Tools and Uniforms

The evolution of New York City firefighters' gear over 30 years is displayed using mannequins on our first floor. These mannequins are dressed with the protective outer garments and breathing apparatus used by firefighters in the 1970's, 80's and 90's. All three represent members of truck companies, and are surrounded by some of the forcible entry tools and rescue equipment they would use on the job, including the versatile Halligan tool. Dramatic differences can be seen in the transition from the turnout coat of the 1970's to the bunker gear of today, while the basic form of the firefighter's helmet has remained relatively unchanged. This exhibit allows visitors to compare firefighting today to what it was like a century or more ago.

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The helmet worn by this firefighter is a Cairns N5A New Yorker and has a wooden chock and disposable flashlight strapped around the outside. The firefighter is also wearing a Scott Air-Pak, a type of self-contained breathing apparatus.
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Tools and equipment used in the fire service for forcible entry and rescue efforts.
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Axe

Typically carried by the "irons firefighter" in the ladder company, this tool is used to break open doors.
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Roof Saw

This gasoline powered roof saw has a carbide tipped saw blade that can cut through roof materials to vent smoke and heat.
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Stokes Basket

A basket type stretcher with backboard support used in rescue operations.
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Hurst Tool

Widely known as the "jaws of life," this hydraulic powered tool is used to assist firefighters in rescuing people from cars, machinery, elevators, and other metal structures.
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Draeger Smoke Helmet

Used first by rescue companies, these breathing masks allowed firefighters to enter situations in which breathing was difficult, such as ammonia leaks and dense smoke.

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OUR PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS

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Our Permanent Exhibitions

One of the most interesting stories, not told elsewhere in the City, is that of the early days of fire fighting in New York. The museum is privileged to house much of the City's collection of historic firefighting artifacts, memorabilia and equipment dating from as early as the 1650s. Together our collection of documents, firefighting apparatus, fire marks, buckets, trumpets, helmets, rattles, lanterns, uniforms and other artifacts tell a powerful story of early New York, the challenges faced by our ancestors and their ingenuity and skill in preventing and controlling fires in a setting and conditions difficult to imagine today.

Firefighting on Parade

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ROMANCE OF FIREFIGHTING

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FIRE APPARATUS

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