FDNY Firefighter's Trumpet for Funerals, Memorial Stolen from Car

Nov. 18, 2024
Capt. Anthony Holz said the trumpet he plays at memorial services and FDNY events was stolen while he was on-duty.

A trumpet that an FDNY firefighter uses with the department's ceremonial unit was stolen from a car outside a Bronx firehouse.

While Capt. Anthony Holz worked at Engine 48/Ladder 49 in The Bronx, someone broke into the car, and he's hoping it will be returned.

"I'm not angry or anything like that, not looking to get anybody in trouble or press any charges, but just would love to have that trumpet back," Holz told ABC7.

Holz is a member of FDNY's ceremonial unit, which organizes funerals, memorials, Sept. 11 events and department ceremonies. The trumpet is what Holz uses to play Taps.

He purchased the trumpet two decades ago from the high school teacher who taught him to play music. At the time, Holz paid $400 for the trumpet.

The trumpet is believed to be worth $2,000, or more, but Holz said the instrument is truly invaluable. 

About the Author

Peter Matthews | Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department.