Engine 55

This ornate firehouse in Little Italy dates to 1899 and has been one of New York’s busiest stations since then. The building was designed by prominent architect R.H. Robertson, his only commission for the NYC Fire Department and one of the first firehouses completed following the consolidation of Greater New York. This structure was among several civic improvements planned for the Little Italy neighborhood at that time.

The red brick & limestone facade reflects both the “Romanesque Revival” and “Beaux-Arts” styles. The original “Engine 55” monument and beautiful wrought-iron scroll-work are prominent over the bay doors.

Engine 55 was home to Wesley Williams. When he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1927, Williams became the first African American supervisor in the FDNY. By the time he retired in 1952, he was a Battalion Chief and the highest-ranking African American fireman in the country.

Steve Buscemi also served with Engine 55 from 1980-1984 (he got seriously into acting in 1985) but has remained involved with the FDNY ever since. After 9/11, he volunteered to return to the force to help sift through the rubble at Ground Zero. Engine 55 lost five heroes that day; you’ll find plaques honoring their sacrifice outside the station.

In 2003, Buscemi spoke on behalf of the firefighters union and was arrested protesting the closure of several of the city’s firehouses. He marched again in 2011. In 2014, he was made Honorary Battalion Chief. That same year, he narrated the HBO documentary “A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY.”