Throwback FDNY
New York City Fire Museum
Subscribe
The New York City Fire Museum's Throwback FDNY podcast is here to help present the extraordinary history and unique heritage of the fire department in the five boroughs. Each episode, we’ll turn a spotlight on three specific years and share a story from each that we hope brings the Fire Department’s past to life, a must for FDNY history buffs of all ages! This initiative is brought to you with help from the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
3 days ago
Throwback to the introduction of the pulmotor resuscitators in 1914, and the history of resuscitation equipment and techniques.
In this episode of Throwback FDNY, host Gary Urbanowicz welcomes back to the show retired FDNY Division Chief and EMS historian James Martin as his co-host to discuss the introduction of the pulmotor resuscitators in 1914, and how resuscitation equipment and techniques have changed over the years. This conversation helps us mark 2023 National EMS Week, which honors the heroic contributions of those who work on the medical front line.
playlist_add
Apr 13, 2023
Throwback FDNY to 1798 as the Fire Department of the City of New York is formed by an act of the State legislature,1857 when Harry Howard is named Chief Engineer of the fire department, 1964 when a fire strikes in the subway tunnel of the Times Square shut…
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… In 1798, the Fire Department of the City of New York is formed by an act of the State legislature. In 1857, Harry Howard is named Chief Engineer of the fire department. And in 1964 a fire strikes in the subway tunnel of the Times Square shuttle.
playlist_add
Mar 16, 2023
Throwback FDNY to 1899 when a deadly fire at the Windsor Hotel disrupts the St. Patrick’s Day parade; 1902 as the first female ambulance surgeon takes the reins; and 2003 when for the first time, a woman is promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief in the…
In this episode of Throwback FDNY... In 1899, a deadly fire at the Windsor Hotel disrupts the St. Patrick’s Day parade; In 1902, the first female ambulance surgeon takes the reins; And in 2003, for the first time, a woman is promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief in the FDNY.
playlist_add
Feb 16, 2023
Throwback FDNY to 1741 when a series of fires raised panic in the small colony of New York. In 1863, the Colored Orphan’s Asylum was burned during the Civil War Riots in New York. And an 1885 book tells us about some Black members of the FDNY.
In this episode of Throwback FDNY…in 1741 a series of fires raise panic in the small colony of New York. In 1863, the Colored Orphan’s Asylum is burned during the Civil War Riots in New York. And an 1885 book tells us about some Black members of the FDNY.
playlist_add
Jan 26, 2023
Throwback FDNY to 1865 when the Maltese cross is introduced as a symbol of the fire department, 1948 as Peter Loftus is appointed Chief of Department, and 1967 when a gas leak causes a 13-alarm fire in Queens
In this episode of Throwback FDNY...in 1865, the Maltese cross is introduced as a symbol of the fire department. In 1948, Peter Loftus is appointed Chief of Department. And in 1967, a gas leak causes a 13-alarm fire in Queens.
playlist_add
Dec 22, 2022
Throwback FDNY to a fire in 1835 that destroys nearly 700 buildings in New York City, 1873 when the FDNY organizes what might be their most unusual unit, and 1938 as Clarence Eldridge Meek is sworn in as an Honorary Captain and Librarian of the FDNY
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… a fire in 1835 destroys nearly 700 buildings in New York City. In 1873, the FDNY organizes what might be their most unusual unit. And, in 1938, Clarence Eldridge Meek is sworn in as an Honorary Captain and Librarian of the FDNY.
playlist_add
Nov 17, 2022
Throwback FDNY to 1861 when the first Medal of Honor is awarded and it has an FDNY connection, 1867 as Doctor Charles McMillan is appointed to be the first official Department Medial Officer, and 1942 when the FDNY Military Services Division is established…
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… an incident in 1861 leads to the first Medal of Honor being awarded; and it has an FDNY connection. In 1867, Doctor Charles McMillan is appointed to be the first official Department Medial Officer. And, in 1942, the FDNY Military Services Division is established.
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2022
Throwback FDNY to 1913 with the unveiling of the Firemen’s Monument, 1879 when a new apparatus is introduced into the FDNY to combat fires in the city’s skyward-reaching buildings, and in 1954, a notable fire prevention advocate is named Commissioner o…
In this episode of Throwback FDNY, we being in 1913 when the Firemen’s Monument is unveiled; then in 1879, a new apparatus is introduced into the FDNY to combat fires in the city’s skyward-reaching buildings; and in 1954, a notable fire prevention advocate is named Commissioner of the FDNY.
