From the Vault:
A member of Rescue 1 drilling with a Lyle Gun in 1940. This rope rifle was used to shoot a small line to a distant point, (roof of a building etc.) attached to the cord was a thicker rope. That rope could be used for rescue purposes or to haul equipment. In 1915 the rope rifle also became one of the insignia of the newly formed rescue company. Traditionally the engine officer wore a badge with silver trumpets, the ladder companies wore silver axes, and now the rescue wore a rope rifle, a smoke helmet and a coil of rope. The captains had two rifles, trumpets or axes. Paul Hashagen FDNY Author
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