SUPREME SACRIFICE - November 1
Hank Przybylowicz
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| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
| November 1 |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1877 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Joseph Williams - Engine 29
He died after gangrene set in as a result of a stab wound he suffered to
his arm in quarters on October 28th.
1917 - MANHATTAN, NY
A F/F was killed, and 8 others were seriously injured, when they were
caught under a collapsing wall while fighting a 5-alarm sabotage fire in
a 5 and 6-story wire factory. Water Tower 3 was also destroyed in the
collapse.
1931 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Lt. Lewis L. Stanley - Engine 16 - Age 43 - 9-year veteran
While responding to what proved to be a false alarm, he was killed when
he was thrown from the pumper after it was struck by an automobile.
1965 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Alfred L. Shewman - Engine 19 - Age 53 - 23-year veteran
After being severely overcome by smoke at a fire, he suffered a fatal
heart attack in his sleep, and was found dead in his bunk in quarters.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more."
-- Charlie Ball
"Fireman's Prayer"
Let us not forget these brave souls who unselfishly gave their lives in
the performance of their duties. Let us all take a moment out of our
busy day to say a prayer for these fallen soldiers of the Lord, and ask
that he grant them eternal rest and peace in His Kingdom.
Stay safe, all,
Chief Hank
Line Of Duty Research Service
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1872 - BOSTON, MA
Capt. William Farry - Boston FD - Ladder 4
Lt. Daniel Cochrane - Boston FD - Ladder 4
Vol. F/F Henry Rogers - Boston FD - Engine 6
Vol. F/F William S. Frazier - Cambridge FD - Ladder 1
Vol. F/F Frank D. Olmstead - Cambridge FD - Engine 1
F/F Martin Turnbull - Charlestown FD - Hose 3
F/F Walter S. Twombly - Malden FD - Hose 2
F/F John Connelly - West Roxbury FD - Ladder 1
F/F Thomas Maloney - Worcester FD
The above-named men were all killed while fighting "The Great Boston
Fire," in which 930 buildings were destroyed over 65 acres in an 18-hour
period. Close to 1,700 F/Fs, manning 100 pieces of apparatus from 30
towns in 5 states, battled the conflagration. An additional 17 F/Fs were
injured, 12 seriously, and 5 civilians were also killed. Property losses
were set at $85 million. Capt. Farry and Lt. Cochrane were killed when
they were caught in a building collapse and the body of F/F Frazier was
never recovered. Two of the civilians who died were brothers and were
ex-members of the Charlestown FD.
1919 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John F. Burke - Truck 14
While operating at a 4-alarm fire, he was killed, and 8 other F/Fs were
injured, when the 2 top floors of the burning 4-story rag warehouse
collapsed while they were working on the 2nd floor.
1928 - BALTIMORE, MD
Dep. Chief E. Louis Shipley - Division 2 - Age 67 - 42-year veteran
He suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while on duty, which resulted in his
death.
1935 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F William J. Coyne - Engine 4 - Age 56 - 22-year veteran
He was found dead in quarters while on duty.
1949 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F James W. Haynie - Engine 46
F/F Charles A. Paff - Engine 46
F/F Joseph B. Magaha - Truck 22
F/F Joseph A. Remeikis - Truck 22
They were killed when Engine 46 and Truck 22 collided with great force
while responding to a brush fire. The force of the collision sent Truck
22 careening into an iron trolley-wire support pole which toppled over,
crushing F/F Remeikis to death in the driver's seat. F/F Haynie flew
through the air from the back step, and was killed when he struck the
pavement. F/F Magaha was thrown to the street and was killed, and F/F
Paff, who was the acting Lt. of Engine 46, was ejected from the front
seat and killed.
1961 - BRONX, NY
F/F John J. Garrick - Engine 97
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1995 - MCCOOK, IL
Vol. F/F John J. Haviar - Midlothian VFD
He died as a result of poison gas inhalation while attempting to rescue
2 workmen who were trapped in a furnace pit in the Reynolds Metal Co.
plant where he worked.
1996 - WEST POINT, PA
Vol. F/F John R. Bryant - Upper Gwynedd VFD - Age 21 - 5-year veteran
He was killed in a collision while responding to a call in his private
car.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1884 - MILWAUKEE, WI
Capt. Fritz Grosskopf - Truck 1
He was killed while attempting to board the truck in response to an
alarm.
1898 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
Lt. James F. Dalton - Ladder 2 - Age 59 - 24-year veteran
While operating at a fire in a meat plant icehouse, he had climbed a
ladder to open a door. As he opened it, he was struck with a blast of
fire that knocked him from the ladder to the pavement, where he died. A
F/F was critically injured when he was caught under a collapsing wall,
and died at a later date.
