User:JeffWestGB/FDNY Ladder 8

FDNY Ladder 8 is a company of the New York City Fire Department, based in downtown Manhattan.

History, Equipment & Location
Ladder 8 was originally established in 1865, based in nearby Franklin Street.

Currently, it operates a Seagrave ladder appliance from its present-day base at 14 North Moore Street, at the intersection with Varick Street, in the neighbourhood of TriBeCa.

Firehouse & Appearance in Film
The home of Ladder 8 is a three-storey firehouse of beaux-art style stone and brickwork construction.

It is most notable for its appearance in the two Ghostbusters films of 1984 and 1989, as the setting of the headquarters of the team of paranormal investigators after which the films are entitled. It thus often attracts fans of the films, which have gained somewhat of a cult following.

Other films in which it has also appeared include the Will Smith rom com Hitch (2005).

Possible Closure
It was announced in May 2011 that Ladder 8 was one of 20 stations in the City of New York to be closed as part of cost saving measures.

As well as online support from Ghostbusters fans, a rally was held by residents of the local neighbourhood (amongst others) outside the station in June 2011, further to which it was reported that the city authorities had reversed their decision.

September 11, 2001
Upon the September 11 attacks of 2001, Ladder 8 was one of the first crews to attend the scene at the World Trade Center. During their efforts, the company suffered the loss of both Lieutenant Vincent Halloran and its appliance.