F.D.N.Y. vs. N.Y.F.D.

[T2T III]

After watching the rescue efforts on TV, the backs of the jackets of the firefighters have F.D.N.Y. on them. My question is why do they have it displayed this way as opposed to N.Y.F.D. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[UberNeuman]

To stand out: N.Y.P.D and N.Y.F.D look too much alike...

 

[guyver01]

Check out this page, part of the official FDNY page

FDNY history

On April 5th 1870, the "Tweed Charter" was passed in Albany. The Tweed Charter abolished all state control over New York City. Among other provisions, it wiped out the Metropolitan Fire District, established a new Boardof Fire Commissioners and the Metropolitan Fire Department became the "Fire Department ofthe City of New York". This act, indirectly, was responsible for the "F.D.N.Y." logo on apparatus instead of "N.Y.F.D.". Most departments place the city or town initials prior to "F.D." but as a direct carry over of the provision to create the "Fire Department of the City of New York", "F.D." was placed before "N.Y." on the apparatus, a tradition which lasts today.

On May 21st 1870, the new Board of Fire Commissioners ordered the removal of "MFD" from all apparatus to be replaced by "F.D.N.Y."..

 

[T2T III]

Great stuff! Thanks!