The officers and firefighters of Ladder 39 threw a grand centennial celebration on April 24 at their quarters in the Bronx.

“In the last 100 years, firefighters have learned new skills and started using new technology,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “But it’s what all of you bring to this job that makes this Department what it is.”

During the ceremony, the members honored Lt. Edmund McNulty, a member of Ladder 39, who died in 1968 from injuries he suffered while fighting an all-hands fire in a freight car at the New York Central Railroad Yard in 1959. Members of his family were on hand as members of the company unveiled a plaque in his honor.

“Forty-one years ago we told them we’d be there for them - and we still are,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.

The company has received numerous citations for bravery over the last 100

years, and in June, Firefighter Michael Tompkins from Ladder 39 will receive an FDNY Medal for a daring fire rescue of a father and a baby in April 2008.

“For the past 100 years, our members have served this city with great pride, and when the bells sound, we step up and take care of the job,” said Capt. Kevin Michaels.

Two current firefighters from Ladder 39 are members of the military. Firefighter Jeff Daniels recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force and Firefighter Marques Martins is currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

“I knew I wanted to be a firefighter from age 12 - when I saw my father working at Engine 54,” said retired Firefighter Jerry Caterino, who served at Ladder 39 for 10 years. “The Fire Department is in me, it’s the greatest job on the face of the earth.”