Our condolences to the Reilly family, the Carpluk family, and the New York City Fire Department. FireFighter Michael Reilly, 25, and Lieutenant Howard Carpluk, 43, died from their injuries after a collapse at a structure fire on August 27, 2006. Five firefighters were trapped and pulled from the rubble at the three alarm structure fire at a 99 cent store in the Eden section of New York City. Three firefighters were rescued within minutes, but Michael and Howard were trapped for more than an hour.

     Michael Reilly joined the Ramsey Rescue Squad of Ramsey, New Jersey at the age of 16. After high school he joined the marines and served a tour in Iraq as an air rescue firefighter. Upon his return he continued his career with the Stratford Fire Department of Connecticut. Eventually, Mike realized his dream of joining the FDNY. Appointed as squad leader in the fire academy, he was given his choice of assignment. He chose Engine 75, the busiest company in the city. Our brother Michael is survived by his mother Carol. A wake for Michael was held on Wednesday and Thursday August 30 and 31, 2006 2-5PM and 7-9PM at Van Emburgh Sneider Funeral Home in Ramsey, New Jersey. A funeral for Michael was held on Friday September 1, 2006 10:30AM at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Ramsey. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to:

Michael Reilly Memorial Fund Attn: Commissar 2175 Walton Avenue Bronx, NY 10453

Michael Reilly memorial T-shirts can also be ordered at the Animal House FDNY website.

     Howard Carpluk was a 20 year veteran of the FDNY. He was awarded two citations for bravery, including one for a heroic rescue on March 30, 1988, when he retrieved two unconscious men from a blazing Bronx apartment. He began his career at Ladder Company 31 in the Bronx and was promoted to Lieutenant on February 6, 1999. Our brother Howard leaves behind his wife Debra, his daughter Paige (10), and his son Bradley (14). A wake for Howard was held on Thursday and Friday August 31 and September 1, 2006 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Chappy's Funeral Home in East Islip, Long Island. A funeral for Howard was held on Saturday September 2, 006 11AM at Saint Mark's Church in Islip, Long Island. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to:

Howard Carpluk Memorial Fund P.O. Box 1124 Morris Heights Station Bronx, NY 10453

Howard Carpluk memorial T-shirts can also be ordered at the Engine 42 FDNY website.