COP'S SON, FALSE ALARM CULPRIT

While doing my usual NFD research, I came across an ironically humorous article regarding a couple of false alarms that occurred on May 13, 1904. Here are the details:

At about 02:00 hours, Box 8 was pulled in front of Engine 8’s quarters at Ferry and Fillmore Streets. The members of Engine 8 hurriedly stumbled from their beds and responded to the call, ready to do battle. Instead, they found the alarm to be false. Further investigation of the alarm revealed that a young man was seen around the front of the firehouse at the time of the alarm.

Patrolman Hugh Fitzsimmons, of the Third Precinct, was notified and immediately got the suspect in his sights. He quietly tailed the alleged culprit, and at Market Street and Bowery Street (now Fleming Avenue), watched as the young man suddenly turned in an alarm from Box 529. Fitzsimmons quickly arrested the man after an investigation revealed there was no fire.

When questioned, the man identified himself as Matthew J. Fitzsimmons, 20, the son of Patrolman Peter J. Fitzsimmons, also of the Third Precinct. Neither the suspect, nor his father, was related to the arresting officer.

Later that morning, the young Fitzsimmons appeared before Judge Kuhn at the Third Precinct Police Court, and was remanded in custody when be couldn’t afford the $200 bail.