FEATURED WEB GALLERIES

Marine Operations

RELATED GALLERIES: 25th Anniversary Fire Marks

Marine Operations

Beginning in the mid-19th century, New York, a busy port city, needed full-time fireboats to protect the waterfront and fight fires on wooden boats docked at the city’s piers. Fireboats have been stationed at ports in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Fireboat companies were designated Engine Companies until 1959 when the Marine Division was organized.

Engine 77, Manhattan.

Engine Company 77 poses aboard The New Yorker on March 23, 1930. The New Yorker was in service from 1890 to 1931.

Marine 1, Mahattan

The John D. McKean was put into service in 1954 and is currently assigned to Marine Co. 1, located at Pier 53 on the North River.

Marine 2, Manhattan.

The John J. Harvey was named for the pilot of the Thomas Willett, killed in 1930 during the SS Muenchen fire. The fireboat was in service for more than 60 years and fought some of the worst marine fires in New York City.

Marine 7, Brooklyn.

The H. Sylvia A.H.G. Wilks came into service in 1958, just as the Engine Companies assigned to fireboats were being reorganized as part of the Marine Division. She was assigned to Marine Co. 7 and was in service until 1972.

Marine Division, Manhattan.

On January 29, 1980, the Marine Division received a call from Box # 0519 for a fire at Pier 46. The photograph shows firefighters from several companies extinguishing the fire.

Engine 57, Manhattan.

On January 23, 1939, the Marine Division was called to a four-alarm fire aboard the SS Silver Ash. Firefighters fought for over thirteen hours to douse the fire. This was the first major fire for the fireboat Fire Fighter.

Engine 86, Manhattan.

Built in 1908, the Thomas Willett was retired in 1959, just as Engine Companies were changing to Marine Companies. She fought many major fires during her time in service - including the disastrous Grace Line Pier Fire in 1947.

Running lights are mounted on vessels to signal their position. Red running lights are mounted on the port side and green ones are mounted on the starboard side.

This badge depicts the New Yorker and was worn on the fireboat Pilot's cap. The New Yorker was featured on this style badge until about 1938, when the image was changed to that of the Fire Fighter.

This is a pentagon-shaped breast badge, also worn by fireboat Pilots. The pentagon style was used until the early 1950s.

FEATURED GALLERIES