In the early 1800s, firefighting in New York City was a man’s world. But during the winter of 1818, as influenza swept through the city, one woman stepped forward when others could not. Her name was Molly Williams—and she became the first known female firefighter in American history.

In this episode of Beyond The Nozzle, we share the inspiring story of Molly Williams:

❄️ The Winter of 1818

• A flu epidemic leaves volunteer fire companies short-handed.

• Molly hauls the ropes of Engine 11 through snow and ice to a burning building.

🔥 Breaking Barriers

• Fighting fires alongside the men of Oceanus Engine Company Number 11.

• Earning the nickname “Volunteer No. 11.”

👩🏽‍🚒 Legacy of Courage

• An enslaved woman who became a firefighter in an era stacked against her.

• How her story paved the way for women in today’s fire service.

Molly Williams showed that courage knows no boundaries of gender or race. More than two centuries later, her story still inspires firefighters and leaders everywhere.

🎙️ Beyond The Nozzle is produced by Social FD, honoring the stories of fire service history, heroes, and the lessons that endure.

Until tomorrow, on Beyond The Nozzle… stay safe, stay engaged, and remember: a simple post can save a life.

👉 Learn more: socialfd.org | beyondthenozzle.com

He didn’t fight fire with water or tools, but with presence, compassion, and faith. Father Mychal Judge, chaplain of the FDNY, was beloved by firefighters across New York City. On September 11, 2001, he rushed into the North Tower to pray, comfort, and serve—and became the first officially recorded casualty of 9/11.

In this Beyond The Nozzle storytelling episode, we recount:

👶 Early Life

• Growing up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression.

• Shining shoes as a boy, joining the Franciscan friars, and being ordained in 1961.

❤️ A Ministry of Presence

• Serving the homeless, AIDS patients, and people in recovery.

• Becoming FDNY chaplain in 1992 and riding along with firefighters on calls.

🔥 September 11, 2001

• Father Mychal rushing to the World Trade Center.

• Praying with the injured, giving last rites in the North Tower lobby.

• His death at 68 years old—the first recorded casualty of 9/11.

📸 The Legacy

• The iconic photo of firefighters carrying him from Ground Zero.

• His funeral, attended by thousands, and the enduring love of the FDNY.

• His words: “Do what God has called you to do, and do it with all your heart.”

Father Mychal Judge showed us that heroism takes many forms. His story continues to inspire firefighters, chaplains, and all who serve others with love and courage.

🎙️ Beyond The Nozzle is produced by Social FD, honoring the history, heroes, and lessons of the fire service.

Until tomorrow, on Beyond The Nozzle… stay safe, stay engaged, and remember: a simple post can save a life.

👉 Learn more: socialfd.org | beyondthenozzle.com

It hangs on walls, sits in kitchens, and rides on airplanes—quiet, unnoticed, until the moment it saves a life. The fire extinguisher is one of the most universal firefighting tools in the world. But where did it come from, and how did it become so effective?

In this episode of Beyond The Nozzle, we explore:

🧪 The Origins

• Ambrose Godfrey’s 1723 patent for a gunpowder-powered fire extinguisher.

• Captain George William Manby’s copper cylinder design in 1818.

🔥 The Evolution

• From soda-acid extinguishers to carbon tetrachloride, dry chemical, and beyond.

• How codes and standards brought extinguishers into every home, school, and workplace.

🚇 A Famous Case

• The 1987 King’s Cross Underground fire in London—where an extinguisher was used, but too late.

• What it taught us about the speed and limits of fire suppression.

🏠 Today’s Fire Extinguishers

• The five main classes: A, B, C, D, and K.

• The simple, lifesaving PASS technique.

The fire extinguisher isn’t glamorous. But it’s one of the most effective tools ever invented to stop small fires from becoming deadly ones.

🎙️ Beyond The Nozzle is produced by Social FD, bringing you stories of fire service history, invention, and courage.

Until tomorrow, on Beyond The Nozzle… stay safe, stay engaged, and remember: a simple post can save a life.

👉 Learn more: socialfd.org | beyondthenozzle.com