31st Anniversary of Walbaums Fire

[nfd2004 750]

August 2, 2009 will be the 31st Anniversary of the Fatal Walbaums Fire that occurred on August 2, 1978. The fire claimed the lives of Six FDNY members. The store was located at Ave "Y" and Ocean Ave. in Brooklyn. I believe it was a truss roof that collapsed sending these Firefighters to their death. Lets not forget them and may they rest in peace. They are:

Lt James Cutillo Batt. 33

FF George Rice Lad 153

FF James McManus Lad 153

FF Harold Hastings Batt. 42

FF Charles Bouton Lad 156

FF William O"Conner Lad 156

[calhobs 110]

I was 12 years old when this fire occured in my neighborhood, I remember my Father and I were watching it from the corner and the roof caved in. My Father dragged me away all of a sudden saying something aobut I didnt need to see this, pushing through the crowd we went home. I didnt understand why? Until the mext morining when Mom bought the paper did I realize what happend, that six brave men where not going home when that fire was over. They are remembered my friend they are remembered. Rest In peace

[CPAGE 2]

Here is a link to Steve Spak's site with a very well writing acount of the job that took 6 hero's from the world.

http://stevespak.com/waldbaums.html