Tags
Battalion 33, Charles Bouton, Container Diaries, Engine 276, George Rice, Harold Hastings, James Cutillo, James McManus, Ladder 156, The Highway
My friend James Rallis (Fuller Place) posted a reminder on Facebook about a tragedy 42 years ago today.
On the morning of August 2, 1978 there was a fire at the Waldbaum’s Supermarket on Ocean Avenue and Avenue Y in Sheepshead Bay. Six firefighters lost their lives battling the blaze.
Today an annual Memorial Mass would have taken place at St. Brendan’s Church to gather and pray and remember the six firefighters. But because of the Covid-19 it was cancelled. James thanked “The Highway” (Engine 276, Ladder 156, Battalion 33) for ‘Doing the Right Thing’ once again and instead held a prayer service yesterday outside the firehouse. The Highway is a class act and the prayer service means a great deal to the families; keeping the memories alive.
Lt. James Cutillo – Battalion 33
FF Harold Hastings – Battalion 42
FF James McManus – Ladder 153
FF George Rice – Ladder 153
FF Charles Bouton – Ladder 156
FF William “Billy” O’Connor – Ladder 156
Never Forget!
William “Billy” O’Connor was 29, he was from the neighborhood – his family lived on Prospect Park Southwest between 10th avenue and the Circle (Bartel Pritchard Square). William had 3 children; Billy, Lisa and Jeanne. Louise, William’s widow works at the Holy Name rectory.
E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com