Our fallen hero

On Saturday, May 3, 1986, Engine 34 responded to the 4th alarm of a fire at 56^th Street & Paschall Avenues. Engine 27 was assigned to cover Engine 34.

Upon arrival at Engine 34’s station, they noticed what appeared to be steam coming from the rear of the station. Before they could investigate, they were sent on an alarm. The alarm was handled by Engine 45, so Engine 27 returned to Engine 34’s station. As Engine 27 backed in, they observed steam in the back of the station.

Firefighter Friel had previously been stationed at Engine 34 and was familiar with the problem with the heater. He volunteered to go check the heater. Firefighter Friel went to the basement followed by Firefighter Dennis Dougherty and Captain Harris.

At about 10:45, shortly after entering the basement, there was an explosion that rocked the station. Firefighter Friel was killed instantly, Firefighter Dougherty and Captain Harris were critically injured. Firefighter Weber, who was upstairs, was also injured, grabbed the radio, reported the explosion, and requested help.