August 2, 1978 ... 5-5-5-5 Waldbaum's Fire

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36 years ago today, at approximately 9:20 AM six heroic F.D.N.Y. Firemen were killed in the line of duty when the roof of the burning Waldbaum's Supermarket they were operating on collapsed. Please take a moment today to remember these heroic Firemen and their families:

• Lt. James E. Cutillo, Battalion 33

• Firefighter Charles S. Bouton, Ladder Company 156

• Firefighter Harold F. Hastings, Battalion 42

• Firefighter James P. McManus, Ladder Company 153

• Firefighter William O’Connor, Ladder Company 156

• Firefighter George S. Rice, Ladder Company 153

Rest in peace Brothers, you will never be forgotten...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTzBg1YIZmI

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Here's a great and detailed write up by Steve Spak in firsthand story format:

http://stevespak.com/waldbaums.html

And the NIST report:

http://www.fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire97/art141.html

RIP to those who died yet taught us many lessons saving many future lives.