1905 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Aloysius Boyle - Ladder E
F/F James Kelly - Ladder E
Both men died in the performance of their duties.
1916 - WASHINGTON, DC
Sgt. Fred Koch - Engine 2
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1923 - EVERETT, MA
Chief W.A. Taro
He died as a result of injuries sustained October 30th, when he collided
with an apparatus while responding to an alarm.
1961 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Adam A. Muezenberger - Truck 11
He suffered a fatal heart attack while working at a fire.
1996 - SHARPTOWN, MD
Vol. F/F Donald S. Trice - Age 23
After coming upon a late-night motor vehicle accident, he went to the
aid of one of the victims who had been ejected into a ditch, while his
fiance went for help. As he tended to the victim, another vehicle went
out of control and rolled over into the ditch, killing him and the 1st
victim.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1865 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George Bell - Engine 8
He died as a result of inhaling gas fumes at a fire on October 29th.
1900 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Herbert Price - Engine 42
He died as a result of injuries sustained October 31st, when he was
struck by a falling chimney while operating at a barn fire.
1908 - BRONX, NY
F/F Charles E. Parks - Engine 43
He was killed when he was thrown from the hose wagon while responding to
an alarm.
1911 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Lt. Thomas S. Smith - Hose Wagon 16 - Age 68 - 35-year veteran
He was killed instantly when the hose wagon was struck by a streetcar
while responding to an alarm. Ironically, he had retired in 1899, but
came back on the job by his own request after several months.
1916 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief Martin Lacey - Battalion 11
He was killed in a collision while responding to a fire in the stock
yards.
1994 - HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ
F/F Brian D. Sutton Sr. - Hose Co. 2 - Age 47
He suffered a fatal heart attack while connecting a supply line to a
hydrant at a 3-alarm fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1890 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F George W. Popp - Truck 4 - Age 35 - 2-year veteran
While boarding the truck in response to a house fire, he was killed
instantly when he slipped and fell under the rear wheel, which passed
over his abdomen.
1909 - BOSTON, MA
F/F James B. Akerly - Engine 11
He was killed when he was thrown from the engine while responding to an
alarm.
1926 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Christopher Quinn - Engine 284
He was killed when he was thrown from the apparatus while responding to
an alarm, suffering a broken neck.
1930 - BALTIMORE, MD
Dep. Chief Lewin H. Burkhardt - Division 1 - Age 60 - 42-year veteran
He had been injured at an oil refinery fire on May 15th, which resulted
in him suffering a stroke. He never fully recovered, and suffered a 2nd
stroke, which resulted in his death.
1951 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Edward Sheridan - Engine 58
He died in quarters while on duty.
1956 - STATEN ISLAND, NY
Capt. Daniel T. Rice - Engine 159
He suffered a fatal heart attack as a result of injuries sustained in
1951.
1960 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Robert Arp - Truck 29
He collapsed and died while operating at a fire.
1995 - ELGIN, SC
Vol. Chief Thomas B. Buff Jr. - Blaney VFD
While crossing an interstate highway to check on the people involved in
a motor vehicle accident, he was struck by a police car and killed.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1892 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Wayland A. Estes - Engine 204
F/F John F. Spaulding - Engine 204
They were both killed when they were caught in a floor collapse while
operating at a warehouse fire.
1958 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Vincent Janczewski - Limited Service Squad
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1973 - CHICAGO, IL
EMT Jesse Edwards - Ambulance 38
While rendering aid at the scene of an accident, he, a bystander, and a
patient, were killed when they were struck by an auto.
1978 - REDMOND, OR
Vol. F/F R. Bratten
He suffered a fatal heart attack while fighting at a fire in a hay shed.
1994 - MEMPHIS, TN
F/F Edward L. Freeman
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from a car
fire.
1996 - ORCHARD BEACH, MD
F/F William R. Chambers Jr. - Anne Arundel County Engine 11 - Age 49
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a first-aid call.
1996 - TONAWANDA, NY
Capt. Walter J. Schwinger Jr. - Age 52 - 21-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack in the bunkroom of the firehouse at the
end of his overnight shift.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1880 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Thomas L. Jacobus - Ladder 5
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 9th, when he fell
from the repair shop wagon while at the test trial of a new engine.
1904 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F William Cleary - Engine 10
While fighting a fire aboard a steamboat, he was killed when he fell
through a hatch into the heart of the burning vessel.
1921 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Gust Seban - Squad 9
He was killed in a collision between Squad 9 and another vehicle while
responding to an alarm.
