ENGINE COMPANY 294 AND LADDER COMPANY 143 CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums perform during the centennial ceremony

Generations of FDNY Firefighters gathered at the quarters of Engine Company 294 and Ladder Company 143 in Queens on May 27 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the firehouse.

These companies opened in 1915 as part of the paid professional Fire Department of New York's expansion to all five boroughs.  The firehouse's primary response area is the neighborhood of Richmond Hill, Queens.

“The people who live in this community care for our Department deeply and their admiration drives us all to be better every single day,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, adding that he was “proud that this house continues to make good on the FDNY’s promise a century ago to keep this neighborhood safe.”

Throughout the century of service, Firefighters in this house have been recognized many times for individual acts of valor, with the first medals awarded in 1922 when Firefighters Mark Janesky from Engine 294 and Arthur Shaw from Ladder 143 each rescued people trapped in a fire on Atlantic Avenue.

Captains James Raymond of Engine Company 294 and William McCarthy of Ladder Company 143 commended the current members for their service and dedication, along with their ongoing efforts to celebrate the history of the firehouse. "Our traditions must be carried on to all those that come after us," said Captain McCarthy.

FDNY Chaplain Reverend V. Simpson Turner blesses the firehouse centennial plaque

At the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled with the names of two Firefighters from Engine Company 294 who died in the line of duty.  While researching the history of the firehouse for the centennial ceremony, the members discovered that there was no plaque for Firefighter Arnold Hafner, who died in 1955, and Firefighter Robert Denney, who died in 1960.  Their names now join plaques for Lieutenants Stanley Skinner, Joseph Beetle and Peter Canelli of Ladder 143 who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

“We remember their names always on the walls of this house,” said Chief of Department James Leonard, “it's important to remember them today especially - because their memory inspires us.”

For more photos from the centennial celebration, click here