FDNY Honors 52nd Anniversary of 23rd Street Fire

October 17, 2018

October 17, 2018 marks the 52nd anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire – which claimed the lives of 12 New York City Firefighters in 1966. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, Chief of Department James E. Leonard, family and friends of the 23rd Street Fire fallen Firefighters and many active and retired FDNY members gathered at the site of the fire, 23rd Street and Broadway in Manhattan, for a wreath-laying ceremony.

“This day will never be easy, and I promise you that long after all of us are gone, it will still be remembered, and your loved ones, and their remarkable bravery, will never be forgotten,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “The men and women of the companies in which they served, and the members of this entire Battalion are here, as always, standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, to show you that fact.”

Prior to September 11, 2001, the October 17, 1966 23rd Street fire was the single worst loss of New York City Firefighters in the line of duty. The ground floor of the Wonder Drug Store at the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway collapsed during a five-alarm fire that originated in a storage area, which was concealed by a four-inch thick cinderblock wall illegally constructed by the building’s previous owner.

“We owe it to their memory to do all we can to prevent that from happening again through our training, our preparation, and by never forgetting their sacrifice,” said Chief of Department James E. Leonard. “Generations of Firefighters have gathered at this site for decades to pay their respects and honor the 12 families left behind by this unthinkable tragedy, and this tradition will continue for generations to come.”

Twelve members of nearly every rank, from Deputy Chief to Probationary Firefighter, made the Supreme Sacrifice that day. They are: 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.

Christine Priore lost her father, Lieutenant Joseph Priore of Engine 18 to the fire. She was six-months-old at the time. To highlight the impact of the 23rd Street Fire, FDNY Pro Films directed My Father’s House, the story of Christine Priore and chance encounter to her father’s firehouse in Manhattan.

In memory of those killed that day, the non-profit FDNY Foundation launched the 23rd Street Fire Legacy Fund to support the ongoing FDNY Campaign for Training and Education. In addition the Department has produced a commemorative book that chronicles the history of the fire, and features never before seen photos and interviews with family members and active FDNY members about the fire and its aftermath. All proceeds from the book benefit the 23rd Street Fire Legacy Fund.

For photos of the remembrance ceremony, click here.