FDNY Dedicates Plaque at Site of Explosion Where Eight Firefighters Died in 1932
A plaque is dedicated on the side of the Ritz Tower on 57th Street in Manhattan honoring the eight FDNY members who died at that location in 1932.
The FDNY remembered eight heroes on August 1 at the Ritz Tower in Manhattan, site of a fire and explosion that killed eight firefighters on Aug. 1, 1932.
“With this plaque, we ensure this tragedy is never lost to history,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said at the ceremony outside the building on 57th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan. “The names on this plaque inspire us and stir us to action, and they are a stark reminder that this is truly a dangerous job.”
Lt. John Cosgrove and Firefighters Thomas Finn and James Green of Engine 65; Lt. James Harnett and Firefighter Louis Hardina of Ladder 16; Firefighters Peter Daly and Edward Maloney of Engine 39; and Firefighter William Pratt of Ladder 7, who was working in Ladder 2 that day; were remembered at the ceremony.
“This is the heart of the city, and this plaque tells the story of what happened 82 years ago,” Chief of Department Edward Kilduff said. “It tells the story of the FDNY’s history in New York.”
Several family members of the eight heroes attended the ceremony, including two of Firefighter Daly’s granddaughters – Dorothy Daly Esposito and Barbarann Daly Phelps. Neither woman met their grandfather, who died at the age of 37, with just eight years on the job, but both said they felt connected to him.
“It’s true the FDNY never forgets,” Ms. Esposito said. “I feel blessed to be his granddaughter.”
Ms. Phelps said “This is very emotional, even though I never knew him, I’m very proud of him. I’m so glad I could come. I will bring my grandchildren here every time we come to the City now.”
Dozens of members from the eight firefighters’ units attended the ceremony.
The Ritz Tower Fire and Explosion
The members of Engines 8, 39, 23 and 65, and Ladders 2 and 16 responded here to the Ritz Tower for a report of a fire at 10:36 a.m. that day. They searched the basement and the surrounding area of the building for victims, ultimately learning the fire was located in the paint storage room of a sub-basement.
Firefighters worked diligently that morning, stretching hose lines, conducting searches and making every effort to reach the seat of the fire and bring it under control.
Suddenly, and without warning, an explosion tore through the basement of the building, 30 feet below ground, sending a sheet of flame over firefighters and raining debris down upon them – instantly killing two members and leaving many others injured and trapped.
Minutes later, a second and more violent explosion blasted through the underground levels and out to the street, critically injuring and killing several other members.
Eight FDNY members would make the ultimate sacrifice at the incident, and 19 more were seriously injured.
Days later, the first multiple-funeral in the then 67-year history of the Department took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where these brave Firefighters were remembered and honored.