Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series

Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $15.00 for non-members

Fireboats are specialized watercraft designed for firefighting on shorelines and shipboard fires. With over 500 miles of shoreline, the fireboats of the FDNY have protected New York City for the last century and a half. In Fireboats of the FDNY, author and photographer David Rocco uses historic images to showcase their fascinating evolution from wooden-hull tugboats to modern-day specialized watercraft. Q&A and book signing will follow the presentation.

About the author:

David A. Rocco has been involved as a volunteer for many cultural and environmental initiatives in the Hudson Valley and NYC. He played a seminal role in the successful development and eventual success of the Walkway Over the Hudson project. He served in a number of roles in other projects such the Mt. Beacon Fire Tower Restoration Project, the Beacon Sloop Club, Bannerman Castle Trust, Friends of FDR State Park, Friends of the Mt. Beacon Eight, the Yorktown Community Dog Park. In 2023 David wrote a successful application that placed the retired FDNY Fireboat John D. McKean on the State and National Register of Historic Places. He is presently the Vice President on the Board of Directors for the historic Fireboat McKean Preservation Project. 

View David Rocco’s photographs at the Croton River Artisans Gallery from September 2–30, 2026. Get more information here.

Purchase tickets below or call 718-352-1548.

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