Watkins Street mourns the loss of Lt. Melvin Harper.  Lt. Harper was a former firefighter in Ladder 120 in the war years serving from June of 1957 to March of 1970.  When promoted he stayed in Brooklyn and was assigned to E235 where he would stay for another 25 years, retiring in 1995.  Lt. Harper retired after 38 years of faithful service to the FDNY and the people of New York City.  He was admired by his peers and was referred to by legendary firefighter Dan Tracy as one of the toughest firefighters he ever met.  Rest easy brother.

Funeral Details: Thursday April 27th 9am          536 Sterling pl, Brooklyn NY

Watkins Street competed against firehouses across the city in the annual king of the ice tournament held at Eisenhower Park.  Unfortunately we came up short this year in the first game.  The second game FF Jimmy Giammalvo (L120) pitched a shut out and watkins street came out victorious.

L to R
FF Hay (L120), FF Eckstein (L120) FF Geraghty (L120) FF Poole (E231), FF Sarcone (E231) FFKittle (E231) Lt. Quinn (UFO E231) FF Ostraticky (L120) FF Meyer (L120)
In the front FF Giammalvo (L120)

Recently we celebrated the promotion of three long time and very influential members of Watkins Street. These members gave their hearts and souls to the firehouse.  Battalion Commander James McNally was promoted to Deputy Chief and FFs Brian Cross (L120) and FF John McEneaney (L120) were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.  There was an unbelievable show of support for the men at the ceremony and the celebration went into the early hours of the morning.  A good time was had by all.

“The Tradition Continues…..

More photos will be available in the gallery section.

Lt. Brian Cross, DC James McNally, Lt. John McEneaney

Capt. Higgins sending off the men in a way only Capt. Higgins can.

Brian Cross (L120) shares some heart felt experiences with the men. Thanks top tomato, you will be missed.

Watkins Street mourns the loss of Chief Fire Marshall John Stickevers.  John entered this great department in 1959 and was assigned to Engine 231 straight out of proby school.  After serving Brownsville for many years he would later go on to rise through the ranks in the fire marshalls office.  After 37 years of faithful service he retired a Chief Fire Marshall.    He was very well respected in the field and frequently helped write policies and articles on how fires were to be investigated not just for the FDNY but for fire departments across the country.

“The Tradition Continues…

The Annual 120 day was held at Churchills in Rockville Centre.  A lot of laughs were had and the men had a great time celebrating the day.

The brothers recently competed in the annual King of the Wheels tournament.  The men had a great time though falling in the semi final round.  Trevor Lawrence (L120) had a young Rich Dipietro esk performance in net keeping the games tight and Jimmy Giammalvo (L120) tallied a goal using his ass to deflect an oncoming puck into the net to seal one of the games.  Good times had by all and we look forward to next year.

Trevor Lawrence (L120)

A big congrats goes out to FF Jack Ginley of E-233 on his retirement.  Jack faithfully served the city and FDNY for 35 years, originally being assigned to E-232.  When disbanded in 1988, Ginley transferred to 233 where he would spend the rest of his career .  The brothers from Watkins Street wish you the best in retirement.

Jack put up his last beloved Christmas tree on Rockaway ave

This years Christmas Party was held on December 1st at Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails in Rockville Centre.  Over a hundred current and former members attended.  A good time was had by all.  Our newest probies, FF Redden (L-120), FF Davan (E-231), and FF Delio (E-231) introduced themselves to the men, and the former and current members of Watkins Street welcomed Capt. Mike Thomson (L-120) to the Watkins Street family.  Laughs were shared and drinks were had, a good time all around.  A big thanks goes out to Frank Monaghan (L-120) for all of his hard work in putting this great event together.

“The Tradition Continues….

The men share stories of their times on Watkins Street

The Officers & Members of Watkins Street congratulate FDNY Battalion Chief George “The Rocket” Johnson on his retirement following years of distinguished service to the City of New York. Chief Johnson was an admired and highly respected fire officer and was a lieutenant in Engine 231. A savvy and determined fire officer, the Rocket led with poise and conviction on the fire floor while always maintaining the training, preparedness, and safety of his men.  Chief Johnson retired out of the 38 battalion.

“The Tradition Continues…

Chief Johnson is pictured on the left

Watkins Street would like to congratulate Will “the drill” Hickey on his promotion to Lieutenant.  Will has been an essential part of Watkins Street for over 16 years.  He has accomplished so much throughout the years. His leadership and drills have made him a mentor and a role model for junior and senior firefighters alike.  Will’s commitment to the legacy of Watkins Street has always been top priority. For that we thank him.

You will be greatly missed.  God bless and be safe.