Brian Hickey, then a Firefighter at Rescue 4 and one of the filmmakers, went on to be the Captain of Rescue Company 4 and made the Supreme Sacrifice in the Discharge of His Duty at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Tragically, Ray predeceased Brian of cancer in 1993.
The more prominently featured fire companies include Engine Co. 88 and Ladder Co. 38 in The Bronx and Engine Co. 292 and Rescue Co. 4 in Queens. Firefighter Brian Hickey served at Ladder 38 (which shares quarters with Engine 88) and at Rescue 4 (which shares quarters with Engine 292.)
This film features the 125th Anniversary Celebration of FDNY in May 1990. FDNY was organized as a paid professional fire department near the end of the Civil War in 1865.
This film also features the FDNY Medal Day held in June of 1990. Among others, Lt. Gerry Murtha of Rescue 3 and Firefighter Michael Milner of Rescue 4 are featured for their efforts to rescue a woman from a plane crash at LaGuardia Airport, as is Firefighter William Quick of Rescue 4 for his efforts to rescue a trapped construction worker.