1933 - BALTIMORE, MD
Capt. William J. Lamb - Engine 25 - Age 72 - 40-year veteran
Upon colliding with a trolley car that failed to yield the right-of-way
to the responding engine, he was thrown from the seat into a brick wall,
suffering a fractured skull and internal injuries. He died a short time
later at the hospital. Ironically, he was injured in 1920 in a collision
between Hose Wagon 25 and a trolley car at the same intersection. He was
a lieutenant at that time.
1939 - BRONX, NY
Capt. Phillip W. Hublitz - Engine 60
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at an alarm.
1948 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F William Manger - Engine 20
While responding to an alarm, Engine 20 was broadsided by a speeding
car. Both vehicles became totally engulfed in flames when the rig's gas
tank exploded on impact. F/F Manger, who was acting captain, and the
driver of the engine, both ran from the cab wrapped in flames. Manger
died later at the hospital of massive burns, and the driver of the
engine died a week later. Three of the car's 4 occupants also died in
the crash.
1960 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Ajames Walsh
He died in the performance of his duties.
1961 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Joseph I. Looney - Engine 26
He had suffered a massive heart attack, and was found dead at the watch
desk in quarters.
1964 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Carl Hiller - Engine 8
He died in the peformance of his duties.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1905 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Joseph H. McGinnis - Engine 1
He was killed when he was thrown from the driver's seat and run over by
the heavy steamer while responding to an alarm.
1915 - BRONX, NY
F/F Michael D. Curtin - Engine 60
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained November 6th,
while operating at a fire.
1935 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/A Operator John J. Eagen - Fire Alarm - Age 53 - 25-year veteran
While on duty, he suddenly collapsed in his chair, dead of an apparent
massive heart attack.
1942 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Francis J. Degan - Engine 3 - Age 24 - 19-month veteran
F/F John J. Foley - Engine 3 - 30-year veteran
F/F Edward Macomber - Engine 12 - 28-year veteran
F/F Malachi F. Reddington - Engine 33
F/F Peter F. McMorrow - Engine 50 - Age 46
F/F Daniel E. McGuire - Ladder 2
After bringing a 3-alarm fire in a 3.5-story restaurant under control,
they were killed when the building collapsed as they overhauled the 2nd
floor. Many other F/Fs were injured, some of whom did not return to duty
for a year. The 4th and 5th alarms were struck to bring additional F/Fs
to the scene for rescue and firefighting operations, as the fire had
gained intensity after the collapse and spread to several exposures. F/F
Foley was planning his retirement, and was supposed to be off the day of
the fire, but had changed his schedule in order to use his time off at a
later date.
1959 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Gerald McGrath - Engine 95
While making a routine inspection, he fell from a ladder. He was taken
to the hospital, where he suffered a fatal heart attack.
1968 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George L. Collins - Battalion 12 - 16-year veteran
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered July 8th,
while working at an alarm.
1979 - MANHATTAN, NY
Batt. Chief James M. Meyers - Battalion 11 - 22-year veteran
He died in the performance of his duties while operating at a single
alarm fire.
1984 - PHOENIX, AZ
F/F Ricky A. Pearce - Ladder 4 - Age 32
As F/Fs attempted to rescue a worker who had fallen to the bottom of a
10,000-gallon toluene storage tank, a massive explosion occurred. The
force of the blast hurled F/F Pearce through the air into a dike wall.
He suffered burns, and massive head and internal trauma. At least a
dozen other F/Fs suffered burns, fractures, and cuts and bruises in the
blast.
1993 - MOUNT WASHINGTON, KY
Vol. F/F Harold B. Allgood - Age 21
He was killed when a vehicle struck the rear of the pumper he was riding
on at 85 mph, pinning him under the vehicle on the backstep. The vehicle
that struck the pumper was owned by a volunteer captain who was enroute
to the same rescue call and reportedly was trying to beat the rig to the
scene. He was also killed in the crash and had to be extricated from his
vehicle. Ironically, F/F Allgood's mother was driving the pumper, and
his stepfather, who was a lieutenant, was riding shotgun.
1994 - BASKING RIDGE, NJ
Vol. F/F Richard A. Liddy - Engine 1 - 21-year veteran
He died of the effects of the acute heart attack he suffered November
9th, while dragging a hoseline at a house fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1877 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John O'Rourke - Engine 6
F/F Charles Dudley - Engine 17
They died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 4-alarm store fire. A
lieutenant was also critically injured and died at a later date.
1906 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William H. Rush - Engine 49
He died as a result of the severe skull fracture he sustained November
12th, when he fell from the apparatus while responding to an alarm.
1909 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F C.H.E. Russe
He died in the performance of his duties.
1924 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George Schultz - Engine 55
He died in the performance of his duties.
1956 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F James P. Reilly - Ladder 2
He died in the performance of his duties.
1962 - CAMDEN, NJ
Batt. Chief William Deitz - Battalion 2
He was killed while operating at a fire.
