Firefighter James V. Galanaugh, FDNY Engine 18, and eleven fellow firefighters died in a collapse during a fire on East 23rd Street on October 17, 1966.
Firefighter James V. Galanaugh, FDNY Engine 18, and eleven fellow firefighters died in a collapse during a fire on East 23rd Street on October 17, 1966.
James Galanaugh, Jimmy, was the sweetest, most lovely person. I was a foster child in his aunt’s home. He gave me so much attention even though I was just some foster kid. He (tried) to teach me to play guitar and accordion. He was an amateur musician. He was there to help with anything my foster mother needed. As a result, she loved him as if he were her own son. He was a carpenter, too. He built, from scratch, a “little house” for me, painted it, and had “tea” inside with me! He was a person whom everyone loved. For all his many talents, he was so humble. I think of him often and feel such gratitude to him.
– Mary M O'Connell