Captain James L. Robeson, Scranton (PA) firefighter dies in the line of duty
Rob Cibik
City firefighter among 3 killed
The Scranton Times-Tribune
BY CHARLES SCHILLINGER
January 7, 2007
Capt. James Robeson electrocuted fighting Ash Street blaze
Their faces were grim, eyes downcast, as Scranton firefighters went
about coiling hoses and packing gear at the scene of Sunday's
devastating Hill Section fire that left three people dead, including
one of their own.
Their faces were grim, eyes downcast, as Scranton firefighters went
about coiling hoses and packing gear at the scene of Sunday's
devastating Hill Section fire that left three people dead, including
one of their own.
"Everybody hurts, but what are you going to do?" Fire Chief Tom Davis
said. "You've got a job to do, and that's what they did."
Today begins the job of determining how longtime city firefighter
Capt. James Robeson, 50, was electrocuted fighting a blaze that also
claimed the lives of Ash Street residents Richard Fenstermacher, 82,
and his wife Maria, 87 -- and what caused the deadly fire.
Firefighters responded to 808-810 Ash St. at 7:11 a.m. to find the
fire already tearing through the building. Firefighters soon knew the
blaze had already claimed the Fenstermachers, Chief Davis said, and
were concerned about the flames jumping to neighboring homes.
Capt. Robeson and firefighter Jennifer Hawker went up in the bucket
lift of a ladder truck. Either the bucket or the firefighters came
into contact with nearby power lines, electrocuting Capt. Robeson and
shocking Ms. Hawker, according to Trooper Bill Satkowski, state police
spokesman. Two other firefighters who were standing near the truck,
Richard Czyzyk and Thomas Owens, also were shocked, city Public Safety
Director Ray Hayes said.
Capt. Robeson was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center at 8:10
a.m., Lackawanna County Deputy Coroner Tim Rowland said.
Ms. Hawker, Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Owens were taken to CMC with electrical
burns, Trooper Satkowski said. Their injuries were not believed to be
life-threatening, Mr. Hayes said. Further information on the injured
firefighters' conditions was not available Sunday.
Autopsies on the deceased will be done today, Mr. Rowland said.
Mr. Hayes said Scranton police and fire officials asked state police
to take over the investigation into the causes of the fire and the
death of Capt. Robeson.
Trooper Satkowski said the cause of the fire remained undetermined
Sunday. He declined to discuss the possible origin of the fire.
State police are investigating whether firefighters asked PPL to shut
off power to just the burning home or also to the power lines running
above.
PPL spokesman Rich Beasley said the company was conducting its own
investigation and wouldn't comment further on the fire.
"We need time to investigate -- now is not the time to speculate," he
said. "It is a sad day for us when firefighters are lost or injured in
the line of duty.
Records show it's been almost a generation since a Scranton Fire
Department staffer died in the line of duty, said Mark Boock, a local
historian and father of a firefighter who has chronicled the
department's history. Mr. Boock said Ambulance Lt. John Buchner died
on Nov. 4, 1981 when he was hit by a car on Route 81 during a rescue
attempt on the road.
But it may have been more than a half century ago that a city
firefighter was
last killed while fighting a blaze, Mr. Boock said. Capt. According to
his research, Fred Keiper succumbed to smoke inhalation during a blaze
at Alder Street and Cedar Avenue in 1956.
A somber Mayor Chris Doherty praised Capt. Robeson and his colleagues
Sunday, which he called a "sad day for Scranton."
"Every day we hear the sirens and take for granted what they're
doing," he said. "And this reminds us all aspects of the job ... even
getting in that bucket ... it's a dangerous, dangerous job."
That point wasn't lost on neighbors who watched the tragedy unfold.
Johanna Luscher, of 807 Ash St., woke to sirens and worried her own
house was on fire. She watched the firefighters working, but had her
back turned at the moment the bucket accident happened.
She turned back to see the firefighters lower the bucket lift and pull
out their comrades.
"I couldn't believe it. It was horrible," she said. "They're just
trying to do their job, and this happens."
Ms. Luscher said she made a point of waking up her two daughters,
Deztiny, 4, and Johanna, 2, during the fire.
"I wanted them to see these firefighters, see how brave they are," she
said. "And I wanted them to see the smoke and know that's bad. And I
wanted them to see the firefighters. While they look scary (in their
gear), I wanted my children to know they're good, brave people and
they shouldn't be afraid of them."
Daniel and Debbie Evarts, of 936 Madison Ave., were sitting down to
coffee when they heard the sirens. Mrs. Evarts, whose birthday was
Sunday, didn't see what happened, but weeped when told of the deaths.
She said she knew Mr. Fenstermacher and thought the couple were nice
people. "It's horrible to have this happen in the neighborhood," Mrs.
Evarts said. "It's just a tragedy."
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19174233&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6
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James L. Robeson
Capt. James L. Robeson, 50, of Scranton, died Sunday at Community
Medical Center. His wife is the former Linda A. Mauro. The couple
celebrated 18 years together Nov. 7.
