Syracuse honoured 45 fallen firefighters
Thank you for choosing Automatic Translation. Currently we are offering translations from English into French and German, with more translation languages to be added in the near future. Please be aware that these translations are generated by a third party AI software service. While we have found that the translations are mostly correct, they may not be perfect in every case. To ensure the information you read is correct, please refer to the original article in English. If you find an error in a translation which you would like to bring to our attention, it would help us greatly if you let us know. We can correct any text or section, once we are aware of it. Please do not hesitate to contact our webmaster to let us know of any translation errors.
The Syracuse Fire Department recently honoured the 86th anniversary of the Collins Block Fire, which remains the deadliest incident in the department's history.
On February 3, 1939, a fire broke out in the Collins Block on East Genesee Street between the State Tower and Courier Buildings in Syracuse, New York. The flames had been brought under control when part of the building suddenly collapsed, trapping several firefighters under the rubble. Nine firefighters tragically lost their lives as a result.
This year's ceremony, held at Firefighters Memorial Park in Syracuse, included the reading of the names of all 45 firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The event also marked the swearing-in of 28 new recruits, who will carry forward the tradition of service and bravery.
- Historical Context: The Collins Block Fire was one of the most devastating incidents in Syracuse Fire Department history, with the building collapse trapping several firefighters under the rubble.
- Annual Memorial: Every year, the Syracuse Fire Department holds a memorial ceremony to honor the fallen firefighters, with the names of the deceased read aloud and a bell tolled for each name.
- New Recruits: This year, the ceremony also included the swearing-in of 28 new recruits, who will carry forward the tradition of service and bravery.
- Community Impact: The memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by firefighters and the ongoing commitment to protecting the community.
Photo Caption: The Syracuse Fire Department, elected officials, and community members gathered to mark the 86th anniversary of the Collins Block fire in the Firefighter Memorial Park, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
More information:
Fire Engineering: Syracuse (NY) Firefighters Hold Ceremony for Nine Members Killed in Collins Block Fire MSN: Honoring the Fallen: Syracuse Fire Department Holds 86th Collins Block Memorial
City of Syracuse: Collins Block Memorial Onondaga Historical Association:
Today in History: The Collins Block Fire