The members of Watkins St past and present gathered in force to pay tribute to the life and career of the beloved Frank T. Tuttlemondo BC44 who made the supreme sacrifice thirty years to the day on Aug 13th, 1980. It was a remarkable turnout of "FDNY Hall of Famers" who came back home to Watkins St to honor their chief. Over 200 people were in attendance including Brooklyn Borough Commander DAC Chief James Leonard.

Captain Higgins E231 performed as master of ceremonies and interestingly noted the many changes wich have occured to the FDNY in the past 30 years and yet the core principles of Chief Tuttlemondo  remain intact today. The FDNY Chaplain blessed the Tuttlemondo Medal and Lt Anthony Rich (E231) sang the National Anthem. Retired  84 year old FF Seymore Schenker proudly dressed in his Class A uniform and performed Taps for his chief and FF Kevin Scott (Ret E232) sang a wonderful rendition of Ave Maria and also gave a passionate speech thanking the current members of Watkins St and Bn44 for having the foresight to honor the chief. Captain Higgins of E231 then ordered the giant photo of Chief Tuttlemondo will proudly hang at the top of the stairs in our firehouse for all eternity. It was another memorable day in the rich history of Watkins St. BC Chief Frank Tuttlemondo will live in our hearts and his presence will be felt on Watkins St each and every day forever. 

For photos of the celebration, please see the "image gallery". There wil be more to come in the coming weeks as we recieve them.

To my Watkins St family, I just wanted to comment on yesterday's ceremony remembering BC Frank Tuttlemondo.  To our former members, you graced us with your presence, thank you.  To the recently promoted guys, nice to see you back.  To the current members of both Engine 231 & Ladder 120, your efforts were wonderful.  Both I and Capt Bobby Higgins are very proud that this event occured under our command.  BUT, it wasn't possible without your hard work.  There are only a handful of special Firehouses on our job, we are fortunte to be one of them.  It was a GREAT gathering and a memorable day in the storied history of "Watkins St". 

Capt John Calamari
Tower Ladder 120

Congratulations to Courtney and Andy O'Brien (L120) on the birth of their 1st child Emma Grace. Welcome to Watkins St Emma.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ret FF Tommy Laudicina "Mad Dog" from E227. He was a legendary fireman having spent 25 years in E227 from 1970-1995 and he will be sorely missed.

Sat/Sun 2-4  7-9pm

Mathews FH 2508 Victory Blvd  SI

Funeral - Monday St Theresa's Church 1634 Victory Blvd

On Aug, 13th, 2010 there will be a celebration and lunch in quarters starting at 1pm to commemorate the life and career of Battalion 44 Chief Frank T. Tuttlemundo who made the supreme sacrifice 30 years ago to the day (5-5-5-5 Box 33-1672  on   8-13-1980).

 
We would like to have a nice turnout to mark the 30th Anniversary of this very difficult day in Watkins St and the FDNY history.
 
We ask that you please RSVP Watkins St at 718-965-8231 if you plan on attending so we can have an accurate headcount and plan accordingly. 
 

The annual Watkins St Company Picnic will be held on Aug 19th at Lido Beach. All former members and their families are invited to join us.

Congratulations go out to FF Al Goetz L120 and his wife Kristin on the birth of their first child, Lilly Grace Goetz.

We are sorry to announce the passing of two former bosses of E231:

Lt Kevin Tighe (E231 1966-1970)

Capt Teddy Campbell (E231 1962-1964)

These 2 fine gentlemen will be sorely missed.

Capt George Johnson aka "The Rocket" will be promoted this Wed at the Rock at 11AM. George was a Lt in E231 and all of Watkins St sends out a big congrats!!!!.

Watkins Street would like to congratulate Fannie and Rob Petrarca L120 on the birth of their 2nd child Giada Anne.

We also wish to send congrats to "Big Sal" Sal Scafuri E231 and Tricia upon their recent wedding engagement.