The roar of sirens. The flashing lights. That’s FDNY Rescue 1. Right here in Hell’s Kitchen.
FDNY Rescue Company 1 also known as Rescue 1 is one of five elite rescue companies. It’s a special operations unit. They respond to emergencies demanding specialized skills and equipment. Established March 8 1915 Rescue 1 has a long and storied history.
Their original firehouse was destroyed in 1985. A warehouse fire collapsed onto it. The firefighters were out on a call. They lost their home but not their spirit. The current firehouse was built in 1989. The original distinctive door was saved and moved to the back of the new building. A testament to their resilience.
Rescue 1’s role in the September 11th attacks is particularly poignant. They responded to the North Tower. Nearly half their company perished that day. They were among the first units entering the stairwell. A heartbreaking chapter in their history. A testament to their bravery.
Captain Terence S Hatton was lost on 9/11. He designed the rescue trucks that bear his motto Outstanding. The subsequent Pierce rig also carries the inscription with TH added next to the motto. A fitting tribute to a fallen hero. His nickname Captain Man-Hatton reflected his detailed knowledge of Manhattan’s buildings. In 2005 the section of West 43rd Street where the firehouse is located was renamed Terence S Hatton Way. A lasting legacy.
Rescue 1 celebrated their centennial in 2015. A century of service. A century of saving lives. A century of bravery in the face of unimaginable challenges. Their motto Outstanding is more than just words. It’s a promise. A commitment. A reflection of the dedication and courage of the men and women of FDNY Rescue 1.