The FDNY honors 59th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire

October 17, 2025

The New York City Fire Department held a wreath-laying ceremony Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire.

The fire, which happened Oct. 17, 1966, was the greatest loss of life in the FDNY's history prior to the September 11th attacks. The ground floor of the Wonder Drug Store located on the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway in Manhattan collapsed during a 5-alarm fire that originated in a storage area.

Twelve members of nearly every rank—from deputy chief to probationary firefighter—made the Supreme Sacrifice that day. The FDNY will never forget the members lost: 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 Company 18; and Lieutenant John J. Finley, Firefighter John G. Berry, Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky and Firefighter Carl Lee, all of Ladder Company 7.