23 Heroes Video Tribute (Featuring the dedication of the Harbor Launch in their honor (over 29,000 views))
Launch Repair Reunion Party Feb 2012 |
Crew of the Hart Island Boat in the 1950s (Courtesy of Gerald H. Porteus (back row, center)) Gerald H. Porteus passed to heaven on January 24, 2012 at the age of 91 years old. He served in the US Navy on a Sub-Chaser during World War II. After the war, he became a member of the NYPD, serving most of his 28 years in the elite Emergency Service and Harbor Units. During his service in the NYPD, he was involved in hundreds of on-water rescues (including several airline crashes) in the waters of NYC. He was also assigned to the security detail for President John F. Kennedy's visit, and the 1st visit of the Beatles to NYC. He was also featured in the centerfold of Life Magazine in 1965 for the arrest of a bank robber who attempted to flee by boat. Gerald's son, Greg, recovered Harbor Launch No 5 from the bottom of the Passaic River and restored her to service as a working vessel. That project was a large part of the inspiration for this website. |
Also be sure to check out:
R.E.M.A (Retired Emergency Man's Association)
POLICE NY (lots of great historical photos)
New York's Finest Baseball Club
Nautical History from Dept. of Corrections
Secrets of the Deep (What Lies Beneath NY Harbor)
Tributes to the 23 Heroes from September 11, 2001
Please email info@bentwheelclub.org to offer ideas or content.
NOTICE/DISCLAIMER: The content of these web pages is unofficial and not authority for action. Views and opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the New York City Police Department or its Harbor Unit.
Send mail to
info@bentwheelclub.org with questions or comments about this site.
Web site by BS
artist.
Copyright © 2002-2010
Bent Wheel Club. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 24, 2010