To all of our better halfs, and moms everywhere - we hope you have a wonderful day! We appreciate each and every one of you.

We welcomed two new babies to the Watkins St family this week! Congratulations go out to FF Tom Healy (E231) and his wife Lori on the birth of their son, Thomas Edward and also to Lt. Anthony Rich and his bride on their newest addition, Giovanni.

This year’s Wounded Warrior Weekend in Rockaway will be held on July 10-13. Watkins Street memebrs past and present will be called upon to help out as always. We will be in touch as details emerge.

Watkins Street is very proud and sends congratulations and a big atta boy to Jimmy Congema (Lt. L-41) upon his recent selection as the FDNY James Gordon Bennett Winner for 2008! Jim was a FF in E-231 and L-120 before being promoted in 2005. Jim made numerous grabs during a serious fire in the Bronx last year and along with his crew from L-41 - did a fantastic job!

Jimmy - all of Watkins Street past and present salutes you and we look forward to raising a glass at Medal Day. (You’re buying!)

We also just recieved news that Jimmy and his beautiful wife Deanne just had a bouncing baby boy. It has been quite a week for the Congema’s and there is certainly nobody more deserving. CONGRATULATIONS!

The Tuttlemundo/Dolney Scholarship Fund, which is open to all college bound students of any current or former members of Division 15 is now accepting applications. The form can be downloaded here or the FDNY Intranet. It is with great pride we remember Chief Tuttlemundo (Bn44) who made the supreme sacrifice in 1980.

I wish to thank all the members past & present for turning out for 86th Bklyn/Queens Holy Name Communion Breakfast. I am so proud of being honored that day, especialy because of Watkins Street tradition of making the "Breakfast" an annual event that is held dear to so many of the brothers. I loved all my time spent on Watkins St. starting with being assigned to E231 in Feb,1982 & going across the the floor in Oct, 1983 to my promotion to Lt. in Nov.of 1997. Thanks for the "Memories" that I will always cherish & the friends I made who will never be forgotten. God Bless - Mike Hyland L120 (Ret)

We are very sorry to announce the passing of Ret FF Mike Guardino who recently retired from the FDNY. Mike transfered to E231 in 1982 from E90 and went across the floor to L120 in 1984. He spent over 17 years on Watkins Street and will be sorely missed.

Funeral Arrangements:
Wake: Wed 4/30 (2-4 / 7-10PM) & Thurs 5/01 (2-4PM / 7-10PM)
Lindenhurst Funeral Home (Wellwood Ave) in Lindenhurst
Mass: Fri - 5/02 Time (TBA - contact Watkins St)

We will provide an Honor Guard.

2008 Holy Name Society Breakfast

Watkins St. had a terrific turnout this past Sunday for the Holy Name Society Communion Breakfast. We had a total of 5 tables (60 current/retired members)as we paid tribute to the honorees. Mike Hyland (Ret L120) was honored for his dedicated work towards the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance which honors our heroes from 9/11. We are very proud of Mike and congratulate him and his family for a job well done. Also, as per norm, Seymore Schenker (Ret E231/Bn44) played the taps and also had the Bishop in stitches with his "biblical quotes."

On Sunday, April 13th at 10AM, Watkins Street members past and present will join together at the 86th Annual Holy Name Society Communion Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Douglaston Queens located at 7200 Douglaston Pkwy.

This has been a longstanding Watkins Street tradition and this year it carries special meaning as Lt. Mike Hyland (former FF L120) will be honored for his efforts regarding the "Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance Foundation" honoring the 343 fallen firefighters from 9/11.

Please make every effort to attend as we salute Mike for his hard work and dedication.

"Good Luck Lt. Hillery!"

All of Watkins St sends a big congrats to FF John Hillery who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant yesterday. John has spent his entire 10 year career on Watkins St and he will be missed. Good luck John and stay safe!