1973 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Allan J. Sweet - Ladder 164
He died in the performance of his duties.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1883 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F Daniel McGee - Engine 5
He was killed when he fell under the wheels of the exercise wagon when
the team of horses got spooked and started to run. His son was with him
at the time of the accident.
1885 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Charles Grund - Engine 2
F/F Henry Ryan - Engine 2
F/F Francis D. Kerr - Engine 6
As 7 F/Fs were operating 3 lines from a totally upright aerial ladder at
a general-alarm factory fire, the ladder began to fall backward. The
weight of the men and the hoses caused the truck to turn on its side,
pitching the aerial backward onto the roof of a house. F/F Grund was
thrown through a window into the 2nd floor and killed. F/F Ryan was
pinned between the ladder and the eaves of the roof, and then fell to
his death. F/F Kerr was thrown onto the peaked roof, and then fell to
the pavement, where he was killed. Another F/F was seriously injured,
and the remaining 3 men were able to ride the ladder down to safety.
1914 - BALTIMORE, MD
Batt. Chief John L. Emerson - Battalion 2 - Age 46 - 23-year veteran
While responding to a warehouse fire, Battalion 2 was broadsided by Hose
Wagon 32. The impact was so great that the chief's car flew 30 feet
through the air, smashing into a wall of a factory. He was thrown from
the car, and even though critically injured, insisted that the other
members be tended to first. He died at the hospital a short time later.
1919 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Anthony Berberich - Engine 31
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 31, 1918, when he was
run over by a Truck 7 while operating at on mutual aid at a fire in
Baltimore County.
1924 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Thomas Ryan - Squad 9
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day while enroute
to an alarm. His captain was also killed.
1934 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief Thomas Anderson - Battalion 7
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from a
2-alarm fire.
1939 - BROOKLYN, NY
Prob. F/F John J. Finley - Engine 201
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1962 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F James J. Ruane - Engine 69
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1977 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Walter J. Nell - Truck 6
He died as a result of injuries suffered the previous day, when Truck 6
collided with another vehicle while responding to an alarm.
1987 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Joseph P. Faughnan Jr. - Ladder 162 - Age 50 - 26-year veteran
Upon returning to quarters after fighting a fire, he complained of not
feeling well, and suddenly collapsed to the floor, unconscious. Efforts
were made to revive him, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was
pronounced dead due to a massive heart attack.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1886 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F D. Fremont Taffe - Engine 1 - 4-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when he fell
from the driver's seat and was run over by the steamer while responding
to an alarm.
1919 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Capt. August H. Schafer - Engine 28 - Age 61 - 23-year veteran
He was killed when the pumper was struck by a streetcar while responding
to an alarm. He died while enroute to the hospital.
1924 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Peter Christenson - Squad 9
He was killed, and another F/F was critically injured, while responding
to an alarm. The injured man died the next day.
1933 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Peter L. Murray - Engine 54
He died in the performance of his duties.
1946 - QUEENS, NY
F/F William J. Wandling - Engine 288
He died in the performance of his duties.
1952 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Emanuel Adler - Engine 309 - 14-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained October 29th, while operating
at an alarm.
1959 - STATEN ISLAND, NY
F/F Edward J. Campbell - Ladder 78 (det. to Rescue 5) - 6-year veteran
He was killed, and 2 other F/Fs were injured, when they were caught in a
collapse during a 5-alarm fire involving a row of stores. His body was
found in the cellar of one of the stores.
1962 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Thomas Ahlers - Engine 71
He died in the performance of his duties.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1920 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Stephen J. Finn - Engine 15
He was killed while responding to an alarm.
1927 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Lt. William H. Weishaar - Hose Wagon 30 - Age 49 - 22-year veteran
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained November 13th,
while operating at a fatal apartment house fire.
1948 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F B. Howard
He died in the performance of his duties.
1956 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Francis X. Casey - Engine 18
He died in the performance of his duties.
1956 - COTTAGE GROVE, OR
Vol. F/F Harold J. Bean
He died as a result of injuries sustained October 28th, when he and
several other F/Fs were caught in an explosion while operating at a fire
in a propane plant. One man was killed instantly, and a 3rd F/F died at
a later date.
1960 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. John A. McDermott - Engine 31 - 13-year veteran
F/F Francis J. Sammon - Engine 31 - 2-year veteran
F/F John C. Cosner - Squad 8 - 1-year veteran
They all drowned after becoming trapped in the basement of a burning
5-story loft building after a floor collapse.
1961 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Insp. Charles A. Pierson - Fire Prevention - Age 56 - 32-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 13th, when he fell
and was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on a post while
making an inspection. He never regained consciousness.
