FDNY Commemorates 52nd Anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire, Second Deadliest Day in Department History

October 16, 2018

Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro will lead a special commemoration ceremony on Wednesday, October 17, marking the 52nd anniversary of the 23rd Street fire – which took the lives of 12 New York City firefighters on October 17, 1966 – the deadliest day in the history of the FDNY until September 11, 2001, when 343 members were killed at the World Trade Center.

The event will take place at the site of the tragic fire – on East 23rd Street near Broadway, at 11 a.m. A high-rise residential building now stands at the site of the deadly fire, across from Madison Square Park, with a plaque mounted on the façade of the structure dedicated to the 12 deceased firefighters. Commissioner Nigro and Department members will lay a wreath in honor of the firefighters lost that day. Several family members of the deceased firefighters are expected to attend the service.

“The 23rd Street fire occurred 52 years ago but the memory of its tragedy remains in our Department’s history,” said Fire Commissioner Nigro. “As we remember the 12 brave Firefighters we lost that day, we reaffirm our commitment to never forget them and the families they left behind.”

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.

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. More information is available at www.FDNYFoundation.org. 


A brief documentary produced on the fire by FDNY can be found here. Media are encouraged to use this rare color archival footage in their coverage with courtesy to FDNY.

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.

For photos of the 12 members and photos of the fire scene and funeral, visit FDNY’s Flickr page. With courtesy credit FDNY when using photos of the fire scene.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro; First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh; Chief of Department James E. Leonard; Families of FDNY members killed in the line of duty at the 23rd Street Fire, many other FDNY officials.

WHERE: Southeast Corner of 23rd Street and Broadway, Manhattan.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 17 – 11 a.m.

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