Throwback FDNY
New York City Fire Museum
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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
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3 days ago
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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