Lt Andy Serra E231 will be promoted to Captain (Thursday Feb 11th, 2010 at 11 am at the Rock). Congrats Andy!!

Watkins St gathered in force for the promotion of FF John Drew L120 to Lieutenent at the Rock on Dec 30th. We wish the best of luck to John as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.

Watkins Street current and past wish to extend a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our current and former members, their families, the entire FDNY, and most importantly to all of our servicemen and women. As we sit down for our holiday meal, you will be close to our hearts. Stay safe.

Once again, the members of Watkins St teamed up with Nassau County Police Officer Pete Ellison to deliver several cases of toys for the needy families of Brownsville. Officer Ellison's grandfather (Bernhard Reuge was a FF in L120 for over 30 years spanning 1930-1960), proving once again that the Tradition Continues. In what has become a yearly tradition for the past 15 years or so, Officer Ellison loads up his truck with toys which are then added to the firehouse pile.  Capt Higgins of E231 then contacts the local pastor at the rectory to determine how we can best spread the holiday cheer. Traditionally, Christmas Eve on Watkins St is spent with the firefighter acting as elves wrapping a load of toys to pack onto  the rig and deliver as a company to those we serve during the course of the evening. The firemen who work this tour get to experience the true meaning of Christmas when they see the faces of these children who have so very little.

FF John Drew L120 will be promoted to Lieutenant on Wed, Dec 30th 11AM @ The Rock. Lets have a nice Watkins St turnout.

We have added a new album in the Photo Gallery Section from the 1990's-2000. Thank you Lt Tim Byrne.

On Sat, Dec 19th, Santa will arrive at Watkins St for our annual Kids Christmas Party beginning at 12pm. All former members and their families are welcome to attend. We even hope to have a special performance by "Seymore The Magician".

A great time was had by all as 106 current and former members of Watkins St gathered for the annual Reunion Chrstmas Party. Honored were Charlie Staten E231 for his 25 years of service to the FDNY along with Al Guarascio , who retired as a pillar of E231 and who in the words of Capt Higgins was a "like Piccaso with the nozzle."

The members enjoyed a video tribute to our dear friend Bn Chief Howie Carlson whose presence was felt all night. The Watkins St  "Hall Of Famers" and old buffaloes such as George Guinan IV, JJ Connelly, Seymore Schenker, and Howard Schneider also turned out to raise a glass to the beloved black cloud Howie Carlson.

The long awaited "Ugly Sweater Contest" was a rousing success with Richie Poole E231 taking top honors in a heavily debated finale.

Newly uploaded pictures frm the Koenigs Reunion Christmas Party can be viewed in the Photo Gallery courtesy of  Lt Tim Byrne who along with Lt Mike Hart did a great job of capturing the party on film.

It is with deepest regrets we announce tha passing of beloved Battalion Chief Howie Carlson who in a word epitomized what the FDNY is all about. A revered figure who gave 40 years of service, he was known simply as "a good fireman" which is the ultimate compliment afforded a member of the FDNY.

Chief Carlson's illustrious 40 year career started on March 3, 1969 after years of service on the Fire Patrol and as a Dispatcher. He was assigned to E277 as a probie and also worked in L175 (as a Charter Member) before transferring to R-4. Howie was a Lieutenent on Watkins St. in L120 from 1985-1990 and made front page headlines as only Howie could for his "rescue" of a couple of sand sharks during a job in a Brownsville tenement. He served as Capt (E294) and (L124) before being promoted to BC (Bn51). He was the recipient of 1 Service Rating "A", 4 Service Rating "B", and 2 Unit Citations. A big buff off duty (3&2&2), and known as the "black cloud" while on duty, Howie may have been to more fires than any human being on earth. To say we will miss him is an understatement. We will continue to pass on the knowledge he gave to us and will remember him with a smile. 

Everybody loved Howie.

Arrangements:

Wake:  Wed/Thurs (2-4pm & 7-9pm) @ Leahy McDonald Funeral Home Atlantic Ave-111th st (Richmond Hill Queens)

Mass: Friday 10:30am Holy Child Church 86th Ave-111th st

Class A Uniform (Honor Guard)