March 28, 1969 was a day marked by two notable events. President Eisenhower died, and I graduated from the dispatchers training school on Welfare Island.

My first tour of duty was scheduled for 4 p.m. the next day at the Brooklyn Communications Office on Empire Boulevard.

Upon my arrival at the Brooklyn C.O. organized chaos prevailed: Lights flashing and buzzers buzzing, indicating fire alarm boxes being pulled all over Brooklyn, numerous phones ringing indicating citizens calling in alarms of fire. A typical Friday during the "War Years".

I was astounded - this was not like training school. My astonishment was interrupted by the tour chief bellowing: "what are you waiting for, grab a pencil and answer some phones".

What follows is my best recollection of the first of many alarms that I received during my twenty-six years:

me: fire department, what's the address of the fire?
caller: Legion Street, Legion Street between Pitkin and Sutter! (A block that was known to have many fires)
me: (aware of a current fire already on the block) Madam, the Fire Department is already there!
caller: No, that one is closer to Sutter, this one is close to Pitkin!
me: (after obtaining all the new information) Madam, the Fire Department is on the way.
caller: (very agitated) If it wasn't for us folk on Legion Street, you men would be out of a job! (Stan Ferber)

Now it's your turn. If you have a story that you'd like to submit, or have an idea for a story please let us know. Send it to: fdnytales@Fire-Police-EMS.com

Thanks, Ira Hoffman