The FDNY will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the department Saturday with its first-ever citywide open house program.
K Webster will represent the Manhattan Borough President’s office presenting a Certificate for service at the Pitt Street Fire House:
25 Pitt Street (and Delancey) Manhattan NY, 10002
Saturday May 2, 2015
11:00AM – 1:00PM
Learn more about the FDNY’s life-saving work at one of countless open houses across Manhattan. You will be able to take a tour, pick-up fire safety education literature, learn more about careers in the FDNY, and meet their local firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs.
More than 200 firehouses and EMS Stations will open their doors to the public from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“For a century and a half, FDNY members have risked their lives bravely protecting life and property in our city, an enduring commitment steeped in pride and tradition,” he said. “That tradition of service is devoted to the people of our great city, and we’re inviting them all – every New Yorker – to join us in this historic celebration. We want them to come and meet the men and women who serve them with selfless dedication.”
Throughout the day firefighters, paramedics and EMTs will be educating the public about fire and life safety, conducting demonstrations, discussing the department’s storied history and offering tours of FDNY apparatus (engines, ladders and ambulances).
The FDNY Foundation, members will be distributing more than 6,000 combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms and information on careers available within the Department. They will also be giving away more than 100,000 items commemorating this historic year including fire safety coloring books, fire helmets for children, flashlights and magnets with messages promoting the anniversary.
Volunteers from the American Red Cross will also be on hand at all locations to schedule free smoke/carbon monoxide alarm installations.
To find the nearest location and time, visit NYC.gov/FDNY
The origins of the Fire Department of New York date back to 1648, but it wasn’t until May 2, 1865 that the modern-day FDNY was established with the creation of the Metropolitan Fire Department (MFD). The first professional unit, Engine Company 1, went into service later that year with horse-drawn engines and ladder trucks responding to fire calls.
For sheer expressiveness, no contemporary design could outdo the ornamental shield on certificates given to volunteer firefighters in the 18th century. It depicts a scene of pandemonium as two engine companies — perhaps competitors — battle a fire in one house at the expense of abutters that are being consumed in flames.
Channel 7 news and NYC.Gov website