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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael Burton at a rededication ceremony for the quarters of Bronx fire companies Engine 73 and Ladder 42 at 655 Prospect Avenue. The ceremony marked the re-opening of the 100-year-old South Bronx firehouse, which has undergone a $4.8 million renovation during the past year.

"Again and again New York City firefighters demonstrate their courage and dedication by putting their lives on the line for others," Mayor Giuliani said. "Just this past weekend, members of Ladder 42 rescued dozens of people - including a 65-year old grandmother - from a fire nearby on Wales Avenue. Today we are here to celebrate the renovation of Engine 73 and Ladder 42 which, along with other firehouses and EMS stations around the city, is our small way of giving back to New York's Bravest for all that they do."

"It's a great honor for me to join in celebrating yet another successful firehouse renovation project - especially this one," said Fire Commissioner Von Essen-who worked as a firefighter at Ladder Co. 42 for 15 years. "By supporting this project along with more than a dozen other firehouse and EMS station construction projects, Mayor Giuliani has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Fire Department, its mission, its future, and the citizens that it serves."

"The Department of Design and Construction is proud to have designed and constructed this FDNY facility in less than two years," DDC Executive Deputy Commissioner Burton said. "This project typifies why Mayor Giuliani created DDC five years ago - to deliver the City's construction projects in a safe, expeditious and cost effective manner while maintaining the highest degree of architectural, engineering and construction quality."

Engine Company 73 was established on November 1, 1900. Thirteen years later, Ladder Company 42 opened in an attached building next door on Prospect Avenue. During the turbulent 60's and 70's, the Prospect Avenue firehouse was one of the busiest in the city - responding on average to more than 6,000 alarms annually.

After a century of use, the aging structure needed a complete gut and rebuild, including a new apparatus floor, new electrical and plumbing systems, upgraded telecommunications equipment, and other improvements.

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