The second worst disaster in FDNY history happened on Feb. 27, 1975 when The NY Telephone (Verizon) 2nd Ave Central Office caught fire. 699 firefighters responded to this blaze. Over the years many Firefighters as well as Telephone Workers became victims to the cancerous dioxins released in this fire.
Thanks to the herculean efforts of Retired Firefighter Danny Noonan (who fought this blaze), the FDNY has honored these heroic firefighters with a memorial plaque on a memorial Wall at FDNY Training Center and on 204 2nd Ave Central Office, the site of the Fire.
It was a humbling experience for me to be present surrounded by the firefighters who fought this fire and my fellow Telephone Workers who restored the service to lower Manhattan. Hundreds did so at the cost of their health and their lives. Special thanks to Danny Noonan and Tom Steed, Pres. Association of Belltel Retirees .
It is my sincere hope that Verizon and the Communications Workers of America recognize the sacrifices made by “The Miracle Workers” of Second Ave. Due to their efforts on those months following the fire, Telephone Service was restored to lower Manhattan at the loss of their health and for many their lives. The time has come to honor their service. Perhaps the Fire Dept. of NY says it the best……ALL GAVE SOME….SOME GAVE ALL!
Pete Marchese, Director of Operations
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