Today the FDNY remembers one of the worst tragedies in Department history, when six Firefighters were killed in a fire at a Brooklyn Waldbaum’s on August 2, 1978. Nearly 20 Firefighters were on the roof of the supermarket when the central portion gave way, plunging 12 members into the flames. Lt. James E. Cutillo of Battalion 33, Firefighter Charles S. Bouton of Ladder 156, Firefighter Harold F. Hastings of Battalion 42, Firefighter James P. McManus of Ladder 153, Firefighter William O’Connor of

38K views · 581 reactions | In collaboration with the New York City Fire Museum , each month we spotlight interesting facts, tools, and people of the FDNY who were the “First” to make history. In the latest installation of our FDNY Firsts series, we take a look the Halligan tool that was created in the 1940’s by FDNY Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan. Versions of the Halligan are still used by fire departments around the world. | New York City Fire Department (FDNY) | Facebook