FDNY Remembers the 23rd Street Fire on its 45th Anniversary

A new plaque is dedicated at the site of the 23rd Street fire, where 12 FDNY firefighters were killed on Oct. 17, 1966.

Dozens of FDNY members gathered at the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway on Oct. 17 to mark the 45th anniversary of one of the Department’s darkest days, the 23rd Street fire.
 
The tragic Manhattan fire killed 12 FDNY members.
 
“We’re here to remember each one of them, for their duty and commitment to the city,” said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano. “Their loss was heart wrenching and the Department mourned like never before.”
 
During the ceremony a new plaque was dedicated to honor those lost.
 
“We will do our best to honor them and remember them for years to come,” Chief of Department Edward Kilduff said.
 
The 5-alarm fire wasthe single worst loss of New York City firefighters in the line of duty prior to Sept. 11, 2001. 
 
Twelve members of every rank, from a probationary firefighter to a deputy chief, made the Supreme Sacrifice when the ground floor of the Wonder Drug store collapsed. The fire originated in a basement storage area, which was concealed by a four-inch thick cinderblock wall, illegally constructed by the building’s previous owner.

FDNY members stand at attention as a bell is tolled for each FDNY firefighter killed at the 23rd Street fire.

Those killed in the fire included 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 18; and Lieutenant John J. Finley, Firefighter John G. Berry, Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky and Firefighter Carl Lee, all of Ladder 7.
 
During the ceremony, Janette Kaminsky-Harrison read a poem given to her soon after her husband’s death entitled “The Brothers.”
 
“This moment changed us forever – it’s a forever loss,” Christine Priore, the daughter of Lt. Priore, said. “It never gets better; time just moves on.”
 
After a wreath was laid to remember those who died, Marie Reilly was surrounded by her large family, including some of her 13 great-grandchildren, as she remembered her late husband, DC Reilly.
 
“I’m at a loss for words,” she said. “But I’m sure he’s looking down on us. We have a lot to be thankful for.”