Rescue Company 1, FDNY

Rescue Company 1, FDNY. . , Rescue Company 1 was established on Special Order #41, and went into service at 8AM, March 8, 1915. This was the first rescue company in the United States. The original members were Captain McElligot, Lieutenant Hotchkiss, Firemen Clark, Henretty, Killbridge, Kinsella, Mooney, O'Leary, Ryan and Shaw. These men had various experience as iron-workers, elevator constructors, electricians, railroad men, bridge builders, and other similar trades. The first apparatus assigned was an open body style built on a Cadillac touring car chassis. It was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, Draeger smoke helmets, Blaugas cutting torch, lungmotors, lyle gun, life lines, etc., Rescue Company 1 has been quartered at various locations in Manhattan:, Engine Co. 33, Great Jones Street, 1915-1920 , Engine Co. 30, Spring Street, 1920-1947 , Engine Co. 20, Lafayette Street, 1947-1960 , Engine Co. 65, 33 West 43rd Street, 1960-1973 , Engine Co. 2, 530 West 43rd Street, 1973-1985, This last home of Rescue Company 1, located on the site of the present quarters, was destroyed on January 23, 1985, when a ten alarm fire. Ravaged the adjacent building. The house for Engine Co. 2 was designed in 1894 by the architect Napoleon LeBrun, who was responsible for more than thirty firehouses throughout New York City. the massive brownstone of its first floor has been incorporated into the rear interior wall of this building, During the Company's history its members have received numerous awards and medals for valor, and they have saved countless lives of citizens and firemen alike. Sadly, three members of Rescue Company 1 have made the supreme sacrifice:, Fireman William B. Fletcher, February 3, 1925 , Fireman John C. Farragher, July 12, 1962 , Fireman Edward J. Tuite, October 17, 1970, These men died performing their duty, protecting the lives and property of the people of the City of New York. Let us never forget them., This new firehouse is now home to Rescue Company 1. From here we can serve and protect the citizens of our great city. May the members assigned to Rescue Company 1, present and future, always carry out their assigned tasks in the same professional and courageous manner as those who proceeded them.