Members of the FDNY will join Saturday for a memorial service commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Walbaum’s fire, which occurred on August 2, 1978.

Six firefighters died when the roof of a burning Brooklyn supermarket collapsed, plunging 12 firefighters into the flames. The fire began in a hallway near the compressor room as crews were renovating the store, and quickly escalated to a fourth-alarm. Less than an hour after the fire was first reported, nearly 20 firefighters were on the roof when the central portion gave way. Thirty-four firefighters, one emergency medical technician and one Emergency Services police officer were injured in the fire and the tragedy is remembered as one of the worst disasters in the New York City Fire Department’s 143-year history.

The FDNY members killed in the Walbaum’s fire included Lt. James E. Cutillo, Battalion 33; Firefighter Charles S. Bouton, Ladder Company 156; Firefighter Harold F. Hastings, Battalion 42; Firefighter James P. McManus, Ladder Company 153; Firefighter William O’Connor, Ladder Company 156; and Firefighter George S. Rice, Ladder Company 153.

WHO: FDNY members and their families

WHAT: Memorial service for the 30th anniversary of the Walbaum’s fire

WHERE: St. Brendan’s Church, 1202 Avenue O, Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Saturday, August 2, 2008
9:45 a.m. - Procession from E-276/L-156 to the Church
10:30 a.m. - Mass St. Brendan’s Church