1970 - PORTLAND, ME
Lt. William Nugent - Engine 1
He died as a result of the effects of the acute heart attack he suffered
while fighting a 2-alarm fire on July 25th.
1975 - SISTERSVILLE, WV
A volunteer F/F was killed instantly, and 7 other people were injured,
when they were caught in a vapor flashover as they attempted to remove
the body of a truck driver from an overturned gasoline tanker. Three
other F/Fs were blown several yards away by the blast and seriously
burned. A state trooper and 3 bystanders were also injured.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1912 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F James Moore - Ladder A
He died in the performance of his duties.
1927 - WILMINGTON, MA
F/F Russell Pratt
F/F Wilbur Sheldon
They died in the performance of their duties.
1960 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Matthew A. Sheerin - Engine 250
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1965 - AKRON, OH
F/F Lawrence A. Labbe
F/F John J. Nist
They died in the performance of their duties.
1975 - QUEENS, NY
Capt. Raymond Koehler - Engine 286 (det. to Rescue 4) - 28-year veteran
While overhauling at a fire in the basement of a discount store, he was
killed, and several other F/Fs were injured, when they were caught in an
explosion of aerosol insecticide cans. He died while enroute to the
hospital as a result of inhaling the toxic fumes, and carbon monoxide
poisoning. Another F/F was critically injured and died at a later date.
A total of 9 other F/Fs were overcome by the fumes. It was reported that
none of the men were wearing breathing apparatus.
1995 - HANNA, IN
Vol. Asst. Chief David A. Harness
He was struck by a car and killed while operating at the scene of an
emergency.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1900 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Frederick Schaeffer - Engine 21 - Age 63 - 12-year veteran
While responding to an alarm, he attempted to slow the horses down as
they went down a hill. He suddenly lost his balance and fell to the
street, where the heavy steamer ran over him, killing him instantly.
1908 - RICHMOND, VA
Chief George C. Shaw
He died in the performance of his duties.
1918 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Maurice O'Dea - Engine 63
He was killed when he fell down a pole hole in quarters.
1929 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F John A. Curran - Truck 3
While responding to an alarm, the tiller wheels somehow got locked in
the trolley tracks, causing the tiller to swerve wildly. A pedestrian
was struck first, and then F/F Curran was thrown from the rig, where he
was crushed to death between the truck and a parked car.
1933 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George Cavanaugh - Ladder 24
He died in the performance of his duties.
1946 - BOSTON, MA
Lt. John J. McDonough - Engine 6
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 2-alarm cellar fire.
1955 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Thomas J. Eagan - Truck 19 - Age 64 - 32-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while helping to raise a ground ladder
at a dwelling fire.
1978 - BRONX, NY
Lt. Robert Courtenary - Ladder 47 - 22-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1994 - GAINESVILLE, GA
F/F Mary Jo Brown - U.S. Forest Service
She was killed, and several other F/Fs were burned, when strong and
erratic winds swept a 500-acre forest fire over their position.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1874 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Jacob Adelman - Engine 3
While stretching a line to an adjacent roof during a fire in a tobacco
warehouse, he was killed when he stepped off the roof and fell 4 floors.
1913 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Jeremiah Leoney - Ladder 106
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 24th, when he and
several other F/Fs were caught under a collapsing wall at a fire in a
chemical plant.
1929 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William Vogel - Ladder 1
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 25th, while operating
at an alarm.
1931 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Charles Unrath - Ambulance 2
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when
Ambulance 2 collided with another vehicle.
1966 - GARDNER, MA
F/F Ernest Brodeur
He suffered an apparent fatal heart attack while operating at a fatal
dwelling fire.
1967 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Lawrence Perchuck - Ladder 14 - 30-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1978 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Robert M. Greene - Ladder 23
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 25th, when he fell
from the building while operating at a fire.
1994 - MELFA, VA
Vol. F/F Steven A. Colona - Age 18
He was killed when the 2,000-gallon water tanker he was driving to a
fire, overturned into a ditch. It took rescuers 45 minutes to free him
from the mangled cab. Another F/F was seriously injured in the wreck.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1889 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Michael Murnan - Hose 7
F/F John J. Brooks Jr. - Hose 7
F/F Frank P. Loker - Ladder 3
F/F Daniel J. Buckley - Ladder 3
F/F Edward E. Whiting
They were all killed when they were caught under collapsing walls while
battling the "Thanksgiving Day Fire" which destroyed numerous buildings.
1899 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F Theodore C. Baker- Truck 4
He was found lying dead in the basement of the firehouse after he had
gone down to stoke the furnace.
1913 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Thomas Mitchell - Ladder 22
He was killed when he fell down a pole hole in quarters.
