Gettin' Salty Experience Firefighter Podcast

GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.269: FDNY | CRAIG MONAHAN

·1 hr 48 min·5 clips

Craig Monaghan explains the transit police's 'wood shampoo' tactic: hitting suspects in the temple to 'ring the bell' without leaving a mark.

The episode features an interview with retired FDNY firefighter Craig Monaghan. Hosts Lou Rufrano and Kevin Kubler, both former FDNY firefighters, guide the conversation. Monaghan begins by talking about his upbringing in Staten Island as the youngest of seven children, with a father who worked for the ferries and was a Navy captain. He explains how an incident breaking up a robbery at the Tottenville train station as a teenager introduced him to transit authority and sparked an interest in law enforcement. Monaghan details his career as a transit police officer, starting in 1987, and describes the culture and tactics of the era, including using axe handles and specific physical techniques. He shares the story of a major collar in January 1992, where he and other officers arrested 23 suspects involved in a 'wolf pack' robbery at the World Trade Center. Monaghan then discusses his move to the FDNY, entering the probie school in July 1993. He was assigned to Ladder 5 under Captain John Drennan, whom he knew from his neighborhood. The interview focuses heavily on the Watts Street fire on October 26, 1994. Monaghan explains he was moments away from switching from Ladder 5 to Ladder 8 for a detail when the alarm came in. He ended up on the roof of the fire building, where he opened the scuttle as flames were licking out. He describes the operation, hearing the mayday, and the subsequent deaths of firefighters James Young, Christopher Siedenburg, and Louis Arena. Monaghan talks about the guilt he felt, the official debriefing, and the long-term impact on the firehouse. The conversation shifts to the September 11 attacks, where Monaghan describes responding, searching for victims, and the recovery of Ladder 5 members. He mentions a personal pickup truck he used that day, which became a symbolic 'war wagon.' Throughout, the hosts and guest engage in casual, humorous banter typical of the show's style, interspersed with serious reflections on loss and fire service culture.

As heard by us

Craig's Ladder Five story finds its strength in mentorship, crew culture, and the bonds that make hard work livable.

Craig's move into Ladder Five plays as a small, clear study of how a workplace can shape a life. He remembers getting there with help from a captain he saw as family, then finding a house defined by guidance, camaraderie, and enough fun to sit beside the harder realities of…

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a Ladder Five story where Uncle John's push, heavy memories, and station banter share the same room.

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