Today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic Sefu Soap & Fat Company Fire that took the lives of six FDNY firefighters:
- Captain William Russell; Engine 325
- Firefighter James Marino; Engine 325
- Firefighter Richard Andrews; Engine 325
- Firefighter George Zahn; Engine 238
- Firefighter Richard Gifford; Engine 238
- Firefighter Francis Egan; Ladder 115
On Oct. 26, 1962, FDNY firefighters responded to a blaze at the Sefu Soap & Fat Company, located on 56th Road in Queens. First-arriving firefighters faced huge flames, thick smoke and intense heat at the two-story building. Tragedy struck when a side wall and part of the second floor gave way, trapping 20 firefighters on the first floor. Fourteen were saved but six were buried under considerable debris and perished at the scene.
The site of the tragedy is now home to VIP Auto Body. After learning a year ago about the details of the site’s tragic past, General Manager Mark Eberle and shop owner Peter Keane decided to mark the 50-year anniversary by holding a ceremony and putting up a plaque to honor the fallen firefighters. The ceremony will be held at VIP Auto body on Oct. 26.