1928 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Martin J. Callahan - Ladder 1
He was killed in a collision between Engine 4 and Ladder 1 while
responding to an alarm.
1949 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Samuel R. Doherty - Engine 15
He died in the performance of his duties.
1953 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Peter Forecki - Engine 23
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters after returning from a
dwelling fire.
1959 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Thomas M. Carroll - Engine 82
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire.
1959 - QUEENS, NY
Capt. Orestes Hantjiles - Engine 313 - 18-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1994 - MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH
Vol. F/F Dale E. Nelboeck
He suffered a fatal heart attack while helping to carry a patient to the
ambulance at a medical call.
1996 - BRANFORD, CT
Vol. F/F Edward F. Ramos - Engine 5 - Age 36 - 4-year veteran
While making an interior attack at a 2-alarm arson fire involving a
carpet warehouse, three F/Fs became trapped in the building when the
roof collapsed. Search and rescue teams found two of the men, but
exploding drums prevented further rescue efforts. Ramos was found 4
hours later, dead of smoke inhalation.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1899 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Edward S. Jennings - Engine 15
He died as a result of a stomach tumor which developed from an injury
that he sustained in the performance of his duties.
1908 - ALBANY, NY
F/F James Walsh - Truck 2
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire.
1925 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Patrick Daly - Engine 278
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 24th, when Engine 278
collided with Engine 247 while responding to an alarm. Another F/F was
also killed in the crash.
1928 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Silvio Mangaro - Engine 49
He died in the performance of his duties.
1954 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. Louis Mortimer - Battalion 9
F/F Thomas Donahue - Engine 1
They died as a result of injuries sustained in the laboratory explosion
of October 28th. Their deaths brought the final death toll to 12 F/Fs.
1957 - BRONX, NY
Lt. Richard MacClave - Engine 46 - 20-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 2-alarm fire.
1982 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F George Rydberg - Truck 17
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties on December 1st, 1973.
1993 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Francis F. Baker - Engine 16
He died in the performance of his duties.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1872 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F David Humphreys
He was the first member of the paid department to die in the performance
of his duties.
1928 - QUEENS, NY
F/F John E. Rauch - Engine 261
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 26th, when he fell
from the apparatus into water while responding to a 5-alarm fire.
1951 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. Frank J. Young - Engine 17
He died in the performance of his duties.
1952 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Carpenter - Engine 115
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1955 - BRONX, NY
F/F James O'Kane - Engine 62 - 35-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at an incipient fire.
1967 - BRONX, NY
Capt. Joseph A. Fay - Engine 61 - 25-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1987 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F James J. Ryan - Ladder 148 - 23-year veteran
He died as a result of being exposed to toxic fumes.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1898 - ALBANY, NY
F/F John Whitnell - Engine 4
He died after inhaling toxic fumes while operating at a fire.
1902 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F James Dawe - Engine 239
He was killed when he fell from the roof while operating at a tenement
fire.
1929 - BOSTON, MA
Capt. Florence J. Sullivan - Engine 32
He died in the performance of his duties while operating at a 2-alarm
fire.
1930 - MANHATTAN, NY
Dep. Chief Bernardo Carlock - Division 4
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 2-alarm fire.
1936 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Albert F. Gauveau - Truck 4
He died as a result of heart disease contracted in the performance of
his duties.
1941 - BALTIMORE, MD
Capt. James T. Wheatley - Engine 44 - Age 59 - 30-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a field fire.
1947 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Howard E. Wynn - Ladder 26 - 9-year veteran
F/F Jacob Bassmann - Ladder 26 - 9-year veteran
They both died as a result of injuries sustained at a 5-alarm fire the
previous day, when the roof they were operating on, collapsed.
1951 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Walter Mulvihill - Engine 108
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day while working
at a fire.
1968 - SEATTLE, WA
F/F Henry F. Gronnerud - Engine 15
He died in the performance of his duties.
1988 - KANSAS CITY, MO
Capt. James H. Kilventon - Age 54
Capt. Gerald Halloran - Age 57
F/F Thomas Fry - Age 41
F/F Luther E. Hurd - Age 33
F/F Robert D. McKarnin - Age 42
F/F Michael R. Oldham - Age 32
They were killed instantly, and their 2 engines were torn to shreds,
when 2 massive explosions occurred as they were investigating a fire in
a trailer truck at a construction site. It was later discovered that the
fire was arson and that the trailers held a total of 45,000 pounds of
ammonium nitrate.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1865 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Thomas Irvin - Engine 4
While operating at a fire, he was killed when he was struck by an iron
shutter that had fallen during a wall collapse.
1921 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James English - Engine 32
He died as a result of injuries sustained in a collision between Engine
32 and a taxi cab on November 30th.
