lot duller, John Narbutt was a “pro’s pro” on the fire floor….a decorated firefighter who performed his craft in the highest traditions of the FDNY. With a dynamic personality, his sole purpose was to take care of the Brothers and to further the tradition on Watkins Street.

“The Tradition Continues…

FF Charlie Staten Last Tour (For Real This Time)

Proby School to Retirement – FF Larry Schneckenburger (L120 Ret) joins Proby School Buddy Charlie Staten On His Final Tour

Congratulations again to E231 Top Whip, FF Charlie Staten who enjoyed a memorable final month of service with the FDNY before reaching the maximum retirement age.  Whether a combination of the overwhelming generosity of Bn44, or simply the “needs of the Department”, FF Staten can safely say, he NOW holds the record for “Last Tours” worked – which currently stands alone at SEVEN!…Charlie (who many already know) is among the brightest “tech savvy” members on The Job gave a simple nod when informed that a tribute post relating to his pending retirement on Facebook’s (NYC Fire Wire) had received 1.4k congratulatory ”Likes”!!!

Congratulations again and thanks for the memories Charlie!….”Each Last Tour was better than the Last”

“The Tradition Continues…

FF Tim Byrne E231

“The Tradition Continues…

Congratulations to FDNY Lieutenant Timothy J. Byrne on his retirement following 30 years of distinguished service to the City of New York.

Tim was appointed to the FDNY on March 15th, 1986 and had the good fortune to be assigned to Engine 231 where he learned from one of “The Job’s” finest leaders and all-time greats – Captain Joe Coniglio. Affectionately known as “Bingo”, Tim was a (gold pin member) of the Company, spending 10 years in Engine 231 before transferring across the floor to L120 where his senior leadership on Watkins Street was a key component as the FDNY would be called to perform the greatest rescue effort in our Nations history on September 11th, 2001. In 2003, Tim was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and would land a spot in L140, a special place he would call home for the next 16 years. Armed with many years of Brownsville firefighting experience and meritorious service, Tim developed into one of the most respected Fire Officers in the FDNY, and remaining a ’friend to all’ he would come in contact with.

A true giver and consummate professional, his was a career which has ”left it better” for those who came next. Congratulations Bingo, and thank you for all you have done for the Brothers at E291/L140 and for all of us on Watkins Street.

“The Tradition Continues…

Babies Woods, Thomson, and Fenton: The Watkins Street Twins Highlight A Memorable Day At The Beach!

A great time was had by all as Watkins Street members past and present gathered at the 2016 Watkins Street Picnic “A Family Day At The Beach” held in Belle Harbor, Queens. Delicious food, fine spirits, TALL tales of daring feats, jumping dolphins, poolside memories, and lots of beach fun and games were in full force as families soaked in the sunshine. The highlight of the day was the introduction of the newest additions to Watkins Street, which included baby Cora Hay and our 3 new sets (Fenton, Woods, Thomson) of Watkins Street twins to “Mr Softee” himself!!!

Special thanks to the Banker Family once again for the warm hospitality and for opening their home and a well deserved tip of the helmet to the members for doing a great job preparing and coordinating a memorable day for one and all.

“The Tradition Continues…

Lt Tim Riordan (with future Capt Andy Serra, future Capt Danny Donleavy, future Lt Dan Wetzel), Lt Ernie Gentile

BC Tim Riordan – 2016 Engine Truck Softball

Watkins Street members past and present congratulate FDNY Battalion Chief Timothy Riordan on his retirement after 32 years of exemplary service to the City of New York.

Tim was appointed to the FDNY on March 5th, 1984 and was assigned to L35 from 1984-1988 before transferring to L30 in Harlem. A stellar FDNY career which included many great shops –  L48 (Captain) and Bn39 (Batt Chief), he would join Watkins Street in 1998, after being promoted to Lieutenant, landing the coveted spot in Engine 231. Lt Riordan was instrumental in helping to organize and lead the Watkins Street response immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001 where the FDNY launched the greatest rescue mission in our Nations history. In the years which followed under Captain Higgins leadership, along with fellow Lieutenants Pete Ioveno and Bobby Alford (RIP), Tim played a key role in training and ushering a new generation of E231 members onto Watkins Street.

Congratulations to BC Tim Riordan, a class act who was “all in”… On Watkins Street, he will be remembered for always having his men prepared as we went out the door, memorable Roll Calls with his “chalk” where he would pass along the nuggets, a career of cherished Brotherhood within the firehouse kitchen, and most importantly, a seasoned Fire Officer who always made sure to take care of his men.

“The Tradition Continues…

A Member of Our Family Has Been Deployed Overseas

With immense pride, the Officers & Members of E231/L120/Bn44 have adorned our Nation’s Blue Star Banner on Ladder 120′s rig. The Blue Star Banner is an American tradition dating back to WWI signifying that a family member has been deployed overseas. As we go out the door and protect our Brownsville Community, the flag is a constant reminder of a special person (who although very far away, remains real close to our hearts).

The entire FDNY joins Watkins Street past and present standing united with sincere gratitude for our U.S. Special Forces Brother whose unit is once again being challenged along the front lines in what is considered one of the most dangerous places on Earth. Godspeed.

“The Tradition Continues…