Engine 159 Celebrates Centennial

The members of Engine 159 are joined by the Fire Commissioner and top FDNY chiefs after the centennial ceremony.

Engine 159, small firehouse on Staten Island, celebrated a big milestone on June 1 - 100 years of service. 

"The members of this house are carrying on the traditions that started in 1912," Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said.

In the last century, the firehouse has celebrated many exciting achievements, including receiving the first motorized pumper apparatus on Staten Island - which cost just $4,000. In 1994, Rochelle Jones, who was working as a firefighter at Engine 159, became the first female firefighter promoted to the rank of lieutenant (she continued to rise through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief before she retired).

FDNY Chaplain Rev. Christopher Keenan, joined by Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, Chief of Department Edward Kilduff, Capt. Frank Baldassarre and members of Engine 159, reads the plaques dedicated to the centennial and the members of Engine 159 who have died in the line of duty.

"Thank you for proudly serving the people of Staten Island so well for so long," Chief of Department Edward Kilduff said.

During the ceremony, two plaques were unveiled, one to mark the occasion, and one to pay tribute to the members of the firehouse who have died in the line of duty, including Capt James Shaw (1924), Firefighter William Kelly (1929), Firefighter Harry Smith, Jr. (1953) and Capt. Daniel Rice (1956).

"It's our privilege to serve you," Engine 159 Capt. Frank Baldassarre, Jr., said. "And if you ever need us, call us. We're here for you. Let that be our pledge for the next 100 years."