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2022
Throwback FDNY to 1945 when a military bomber hits the Empire State Building, 1970 a terrorist group launches a campaign of arson in New York City, and 1992, Mychal Judge is appointed as an FDNY Chaplain
In this episode of Throwback FDNY, we begin in 1945, as a military bomber hits the Empire State Building; then in 1970 a terrorist group launches a campaign of arson in New York City; and in 1992, Mychal Judge is appointed as an FDNY Chaplain.
playlist_add
Aug 25, 2022
Throwback FDNY to 1913 when the New York Fire Department Band is formed, 1940 with the appointment of Patrick Walsh as Chief of Department, and 1978 when a fire in a Brooklyn supermarket claims the lives of six of New York’s Bravest
In this episode of Throwback FDNY…in 1913, the New York Fire Department Band is formed. In 1940, Patrick Walsh is appointed Chief of Department. And in 1978, a fire in a Brooklyn supermarket claims the lives of six of New York’s Bravest.
playlist_add
Jul 22, 2022
Throwback FDNY to 1867, the New York Fire Patrol is named. In 1938, former Manhattan-based volunteer firefighter Alexander Cartwright, Jr. is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. And in 1958, a fire on Wooster Street in Manhattan, claims the lives of t…
Throwback FDNY to 1867, the New York Fire Patrol is named. In 1938, former Manhattan-based volunteer firefighter Alexander Cartwright, Jr. is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. And in 1958, a fire on Wooster Street in Manhattan, claims the lives of two firefighters and four fire patrolmen.
playlist_add
Jun 23, 2022
Throwback FDNY to 1868 when Minthorne Tompkins is the first member of the FDNY to receive a medal for valor; in 1889 Hugh Bonner is made Chief of Department and a medal is named in his honor; and a fire in 1975 causes over 260 firefighters to call in sick…
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… in 1868, Minthorne Tompkins is the first member of the FDNY to receive a medal for valor; then 1889 Hugh Bonner is made Chief of Department and a medal is named in his honor; and a fire in 1975 causes over 260 firefighters to call in sick the next day!
playlist_add
May 24, 2022
Throwback FDNY to the Department's venture into the domain of pre-hospital emergency medical care in 1914; then in 1966, “Breadbox” ambulances are introduced in New York City; and in 1974, the city graduates its first class of paramedics
In this episode of Throwback FDNY, we begin with the Department's venture into the domain of pre-hospital emergency medical care in 1914; then in 1966, “Breadbox” ambulances are introduced in New York City; and in 1974, the city graduates its first class of paramedics.
playlist_add
Apr 28, 2022
Throwback FDNY to the Brooklyn Fire Department aquiring its first fire engine in 1785, a devastating fire ravages Brooklyn in 1848, and the appointment of Thomas Nevins as Chief of the Brooklyn Fire Department in 1870
In this episode of Throwback FDNY... we venture back to the days of the Brooklyn Fire Department, starting in 1785 with Brooklyn getting its first fire engine; then a devastating fire ravages one of the Department’s districts in 1848, and finally, the appointment of Thomas Nevins as Chief of the Brooklyn Fire Department in 1870.
playlist_add
Mar 31, 2022
Throwback FDNY to the Department appoints its first chaplains in 1899; in 1932, Georgiana McMennamin, the last FDNY Matron is hired, and 1982, Harriett Duren, one of the first female firefighters is appointed
Throwback FDNY to the Department appoints its first chaplains in 1899; in 1932, Georgiana McMennamin, the last FDNY Matron is hired, and 1982, Harriett Duren, one of the first female firefighters is appointed.
