If you have always wanted to check out the inside of a firehouse, here's your chance, as the FDNY is holding the first open house in its history to mark its 150th birthday. NY1's Roger Clark filed the following report.
Engine Company 21 is one of the city's first fire companies. It holds a special place in the heart of Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, who started his career there in 1969.
"We consider it our second home," Nigro says.
On Saturday, the FDNY welcomes the public in to celebrate 150 years bravely serving New Yorkers. More than 230 firehouses and EMS stations across the city will opening their doors.
"Allow everyone to come in, see what we do, meet the firefighters," Nigro says.
It has certainly changed over the years since the FDNY started in 1865 as the Metropolitan Fire Department. For a century and a half, members have responded to the call, saving lives and property while risking their own making against-the-odds rescues.
That included the massive effort at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, resulting in the loss of 343 members. Visitors will be able to see tributes to those who were lost.
"It was the most memorable day, the saddest day of my career," Nigro says. "But it was the greatest rescue in the history of New York, where 25,000 people were brought out of those towers."
Visitors to the open houses can check out the vehicles and equipment and pick up some of the tens of thousands of items that will be given away. And if they're lucky, they can see a firefighter slide down a pole.
The department has posted an interactive map on the its website, making it easy for New Yorkers to find the nearest open house, stop by and join the celebration.
"I think certainly, we want to be more transparent, more open to the public, and be part of every neighborhood that we serve," Nigro says.
To find out more about being part of the open house, head to nyc.gov/fdny.