It is hard for me to believe that my "First Introduction to the FDNY" was over 50 years ago. That was in the summer of 1968 and from what I understand, it was around the start of those very busy "FDNY War Years".
I had been invited down to the quarters of Engine Co 210 and Rescue Co 2. From then on as an 18 year old buff, along with my 13 year old younger brother we were "hooked" as buffs of the FDNY. We spent a few night tours there and got our start right from the TOP. We were now introduced into the "Major Leagues of the entire fire service though out the country".
Both my brother and I loved the fire department and from the time we were kids, that's all we both wanted. For a couple of kids like ourselves it was certainly the BEST Time to be around. As buffs, we couldn't have planned it any better.
From Brooklyn's Eng 210/Rescue 2, we worked our way into the Harlem area, where we chased some of the busiest FDNY companies watching them fight fires. The numbered streets made it very easy for a couple of kids from outside the area to find their way around. GPS hadn't been invented yet. We only had maps to follow. But whether we were on 110th St or 145th St, once we learned a few North/South Aves, it was pretty easy then.
I think around 1972 the book "Report from Engine Co 82" comes out. It tells about the busiest fire company in the world. By then, the area looked to be already bombed out. But over the next few years the fires continued to burn at a staggering rate. At times there are no fire companies to respond, despite many relocated companies into the area.
Recently a few of us guys from this site got together. A couple wanted to stop by that very famous firehouse located on Intervale Ave near 169 St.
Things of course look much different now. Angie's Market across the street has another name. Angie's did a great business during those days selling sandwiches and coffees to the dozens of buffs.
There are no more vacant, burned out buildings or "blocks" in the area. Actually some nice homes within the firehouse. Back then I could have bought a vacant lot full of rubbish, burned out cars and dozens of rats for $1,000. No more $1,000 lots there now.
But there were two things left that kind of reminded me of those days some 40 years ago. Southern Blvd under the elevated subway still seemed to have the character it once did back then. Some say the Bronx is bouncing back. Not around there as I see it.
Another thing that caught my eye was a few blocks from 82/31 on Boston Rd was a two story commercial building with the windows covered in plywood, using cross members on the inside to secure it from intruders. That plywood also had the small triangle cut in it. I was once told that cut allows a ladder company to pull the plywood off. It also allowed some visibility from the outside. I hadn't seen that in awhile.
We also stopped in the quarters of Engine 73/Ladder 42 on Prospect Ave. Back in the day Squad 2 also shared quarters there. This sites administrator, retired FDNY Captain Bendick had worked Squad 2 and many of us know him. Squad 2 would spend their night tours rotating between Engine 73, 82, and 85 (now closed).
We also stopped by two other firehouses in the Bronx that day. Of course a lot has changed over those many years, including the names and faces. We appreciate the members inviting us in. And just as a lot of us did back then, we watched 82/31 leaving their quarters going out on a run.
Thanks guys, we appreciate you taking the time to show us around and talk to us. I still consider you as the GREATEST some 40-50 years later.