1925 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Stephen Foley - Squad 6
He was electrocuted while operating at a fire.
1925 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Wilbur Madden - Engine 22
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from a
fire.
1930 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Joseph Hintz - Engine 2
F/F Gerald O'Brien - Engine 2
They were killed when the floor collapsed from under them while working
at a major fire in a bag factory.
1940 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F James A. Murtha - Engine 30
He died in the performance of his duties.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1912 - BOSTON, MA
F/F William H. Clay - Engine 30
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire on
November 25th.
1936 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F William H. Hill - Truck 11
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1947 - BOSTON, MA
Prob. F/F Joseph B. Sullivan - Ladder 19 - 5-month veteran
While on driver training, he was killed when the brakes on the aerial
truck failed and it overturned.
1961 - RICHMOND, VA
F/F Emmet R. Bibb
He died in the performance of his duties.
1966 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Benjamin Martin - Truck 46
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1966 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Paul J. Herauf - Engine 17 (det. to T28) - Age 22 - 1-year veteran
He died as a result of critical head injuries sustained November 29th,
when he fell from the side of the truck while returning to quarters.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1890 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. Charles Snyder - Engine 16
He died in the performance of his duties.
1904 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Patrick Lennon - Engine 260
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation suffered while operating
at a 4-alarm fire on November 26th.
1984 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Phillip C. D'Adamo - Ladder 118 - 7-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm school
fire.
1984 - HOUSTON, TX
F/F Robert M. Reyes - Age 32
He was killed when he fell from the jump seat of the apparatus while
responding to an alarm. He lost his helmet on impact, and suffered a
fractured skull and a broken neck.
1987 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Clifford R. Oliver - Rescue 3
He suffered a stroke while taking part in a water rescue training
course, and died later at the hospital.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1902 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F William Seveall - Engine 10
He died in the performance of his duties.
1913 - AKRON, OH
F/F Fred R. Smith
F/F Thomas Harris
They both died in the performance of their duties.
1983 - SOUTHBRIDGE, MA
F/F Michael Blanchard
He died in the performance of his duties.
1989 - EDMOND, OK
F/F Steven Begley - Age 28
He drowned in about 45 feet of water when his safety line became tangled
while attempting to recover the body of a drowning victim from a lake.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1870 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Mathias Henes - Ladder 4
He died as a result of a crushed skull when he was pinned between the
truck and a mailbox while responding to an alarm on November 22nd, 1867.
1891 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Hugh McGowan - Ladder 105
He died in the performance of his duties.
1899 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Bonahan - Engine 7
He died while operating at a 4-alarm fire.
1905 - BIRMINGHAM, AL
F/F T.O. Keith
He was electrocuted while working from a ladder.
1927 - EASTHAMPTON, MA
F/F Patrick McCarthy
He died in the performance of his duties.
1947 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Lloyd A. Irwin - Engine 25
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters after returning from an
alarm.
1957 - PORTLAND, OR
F/F Victor D. Brown - Engine 30 - Age 58 - 29-year veteran
He died as a result of pneumonia and heart disease contracted in the
performance of his duties.
1963 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Eugene K. Byrne - Engine 37 - 7-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a single
alarm fire on May 12th, 1956.
1967 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F James L. Grahe - Truck 5 - Age 24 - 3-year veteran
He died following brain surgery due to head injuries sustained in the
collision between Truck 5 and an automobile on December 2nd.
1996 - HOUSTON, TX
Vol. Dist. Chief Ruben Lopez - Engine 25 - Age 39 - 10-year veteran
He suffered an apparent fatal heart attack while searching a burning
dwelling for a trapped woman. His body was later found near the woman's
body who he was searching for.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1879 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Henry C. Mount - Engine 8
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 25th, when he was
caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a fire.
1885 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Edward Cudmore - Engine 11
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 3-alarm
fire on December 6th.
1920 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Edwin Falch - Engine 5
While stretching a line to the roof of a 4-story building at a 3-alarm
fire, he was killed, and several other F/Fs were injured, when the dogs
on the aerial somehow dislodged, and the fly ladder came crashing down.
He was at the 4th floor level and died instantly of a crushed chest when
he hit the pavement.
1929 - PHOENIX, AZ
Capt. Jack D. Sullivan - Squad 1
While responding to a fire, Engine 2 struck Squad 1 in the backstep. The
2 rigs locked together and careened across the street, striking a curb,
a utility pole, and ending up in a house. Sullivan was killed instantly
and another F/F was critically injured. He died the next day. Sullivan
was the 1st member of the department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
1929 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F William Gallop - Engine 41
He died in the performance of his duties.
1941 - BOWDLE, SD
Vol. F/F Alexander Kiesz
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a fire in a pool hall.
