NYC honors 12 firefighters who died in 1966 fire

Saturday marked 49 years since 12 of New York City’s bravest perished in the deadly 23rd Street Fire. A wreath-laying ceremony was held in Chelsea where the ground floor of a 'Wonder Drug Store' collapsed during a 5 alarm fire back in 1966.

Twelve members of every rank, from a probationary Firefighter to a Deputy Chief, made the Supreme Sacrifice that day, including: Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly and Firefighter William F. McCarron, both of Division 3; Battalion Chief Walter J. Higgins of Battalion 7; Lieutenant Joseph Priore, Firefighter James V. Galanaugh, Firefighter Joseph Kelly, Firefighter Daniel L. Rey, Firefighter Bernard A. Tepper, all of Engine Company 18; and Lieutenant John J. Finley, Firefighter John G. Berry, Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky and Firefighter Carl Lee, all from Ladder Company 7.

Prior to the September 11th attacks, the 23rd Street Fire was considered the single worst loss of life for FDNY firefighters in the line of duty.