playlist_add
Feb 24, 2022
Throwback FDNY to Wesley Williams, the first Black officer in FDNY history, the "Model Cities" program is instituted to help combat economic disparities in New York City's most fire-ravaged communities and a lasting tribute to Captain Richard A. Vernon
Throwback FDNY to Wesley Williams, the first Black officer in FDNY history, the "Model Cities" program is instituted to help combat economic disparities in New York City's most fire-ravaged communities and a lasting tribute to Captain Richard A. Vernon
playlist_add
Jan 27, 2022
Throwback FDNY to The Equitable Building fire in 1912 prompts a major innovation in the FDNY, the FDNY takes on the responsibility of providing fire protection at New York’s first commercial airport and the “four-day Commissioner” Elmer Mustard is ap…
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The Equitable Building fire in 1912 prompts a major innovation in the FDNY, the FDNY takes on the responsibility of providing fire protection at New York’s first commercial airport in 1939, and the “four-day Commissioner” Elmer Mustard is appointed in 1940.
playlist_add
Dec 2, 2021
Throwback FDNY to Chief Joseph Martin Earning his famous nickname in 1899, a happy story emerges from a Manhattan fatal fire in 1946 and an aircraft carrier burns at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1960
In this episode of Throwback FDNY...Chief Joseph Martin earns his famous nickname at a fire in 1899. One happy story emerges from a Manhattan fatal fire in 1946 and an aircraft carrier burns at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1960.
playlist_add
Nov 18, 2021
Throwback FDNY to New York City firefighters marching off with General George Washington in 1776, the first NY Fire Zouaves arrive in 1861, and the FDNY Military Memorial is unveiled in 1945
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… New York City firefighters march off with General George Washington in 1776. The First New York Fire Zouaves are organized in 1861. And the FDNY Military Memorial is unveiled in Headquarters in 1945.
playlist_add
Oct 28, 2021
Throwback FDNY to apparatus losses at the Crystal Palace in 1858, Edward Croker becomes Chief of Department in 1899, and the origin of the Bureau of Fire Prevention in 1911
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the loss of three pieces of FDNY apparatus in a fire at the Crystal Palace in 1858. Edward Croker becomes Chief of Department in 1899, and the origin of the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention in 1911.
playlist_add
Sep 30, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the 1864 attempt to burn down New York during the Civil War, the 1920 bombing on Wall Street, and starting in 1975, why there are no lockers at airports anymore
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the 1864 attempt to burn down New York during the Civil War, the 1920 bombing on Wall Street, and, starting in 1975 – why there are no lockers at airports anymore!
playlist_add
Aug 31, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the Fire Department within the Fire Department of 1918, the 1932 Ritz Tower Fire and Explosion, and the Olympic Firefighter of 1948
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… we begin in 1918 with a Fire Department within the Fire Department, next, is the Ritz Tower Fire and Explosion in 1932, and we introduce you to an Olympic Firefighter from 1948
playlist_add
Jul 29, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the World Building Fire of 1882 and How it Changed the FDNY, the Last Run Using Horses in 1922, and the 1947 Return to Duty of Firefighter Mark Wohlfeld After Serving in WWII
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the World Building Fire of 1882 and how it changed the FDNY, the last run using horses in 1922 and in 1947 firefighter Mark Wohlfeld returns to duty.
playlist_add
Jun 29, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the Department's First Medal Day Ceremony in 1870, the General Slocum Fire Claims the Lives of 1,021 people in 1904, and Assistant Chief Augustus Beekman Becomes Fire Commissioner in 1978
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The Department holds its first Medal Day ceremony in 1870, the General Slocum fire claims the lives of 1,021 in 1904, and Assistant Chief Augustus Beekman becomes the 22nd Fire Commissioner in 1978.
playlist_add
May 20, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the Deep Roots of FDNY EMS Extending Back to 1869, the 1954 Passing of Dr. Harry Archer, and FDNY Introduces the City to the First Firefighter/EMTs in 1975
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The Deep Roots of FDNY EMS Extend Back to 1869, FDNY Introduces the City to the First Firefighter/EMTs in 1975 and the 1954 Passing of Dr. Harry Archer.
playlist_add
Apr 22, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the Bureau of Fire Investigation's Creation in 1854, New York Firefighters Respond to the Great Fire in Baltimore in 1904 and Tactical Control Units Are Launched in 1970
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the Bureau of Fire Investigation is Created in 1854, New York Firefighters Respond to the Great Fire in Baltimore in 1904 and Tactical Control Units Are Launched in 1970.
