| Engine 16 Ladder 7 "The Kitchen Table" |
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| New York City Fire Department |
This table was completed on 5/1/1995. It is the result of many hours of research artistry and plain
old woodworking. The names that appear on the table represent every member that was ever
assigned to Engine 16 and Ladder 7 since the companies were established in 1865. This was
accomplished with the assistance of the Department of Personnel, and through old company journals
which provided most of the information. The artwork on the table depicts the original company
apparatus in front of their respective quarters. The central carving is our company patch, which was
adopted in the early 1980's.
The table is constructed mostly of Oak with some maple and poplar wood for color and accent. It is
protected with a combination of polyurethane and epoxy resin which gives it a durable finish. The
legs are fashioned from on old brass fire pole.
Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine Company No. 16 was established on September 18th 1865 and
located at 223 East 25th Street. It was manned by 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 engineer, 1 stoker, 1
driver and 6 firemen. One of these firemen Jacob Edler, was the first member from either company
to lose his life in the line of duty. This happened in early 1871.
Engine 16's quarters was eventually razed and a new house was built on the site in 1883. This
building still stands and has since become a church.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 was established on October 11, 1865 and was
located at 217 East 28th Street. It was manned by 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 diver and 8 firemen. On
October 17, 1966, four members of Hook and Ladder 7 were lost at the 23rd Street collapse the
greatest tragedy in fire Department history* with a total of twelve firemen killed at a single incident.
A capsule has been placed inside this table memorializing these firefighters. It contains some
personal effects recovered from the fire scenes belonging to one or more of the deceased brothers
The quarters of Hook and Ladder 7 was torn down and replaced by a new house at he same location
in 1893. This firehouse remains standing and is also a church.
On August 6, 1968 both companies were relocated to these quarters, still in the administrative area
of Battalion 6. In the 1970's, the battalion administrative areas were restructured and our quarters
fell under the comand of Battalion 8.
Both companies have a long and distinguished history. Many stories have been written about Engine
16 and Hook and Ladder 7, some describing personal acts of heroism and some telling of noteworthy
events performed by the entire working crew.
For instance, to date, both companies have received numerous unit citations and many members
have been recognized for individual acts of bravery, with fifteen firemen honored at Medal Day
ceremonies. Unfortunately, when a person is called to a life of service to others, and that calling is
as dangerous as we know firefighting to be, it is inevitable that God will call some of them home.
Thirteen brave members of Engine 16 and Ladder 7 have died protecting the lives of the citizens of
New York City.* All deceased members have a special place of honor in the firehouse, and will never
be forgotten. Those members who have made the Supreme Sacrifice are identified on the table by
an asterisk.
*This history was indelibly recorded on the kitchen table in 1995.
old woodworking. The names that appear on the table represent every member that was ever
assigned to Engine 16 and Ladder 7 since the companies were established in 1865. This was
accomplished with the assistance of the Department of Personnel, and through old company journals
which provided most of the information. The artwork on the table depicts the original company
apparatus in front of their respective quarters. The central carving is our company patch, which was
adopted in the early 1980's.
The table is constructed mostly of Oak with some maple and poplar wood for color and accent. It is
protected with a combination of polyurethane and epoxy resin which gives it a durable finish. The
legs are fashioned from on old brass fire pole.
Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine Company No. 16 was established on September 18th 1865 and
located at 223 East 25th Street. It was manned by 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 engineer, 1 stoker, 1
driver and 6 firemen. One of these firemen Jacob Edler, was the first member from either company
to lose his life in the line of duty. This happened in early 1871.
Engine 16's quarters was eventually razed and a new house was built on the site in 1883. This
building still stands and has since become a church.
Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 was established on October 11, 1865 and was
located at 217 East 28th Street. It was manned by 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 diver and 8 firemen. On
October 17, 1966, four members of Hook and Ladder 7 were lost at the 23rd Street collapse the
greatest tragedy in fire Department history* with a total of twelve firemen killed at a single incident.
A capsule has been placed inside this table memorializing these firefighters. It contains some
personal effects recovered from the fire scenes belonging to one or more of the deceased brothers
The quarters of Hook and Ladder 7 was torn down and replaced by a new house at he same location
in 1893. This firehouse remains standing and is also a church.
On August 6, 1968 both companies were relocated to these quarters, still in the administrative area
of Battalion 6. In the 1970's, the battalion administrative areas were restructured and our quarters
fell under the comand of Battalion 8.
Both companies have a long and distinguished history. Many stories have been written about Engine
16 and Hook and Ladder 7, some describing personal acts of heroism and some telling of noteworthy
events performed by the entire working crew.
For instance, to date, both companies have received numerous unit citations and many members
have been recognized for individual acts of bravery, with fifteen firemen honored at Medal Day
ceremonies. Unfortunately, when a person is called to a life of service to others, and that calling is
as dangerous as we know firefighting to be, it is inevitable that God will call some of them home.
Thirteen brave members of Engine 16 and Ladder 7 have died protecting the lives of the citizens of
New York City.* All deceased members have a special place of honor in the firehouse, and will never
be forgotten. Those members who have made the Supreme Sacrifice are identified on the table by
an asterisk.
*This history was indelibly recorded on the kitchen table in 1995.
When I am called to duty. God, wherever flames may rage. Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age, Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate, Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property, And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife. |
