What is the history of FDNY Engine 79 in the Bronx?

Answer 1

I can't help you with E. 79, but I can help you with E.48, on Webster and 187. Their original quarters were on Webster Av, S/W of Fordham Rd. in 1897, the single bay, three story, wood frame firehouse was, "rebuilt", because the street level of Webster Av was raised. The old firehouse housed E.48, and the Deputy Chief, 7th Division. As a kid in the early 60's, I remember playing in the basement of 48. You could clearly see the outline of the apparatus door from pre 1897, and the stalls for the horses. E.48 had its share of tradgedy. Members of the company were lost when a theatre marquis collapsed on them, and when they collided with Rescue 3 en-route to a alarm. In 1965 they lost Fr. 1st.Grade, Edward F. Snediker, while operating at a gas explosion at Fordham Fd. and Valentine Av. During the 60's and 70's E.48 proved to be one of the most capable Engine Companies in the Bronx. In the 70's E.48 moved 2 blo0cks South to its new quarters with Ladder 56. The old house was used by the model cities youth program program, as a Fire Salvage Company. When the funding dried up, the old firehouse stood vacant for many years. A few years ago, it collapsed. The corner stone was removed my members of 48 & 56 and rests at their present firehouse. The loss of that old firehouse will never erase the many fond memories I have of the bldg, and the heroes that worked there.