Born in Scranton, son of Lee and Alyce McCrone Robeson, Scranton, he
was educated in Scranton public schools and was a graduate of West
Scranton High School, class of 1975, and Keystone Junior College with
a degree in accounting. He also attended Penn State University.
He was employed by the Scranton Fire Department and also by Master
Water Conditioner, Pottstown. He was a member of the International
Association of Fire Fighters. He enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting,
skiing, boating and photography. He was an avid New Orleans Saints
football fan.
James and Linda were very proud to watch their son compete in many
sporting events. James was respected and loved by Linda, who was proud
to be his wife. He will always be missed by his wife, son, parents,
brothers, sister and extended family and friends. Known as "The
Jimmer" to his nieces, nephews and friends, he was a kind,
compassionate and gentle soul.
Also surviving are a son, Ryan J., at home; two brothers, David
Robeson, Scranton; and Paul Robeson, Lake Ariel; a sister, Tami
Holman, Taylor, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral will be Thursday at 10 a.m. from the Thomas J. Hughes
Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., with Mass of Christian Burial
to be celebrated at 10:30 in St. Patrick's Church, Jackson Street.
Interment, Cathedral Cemetery. Friends attending the funeral are asked
to go directly to the church.
Friends may call Tuesday, 6 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m.
http://www.legacy.com/TheTimes-Tribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=100825536
Rob Cibik
By Edward Pikulski and Jeff Sonderman
The Scranton Times
January 10, 2007
10:04 a.m.
Hundreds of firefighters began their solemn processional march from
the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral home on St. Ann's Street to St. Patrick's
Church on Jackson Street.
Dressed in dark blue uniforms, their badges partially covered in
black, firefighters from across the United States and Canada came to
Scranton to show support for their fallen brother, Capt. James
Robeson.
Bagpipers played as the coffin was carried out of the funeral home and
every city firefighter stood at attention. Hundreds of teary-eyed
mourners lined the procession route to pay tribute to the 25-year
department veteran.
Scranton Fire Department Engine 4 carried Capt. Robeson's flag-draped
coffin.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin once the procession arrives at
St. Patrick's Church at approximately 10:30 a.m.
10:25 a.m.
Led by motorcycle-mounted police and the Scranton Fire Department
honor guard, the procession of the flag-draped coffin is inching
slowly along North Main Avenue.
10:45 a.m.
The procession has arrived at St. Patrick's Church. Bagpipers began
playing as firefighters and Ryan Robeson carry the coffin of Capt.
Robeson into the West Scranton church.
11:10 a.m.
Ryan Robeson, son of Capt. James Robeson did the first reading, from
The Book of Ecclesiastes. Capt. Robeson's niece Christy Robeson made
the second reading from Paul to the Romans.
11:30 a.m.
St. Patrick's Church is filled to capacity. There are several dozen
people listening to the service outside on loud speakers, and hundreds
more watching in the school.
11:45 a.m.
Firefighters from as far away as Washington and Canada are in
attendance at St. Patrick's Church. Pastor David Tressler has
delivered the homily, gifts have been offered and the sign of peace
has been made. Holy Communion is beginning in both the church and the
gymnasium. The altar servers are all nephews and cousins of Capt.
Robeson.
12:00 p.m.
Former mayors, police and fire chiefs, city, county, state, and
federal government officials are in attendance at the funeral Mass.
The first of two eulogies is about to begin.
12:09 p.m.
An emotional Capt. David Schreiber, president IAFF Local 60, Scranton,
delivers a eulogy, speaking fondly of his friend and fellow
firefighter. Capt. Schrieber quoted Capt. Robeson directly, saying,
"you treat every fire like it's your own home."
12:16 p.m.
Ryan Robeson delivered the second eulogy, talking about the day he
learned of his father's death and speaking warmly of how his father
touched his life. He said that he understands it was simply "his
father's time." Ryan asked everyone to celebrate the 50 years everyone
has had to spend with his father and to remember him as a hero.
12:23 p.m.
A flag that was flown over the United States Capitol was given to
Capt. Robeson's family by Sen. Bob Casey Jr. and Rep. Paul Kanjorski.
It was announced that his name will be inscribed on the Fallen
Firefighters' Memorial Wall of Honor in Colorado.
12:28 p.m.
Firefighters have filed out to form an honor guard, as the last
farewell is given and Capt. Robeson is blessed prior to being taken
out of the church.
12:36 p.m.
Bagpipes are playing once again as the flag-draped coffin of Capt.
James Robeson is carried from St. Patrick's. The casket will then be
placed back onto a firetruck and a procession to Cathedral Cemetery
will begin.
12:55 p.m.
The procession will travel through Capt. Robeson's West Scranton
neighborhood before he reaches his final resting place at Cathedral
Cemetery. The procession will pass beneath an arch formed by several
ladder trucks.
1:15 p.m.
The procession has arrived at Cathedral Cemetery. Graveside ceremonies
have begun. Final prayers are being offered before Capt. James Robeson
is laid to rest.
1:45 p.m.
Graveside ceremonies have concluded. Firefighters rang a ceremonial
bell nine times to signify the end of the shift for Captain James
Robeson. A Lifeflight helicopter executed a fly-by at the conclusion
of the ceremony.
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