Most people walk past old buildings all the time, especially old firehouses, not realizing the rich history inside. These places have a story to tell. Take FDNY Squad 252 on Central Ave in Bushwick for instance. The next time you happen by, stop and look up. The original façade built in 1896 tells a story. And if you’re nice enough (and there’s not a fire to put out), Tony Tricarico, the charismatic Captain, might just tell you where they kept the horses in the 1800s, or show you how the original alarm system worked (it’s still there!), or even what the neighborhood was like when he was a kid.

In 1995, the Landmarks Preservation Commission deemed this building to be among the most distinguished firehouse in all of New York City and the remarkable men that serve there now are no different. Today the house remains much the same as it did over 100 years ago. (www.squad252.com)

This segment is from Brooklyn Independent Television’s Neighborhood Beat series. Neighborhood Beat is on every Monday – Friday at 12:30 pm and 8:30pm on Time Warner 56, Cablevision 69, RCN 84 and in all five boroughs on Verizon 44. You can also watch this and more videos on demand at www.bricartsmedia.org/bit.