Honoring FDNY’s Legacy in Lincoln Square

FDNY’s Engine 40 recently celebrated an incredible milestone—150 years of service to New York City. Established in 1874, Engine 40 has been a cornerstone of the Lincoln Square community, responding to emergencies and keeping the neighborhood safe. The anniversary was marked by a special celebration recognizing the engine’s dedication and bravery. Ladder 35, which will soon celebrate its 120th anniversary, has proudly served alongside Engine 40, sharing in its legacy of courage and commitment. Together, these two units remain vital to the fabric of our neighborhood. Engine 40 and Ladder 35 have not only served the community through the years but also endured great loss during 9/11 when many firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice, and others later succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. You can learn more about their history by visiting their website.

As FDNY continues its long tradition of service in Lincoln Square, its leadership remains closely connected to the community. The Lincoln Square BID has a strong relationship with the current FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker, who has a personal connection to the neighborhood—he is the grandson of renowned operatic tenor and cantor Richard Tucker, for whom Richard Tucker Park (Broadway & 66th Street) is named. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the FDNY as we honor their legacy and work together for the safety and well-being of the neighborhood.

In addition to responding to emergencies, FDNY plays a vital role in educating community members about fire safety and prevention. However, fire safety isn’t just the responsibility of our brave firefighters—it’s something we can all actively participate in. Be sure to have an escape plan in place and practice it regularly with everyone in your household. Knowing whether you live in a fireproof or non-fireproof building is also crucial, as it determines whether you should stay or evacuate during a fire. Always follow the instructions of Fire Department personnel in emergencies, and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order. You can visit the FDNY’s Fire Safety publications to brush up on these and other important safety tips.

Coinciding with these milestones, J.Crew has launched a special FDNY Collection featuring vintage-wash graphic T-shirts, twill baseball caps, socks, and more—all inspired by firehouses in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Each item is a tribute to the FDNY’s legacy, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting both the FDNY and the Los Angeles Fire Department. The collection blends timeless style with a meaningful way to support the dedicated men and women of our fire departments. Add a little FDNY pride to your wardrobe by shopping the collection at both J.Crew (for kids only) and the J.Crew Men’s Shop at The Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Circle).

As we continue to honor Engine 40’s 150 years of service and celebrate Ladder 35’s upcoming 120th anniversary, let’s all commit to practicing fire safety at home and supporting initiatives that uplift the brave men and women of FDNY. Whether it’s through our everyday actions or supporting special collections that highlight their dedication, their service is something we can all be grateful for every day.

Photo Credit: FDNY