ABOUT OUR LOGO

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If you are not a firefighter, you may not recognize the object to the right which is part of the Halligan Claims Investigations logo.  Called the “Halligan Tool,” it was invented in the 1940’s by FDNY Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan (grandfather of HCI principal Sean Halligan).

The Halligan Tool is a forcible entry tool and is nicknamed “the universal key.”   It is often stored and used with an axe, collectively referred to as a set of “irons” by firefighters.

The Halligan Tool is a firefighter favorite worldwide.  It combines the benefits of many tools into one lightweight versatile tool assembled to allow the user to perform numerous tasks.   The tool is approximately 30 inches long and weighs around 8 lbs.  It was made of one solid piece of steel in order to provide the firefighter the strongest and safest tool possible.  The fork end of the tool resembles a crowbar.  The head was a revolutionary design made up of an “adz” and hook (also called a pick, pike & spike) along with 3 flat striking surfaces. 

In the mid 1940's Chief Halligan knew that his men desperately needed better equipment to properly gain entry into burning buildings.  His requests to the FDNY brass for something better resulted in his being tasked to come up with a better tool.  It was only after 24 hours of praying “Hail Mary's” that the idea for the tool came to him.  After some early tool designs were developed and modified, the finished product was presented to the FDNY.   The initial reaction was favorable but no action was taken,  so Chief Halligan took the tool back and started his own company to produce & sell the tools out of his Bronx apartment. The tool was a big hit with Fire Departments throughout the country, but ironically was not purchased by the FDNY due to regulations against doing business with FDNY members!  To get around this rule, firemen from individual companies would pool their money and buy the tool themselves.  

Chief Halligan also went on to invent the Halligan Hook which is primarily used to rip down ceilings. (*Photo in gallery below)   To avoid confusion, it is now commonly referred to as a "New York Hook". 

Halligan Claims Investigations…….Our Experience Is Your Best Tool