Throwback FDNY to the Department's First Medal Day Ceremony in 1870, the General Slocum Fire Claims the Lives of 1,021 people in 1904, and Assistant Chief Augustus Beekman Becomes Fire Commissioner in 1978

In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The Department holds its first Medal Day ceremony in 1870, the General Slocum fire claims the lives of 1,021 in 1904, and Assistant Chief Augustus Beekman becomes the 22nd Fire Commissioner in 1978.

What is Throwback FDNY?

The New York City Fire Museum's Throwback FDNY podcast is here to help present the extraordinary history and unique heritage of the fire department in the five boroughs. Each episode, we’ll turn a spotlight on three specific years and share a story from each that we hope brings the Fire Department’s past to life, a must for FDNY history buffs of all ages! This initiative is brought to you with help from the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation.