This site has served as a comprehensive, independent reference for the New York City Fire Department since 1994 — covering company histories, apparatus, line of duty deaths going back to 1865, and the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting this city.
Built by a firefighter, for firefighters — and kept alive in his memory.
Online since 1994 — Before NYC had an official siteDon Van Holt created this website in 1994 out of a firefighter’s deep love for the department and its history. Long before the City of New York had an official FDNY web presence, Don was building this archive — documenting every company, every borough, every member lost in the line of duty. He maintained it with care and dedication for over two decades. This site continues in his honor.
On September 11, 2001, the FDNY lost 343 members in the single greatest loss of life of any emergency response agency in history. These were fathers, sons, brothers, and friends who ran toward danger without hesitation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Since 1865, we have never abandoned our dead.”
Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn, FDNY (Ret.), is one of the foremost authorities on firefighting tactics, building construction, and fire behavior. His research into building collapses and high-rise fires has educated thousands of firefighters across the country. His training materials, seminars, and newsletters have been featured on this site for over two decades.