playlist_add
Mar 25, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the 1850 Arrival of the Charitable Swedish Nightingale, the Tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire of 1911, and the First 41 Women Join the Ranks of Firefighters in 1982
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the 1850 Arrival of the Charitable Swedish Nightingale, the Tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire of 1911 and the First 41 Women Join the Ranks of Firefighters in 1982
playlist_add
Feb 3, 2021
Throwback FDNY to The First Known Black Woman Firefighter in 1818, Trailblazing African-Americans Make Inroads into the Fire Service in 1898, and Robert O. Lowery's Historic 1966 Appointment to Fire Commissioner
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The First Known Black Woman Firefighter Molly Williams Answers the Call in 1818, Trailblazing African-Americans Make Inroads into the Fire Service Starting in 1898, and Robert O. Lowery’s Historic Appointment to Fire Commissioner in 1966.
playlist_add
Jan 28, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the 1870 Appointment of Thomas “Never Lose a Man” Nevins to Brooklyn’s Chief of Department, the 1916 Bombing of Black Tom Island, and the 1960 Park Slope and Staten Island Plane Crashes
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The 1870 Appointment of Thomas “Never Lose a Man” Nevins to Brooklyn’s Chief of Department, the 1916 Bombing of Black Tom Island by Saboteurs, and the 1960 Park Slope, and Staten Island, Plane Crashes
playlist_add
Dec 28, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the 1876 Brooklyn Theatre Fire, the Tenure of Chief of Department John Kenlon Beginning in 1911 and the 1957 Start of the Radiological Unit
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the devastating Brooklyn Theatre Fire of 1876, the tenure of Chief of Department John Kenlon begins in 1911 and 1957 formation of the Radiological Unit.
playlist_add
Nov 30, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the Military-Style Re-structuring of 1867 under General Alexander Shaler, the 1940 Origin of the Training Publication, WNYF, and the 1949 Holland Tunnel Fire
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… A military structure takes root in 1867 under General Alexander Shaler, the 1940 origin of the training publication, WNYF, and the deadly 1949 Holland Tunnel Fire.
playlist_add
Oct 28, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the Bureau of Training’s 1883 Origin as the School of Instruction, the Short-Lived Chief of Staff and Operations Post Introduced in 1946, and recalling the 1966 23rd Street Fire
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the Bureau of Training’s 1883 Origin as the School of Instruction, the Short-Lived Chief of Staff and Operations post introduced in 1946 and recalling the 1966 23rd Street Fire.
playlist_add
Sep 30, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the First Chief of Department in 1865, Operations at the Grace Land Pier Fire of 1947, and the 1965 rollout of the Extraordinary Superpumper System.
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the First Chief of Department is sworn into office in 1865, operations at the massive Grace Land Pier Fire of 1947 and the 1965 rollout of the extraordinary, extra large and extra expensive Superpumper System.
playlist_add
Aug 19, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the Department’s First Motorized Vehicle in 1901, Fire Protection at the 1939 World’s Fair, and how a Lower Manhattan Blaze in 1970 Strengthened Fire Codes
In this episode of Throwback FDNY hosted by the New York City Fire Museum's Executive Director Gary Urbanowicz… The Department’s first motorized vehicle hits the streets in 1901, fire protection at the 1939 World’s Fair and how a Lower Manhattan blaze in 1970 helped strengthen high-rise fire codes.
playlist_add
Jul 27, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the 1891 Fireboat New Yorker Launch, Firefighter Edward Thompson’s 1962 Appointment to Fire Commissioner, and 1980’s First Foray into Computerization
In this episode of Throwback FDNY hosted by the New York City Fire Museum's Executive Director Gary Urbanowicz… The 1891 launch of the Fireboat New Yorker, Firefighter Edward Thompson’s 1962 appointment to Fire Commissioner and the Department’s first foray into computerization in 1980.
playlist_add
Jun 25, 2020
Throwback FDNY to New Amsterdam’s 1648 Bucket Ordinance, Chief John Kenlon’s Foresight after the Equitable Building Fire of 1912, and the Lasting Legacy of the 1994 Watts Street Fire
In this episode of Throwback FDNY hosted by the New York City Fire Museum's Executive Director Gary Urbanowicz … New Amsterdam’s 1648 Bucket Ordinance, Chief John Kenlon’s foresight after the Equitable Building fire of 1912 and the lasting legacy of the 1994 Watts Street fire.
playlist_add