26 entries.
wrote on May 17, 2020 at 12:26 pm:
I know there was a document several years ago from L120 tower ladder firefighting in Brownsville. Is this document still available? I would a copy. Thanks
wrote on May 11, 2020 at 11:01 pm:
Hey, Watkins Street, i got a call from a brother named Joe (L120) to see how i and all other watkins st. gang members are doing. What a nice idea, you guys are the greatest! I left W. S. in 1976 and that call made me feel GREAT! Thanks, Brothers,Stay safe! Bomar
wrote on March 27, 2020 at 8:50 pm:
ATTENTION E231 L120 BN44: STAY SAFE
wrote on January 26, 2020 at 10:01 am:
Hallo! Just came across the photo of the "Fire Salvage Unit No. 1" old International. Not sure if somebody already let you know some history around the unit and apparatus, but all I know is that (according to the Wheels Of The Bravest FDNY apparatus book by John Calderone and Jack Lerch) the rig was purchased back in 1972 for the then newly organized Model Cities Fire Salvage Unit. The Model Cities was a federal program for disadvantaged youths. The Fire Salvage Unit No. 1 (or "Salvage 1 Brooklyn") was organized May 18, 1972 at 2581 Atlantic Ave. and relocated several times before it was disbanded Dec. 2, 1986. The truck was gasoline powered with automatic transmission and power steering and carried salvage equipment and covers, generators, floodlights, smoke ejectors, submersible pumps, water vacuums, saws, masks, forcible entry tools and portable extinguishers. Not 100% sure but it's possible that the rig was probably manned by volunteers and only the driver and officer were FDNY members.
Hope this helps a bit.
Best regards from Czech Republic & take care!
David
wrote on January 16, 2020 at 4:30 am:
Good job! Thanks for the work and keep it up!
wrote on April 15, 2019 at 10:21 pm:
I am the current owner of the former L120, MT7302, '74 CF600 mack 75' arealscope. I was wondering if it was possible that you may have a picture or 2 of the apparatus when it was in service. I'm seriously considering. A restoration to its original service condition. I appreciate the help.
wrote on April 11, 2019 at 1:30 pm:
da Bronx salute bklyn NY
wrote on February 20, 2019 at 11:21 am:
Remembering my dad, Captain Brendan F. McCormick, who passed a year ago today. My dad loved the job! He especially loved the men he served with in Engine 231!!! May God bless you all and keep you safe. Dad, you are remembered, missed and loved every day.
wrote on December 20, 2018 at 9:15 pm:
TO ENGINE COMPANY 231, LADDER COMPANY 120, AND THE 44, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND STAY SAFE.
wrote on October 2, 2018 at 9:41 pm:
It is with deep sadness that I share news of the death of Retired Battalion Commander Joseph N. Brocco, which occurred on Oct. 1, 2018.
Chief Brocco was, at times, a stern taskmaster. He was always diligent, highly competent, and truly believed that the mission of the FDNY was both noble and honorable. He held himself to a high standard and expected the same of those who worked alongside him.
For me, Joe was a Mentor, a Friend, and a Beloved Comrade who truly lived a Life of Service .
R I P Brother Brocco.
wrote on July 26, 2018 at 5:57 pm:
TO WATKINS STREET ENGINE COMPANY 231, PLEASE TELL FORMER CAPTAIN CONIGLIO I SAID HELLO, HE WAS A GREAT CAPTAIN DURING HIS YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE FDNY, I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.
wrote on July 21, 2018 at 12:08 am:
TO ENGINE 231, LADDER 120, AND BATTALION 44, I DO NOT HAVE ANY SPECIFIC INFO REGARDING THE SALVAGE UNIT THAT WAS PARKED N FRONT OF QUARTERS. THE FOLLOWING IS INFO I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN N REGARDS TO THE FIRE PATROL SERVICE: IN 1867 THE FIRE SALVAGE WAS CHARTERED AS A PAID FIRE SALVAGE SERVICE MANAGED BY THE NEW YORK BOARD OF FIRE UNDERWRITERS. THE CHARTER STIPULATED THAT COMPANIES INSURING PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY HAD TO PAY THE BOARD AN ANNUAL TAX WHICH WAS USED TO PAY THE PATROL MEN. IN THE 20TH CENTURY, FIRE PATROLMEN BECAME ESTABLISHED AS WORKING PARTNERS WITH THE CITYS FIREMEN. BETWEEN 1910 AND 1916, THE PATROL STEAM ENGINES WERE REPLACED BY GAS POWERED VEHICLES, MORE PATROL COMPANIES WERE ESTABLISHED IN MANHATTAN AND THE BRONX, AND IN 1910 THE BROOKLYN FIRE INSURANCE SALVAGE CORPS MERGED WITH THE NYFP. THE FIRE PATROL HAD TEN COMPANIES AND AROUND FOUR HUNDRED PATROLMEN. BECAUSE THE COST OF THE NYFP WAS FUNDED BY INSURANCE PREMIUMS, POLICY HOLDERS PAID FOR SERVICE THAT BENEFITED THE UNINSURED AS WELL. THE NEW YORK BOARD OF FIRE UNDERWRITERS ORDERED LOCAL CHAPTERS TO TERMINATE FIRE PATROL SERVICES AND ALLOW FIREFIGHTERS TO HANDLE SALVAGE WORK. THE DISBANDING OF SALVAGE UNITS IN NEW YORK STARTED IN THE 1930'S, BY 1960, THREE CITIES HAD ACTIVE PATROLS. THE NYFP COMPANIES WHICH WERE UNFORTUNATELY PUT OUT OF SERVICE AT 0800 HOURS ON OCTOBER 15, 2006, WERE THE LAST FIRE PATROLS IN THE UNITED STATES. AND THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF THE FIRE PATROL THIRTY TWO MEMBERS PERISHED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, INCLUDING FIRE PATROLMAN KEITH M. ROMA ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.
wrote on July 18, 2018 at 11:15 pm:
ATTENTION THE FOLLOWING UNITS: ENGINE 231, LADDER 120, AND BATTALION 44, STAY LOW LET IT BLOW.
wrote on July 8, 2018 at 7:19 pm:
I am the son of BC Eugene G. Dowd dec'd 1/27/55
I hope to have the website
44thbattalionmemorial.com up and running again in a few weeks .
My prayers are with you guys all the time
wrote on June 15, 2018 at 12:24 am:
IN BROOKLYN ATTENTION ENGINE 231, CONGRATS TO THE TWO PROBIES JOHN HANBROOK AND GERARD ROSCIANO FOR BEING ASSIGNED TO THE BROWNSVILLE ENGINE COMPANY, STAY SAFE.
wrote on May 21, 2018 at 6:47 pm:
1953 53 my uncle LT Harry Kemp was a firefighter watkins st , Down from the corner hot dog stand wher "Murder Inc " hung out . Always wanted to be a fire fighter and now a retired Chief
wrote on March 10, 2018 at 1:11 pm:
I was member of the Fire Salvage Corps from 1972 t0 1985
wrote on March 10, 2018 at 1:07 pm:
wrote on March 1, 2018 at 2:53 pm:
To JJ Connolly; what the hell you doing up at 2 and 3 am writing poison pen notes in the guest book? Can't get any 'sack-time' in the big city due to the traffic noise?
It was good seeing your name up there and knowing that you're still around. I bet you're surprised I am.
Ha, ha!! Take care of yourself.
wrote on January 12, 2018 at 11:10 pm:
Thanks for the useful information!