FDNY Honors 50th Anniversary of 23rd Street Fire

October 17, 2016

October 17, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire – which claimed the lives of 12 New York City Firefighters in 1966. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, Chief of Department James E. Leonard, family and friends of the 23rd Street Fire fallen Firefighters, and many active and retired FDNY members gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a memorial mass and proceeded to the site of the fire, 23rd Street and Broadway in Manhattan, for a wreath-laying ceremony.

The 23rd Street Fire was the deadliest day in the history of the FDNY until September 11, 2001, when 343 members were killed at the World Trade Center.

Twelve members of nearly every rank, from Deputy Chief to Probationary Firefighter, made the Supreme Sacrifice that day.  They are: Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly and Firefighter William F. McCarron, both of Division 3; Battalion Chief Walter J. Higgins of Battalion 7; Lieutenant Joseph Priore, Firefighter James V. Galanaugh, Firefighter Joseph Kelly, Firefighter Daniel L. Rey, and Firefighter Bernard A. Tepper, all of Engine Company 18; and Lieutenant John J. Finley, Firefighter John G. Berry, Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky and Firefighter Carl Lee, all of Ladder Company 7.

“The 23rd Street fire is a painful, defining moment in FDNY history,” said Commissioner Nigro.  “A moment which demonstrated the incredible commitment our members make to protect this great city. Today, as we mark the 50th anniversary together we all pledge to reaffirm our commitment to the heroes of that awful day and the families they left behind to never forget their bravery and to never forget their sacrifice.”

“When we lose a member in the line of duty, it hurts all of us deeply. Whether you knew that member personally or not, it impacts all of us because we all know the dangers of the job,” said Chief Leonard. “We know what it takes to commit yourself to be called a New York City Firefighter... their deaths are a wound that can never be healed, even 50 years later.”

Christine Priore lost her father, Lieutenant Joseph Priore of Engine 18 to the fire. She was six-months-old at the time.

“Never having known my father but being taken in as part of the FDNY family, I have learned what kind of man he was,” said Priore. “To be a child of a Firefighter and part of the FDNY family (is special). This isn’t a 9-5 job, the FDNY is a legacy passed on for generations, it keeps getting better and better as the years go by, better training and equipment. But what never changes is a Firefighter’s heart. It stays the same…love of the job, commitment, dedication, bravery. The true meaning of hero.”

Now-retired Firefighter Joseph Finley lost his father, Lieutenant John J. Finley of Ladder 7 in the fire.

“I know from my own experience that there really never is closure for the family and friends that experience tragedies like this,” said Firefighter Finley. “But I’m often impressed that, 50 years later, there are firefighters who weren't even born during this tragedy and they’ll still show up to pay their respects at the memorial service.”

To mark this anniversary, and in memory of those killed that day, the non-profit FDNY Foundation launched the 23rd Street Fire Legacy Fund to support the ongoing FDNY Campaign for Training and Education.  In addition the Department has produced a commemorative book that chronicles the history of the fire, and features never before seen photos and interviews with family members and active FDNY members about the fire and its aftermath.  All proceeds from the book benefit the 23rd Street Fire Legacy Fund.

A brief documentary produced on the fire by FDNY can be found here.

For photos of the 12 members and photos of the fire scene and funeral, click here.

For photos of the 50th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire, click here.