“The Green Berets” Engine 60, Tower Ladder 17, and the 14th Battalion of the FDNY. Representing the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx 6th Division.

HISTORY

On St. Patrick’s Day in 1970, members of Engine 60, Ladder 17, and the 14th Battalion donned green berets hand-knitted by Mrs. Julia Browne, mother-in-law of Willie Cottrell (L-17). Although the members were not allowed to wear the berets during the parade that year, they donned them afterward and distinguished themselves as men from this historic firehouse. In 1974, the platoon entered the parade as a maverick unit and marched up 5th Avenue wearing green. Emerald Society President Tommy Doyle cited the unit as “…One of the man reasons that our Society was awarded the Irish World Trophy for the best Civil Service Marching unit in this year St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” in 1975, acting Fire Commissioner Stephen J. Murphy gave permission for a Green Beret Platoon, and the Green Berets made their first official appearance. On March 17th, 1977 the Green Beret Banner, designed by Ed McLoughlin (L17) made its first appearance, carried proudly by Jim Browne (E60), Marty Lacey (E60), and Tom Mahoney (E60). Department order Suppl. #36A, 3/10/78 by order of Commissioner Augustus A Beekman officially positioned the “Green Beret unit” in line of march directly behind the bagpipe band and Emerald Executive board.