Description
We’re Loading Up the Box
A Pictorial Collection of Firefighting in New York City
by Matt Daly
Matt Daly’s passion for and knowledge of firefighting was developed early on by his frequent visits to his neighborhood firehouse, Engine Co. 48 on Webster Avenue in “Da Bronx”. Over a 40-year period as Bronx neighborhoods deteriorated and the frequency of fires increased, so did Matt’s dedication to the New York City Fire Department. Through his constant monitoring of his fire radio, Matt would listen for the dispatcher to announce, We’re Loading Up The Box! This served as Matt’s cue to grab his cameras and respond to the fire location. His vigilance afforded him the opportunity to become an eyewitness to hundreds of fires and lifesaving events.
Matt’s unique ability to anticipate and photograph the action as it unfolded, and the firefighters involved have been acknowledged in numerous publications.
Now, finally, a collection of Matt’s finest photos, both black and white and color have been assembled in this hard cover book.
Vincent Dunn
Deputy Chief (Retired)
New York City Fire Department
About the Photographer
In 1977 Matt’s passion for fire photography began and in 1981 he was named the Official Photographer for the New York City Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. Matt became the recipient of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Award for Excellent Fire Photography in 1987.
For more than 30 years Matt’s fireground action photos have appeared in numerous flyers, advertisements, and publications. These include the NY Daily News, NY Post, Newsday, New York City Fire Department Annual Reports, Medal Day Books and Arson Strike Force Annual Reports. Matt’s photos have graced countless covers of WNYF, FIREHOUSE, FIRE ENGINEERING and FIRE RESCUE magazines.
His photos have also appeared in many books including IFSTA Structural Firefighting: High Rise Fire Fighting 2nd edition, the Firefighters Battle Space book series, Tower Ladders: Tactics, Tips and Tales and Braving the Flames to name a few.
In appreciation for his dedication to the Department, Matt was sworn in as a New York City Fire Department Honorary Deputy Chief in 1986. He is a member of the Honorary Fire Officers Association, Fire Bell Club of New York and is a Board member for the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.
Scheduled for release spring/summer of 2025.
