Author Talk with David Rocco: Fireboats of the FDNY

For the last century and a half, FDNY fireboats have played a vital role in protecting New York City’s waterfront. On Thursday, October 8, the Bayside Historical Society welcomes author and photographer David Rocco for an illustrated presentation exploring the history and evolution of these remarkable vessels.

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, New York City has long relied on specialized fireboats to respond to fires along the waterfront and aboard ships. Using historic photographs and images, Rocco will trace their development from the early wooden-hull tugboats to the highly specialized vessels that serve the city today.

Rocco has been involved in numerous historic preservation and cultural projects throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City. In 2023, he prepared the successful nomination that placed the retired FDNY fireboat John D. McKean on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. He currently serves as Vice President of the Fireboat McKean Preservation Project.

The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.

Admission is $10 for BHS members and $15 for non-members. Purchase tickets on the BHS website: baysidehistorical.org/events-1/author-talk-with-david-rocco-fireboats-of-the-fdny.

This event is part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series.