Foundation Joins FDNY in Remembrance of the 40th Anniversary of the Waldbaum’s Fire

Foundation Joins FDNY in Remembrance of the 40th Anniversary of the Waldbaum’s Fire

The FDNY Foundation joins the FDNY in remembrance of the 40th anniversary of the Waldbaum’s fire. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, Chief of Department James E. Leonard, FDNY members, family and friends gathered for a memorial mass at Saint Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church.

The fire occurred on August, 2, 1978 at a Waldbaum’s supermarket on Avenue Y and Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. Nearly 20 Firefighters were on the roof of the supermarket when the central portion gave way, plunging 12 members into the flames. Six of them were rescued, but another six members died in the tragedy.

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 Ladder 156, and Firefighter George S. Rice of Ladder 153, made the Supreme Sacrifice that day.

For photos from the Waldbaum’s fire, click here.

For photos of the memorial mass, click here.