1949 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Harry Lemm - Truck 47
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1951 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Lt. Charles Schwartz - Ladder 23
He died in the performance of his duties.
1967 - CAMDEN, NJ
F/F Ernest Tartaglia - Rescue 1
While responding to an alarm, he was crushed to death when the rescue
truck rolled over on top of him after he veered to avoid a collision.
The truck jumped a curb and struck a light pole, ejecting him from the
driver's seat.
1976 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William D. Prange - Ladder 8 - 2-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while relocating to another
firehouse.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1858 - MANHATTAN, NY
Fire Patrolman Hugh M. Luke
He died in the performance of his duties.
1929 - PHOENIX, AZ
F/F Ambrose Shea - Squad 1
He died as a result of massive trauma sustained the previous day, when
Engine 2 and Squad 1 collided while responding to a fire. A captain was
also killed in the wreck.
1934 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Edward L. Rithmiller - Engine 12 (det. to Engine 2)
While working at a 5-alarm fire in a 4-story waste paper warehouse, he
and several other F/Fs were caught under a collapsing wall. He died as a
result of severe internal injuries and blood loss when his leg was
amputated by a falling girder.
1936 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F William S. Neville - Engine 217
He died as a result of smoke inhalation suffered the previous day, while
operating at an armory fire.
1945 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F Philias Chartion
He died in the performance of his duties.
1949 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. James Ford - Engine 26
He died in the performance of his duties.
1967- FITCHBURG, MA
F/F James V. Belliveau
He died in the performance of his duties.
1968 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Gary Descher - Truck 38
He was killed when he was caught in a roof collapse while operating at a
6-alarm bowling alley fire.
1994 - FORT BRAGG, NC
Capt. Jesse U. Shockley Jr. - Fort Bragg FD
He suffered a fatal heart attack during a ladder training exercise.
1995 - BROWNSVILLE, OR
Vol. F/F Henry W. Howe - Brownsville Rural FPD
He was struck by a car and killed while operating at the scene of a
motor vehicle accident.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1879 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Francis Burke - Ladder B
He died in the performance of his duties.
1941 - PEARL HARBOR, HI
Capt. Thomas S. Macy
Capt. John Carreira
F/F Harry T.L. Pang
As the Japanese surprise attack was taking place, Engines 1, 4 and 6 of
the Honolulu FD were sent to help fight the numerous fires that were
burning in and around Hickham Field. As the above-named men pulled into
a block where 13 houses were burning, they were met by the 2nd and 3rd
wave of attacking Japanese fighters, and gunned down. Six other F/Fs
were also wounded. It was later discovered that the Japanese pilots were
instructed to treat all fire engines and F/Fs as priority targets and
destroy them. The 9 F/Fs were awarded the Purple Heart, and are the only
civilian F/Fs to have ever received the military award.
1962 - BOSTON, MA
F/F James A. Sexton - Ladder 4
He was killed when he was thrown from the truck while responding to an
alarm.
1970 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Timothy J. Gray - Ladder 34 - 2-year veteran
He was killed when he fell 10 stories down an elevator shaft while
searching for trapped occupants at a 2-alarm fire in an 11-story
building.
1972 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. William C. Seelig - Satellite 1 - 25-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 3-alarm
fire.
1972 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Peter J. Cusomano - Squad 3 - 13-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 2-alarm
fire on September 25th.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1872 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George W. Wolf - Ladder A
He died in the performance of his duties.
1913 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. Micahel Tobin - Engine 24
He died in the performance of his duties.
1927 - BOSTON, MA
Lt. James Gavagan - Ladder 19
He died as a result of inhaling nitric acid fumes while fighting a
celluloid fire on December 5th.
1929 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F John J. Henderson - Engine 276
He died of smoke and gas inhalation while operating at a single-alarm
fire.
1964 - SOMERVILLE, MA
Lt. John J. Cullinane
He died in the performance of his duties.
1965 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Anthony Karbowski - Engine 86
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1968 - MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR
F/F Dale Fleming
He was killed when he was struck by a car while operating at the scene
of a motor vehicle accident.
1975 - QUEENS, NY
F/F John J. Flanagan II - Ladder 125 - 8-year veteran
He died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and inhaling toxic
fumes while operating at a fire in the basement of a discount store on
November 19th. A captain also died in the blaze.
1981 - ROCKER-BUTTE, MT
Vol. F/F Donald J. James - Rocker VFD
He died in the performance of his duties.
1984 - RUTLAND, VT
Chief Richard M. Barron
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 3rd, as he worked on
fire alarm cables. The boom of the cherry picker he was working from was
struck by a passing tractor-trailer, and he was pitched to the pavement.
1996 - SOMERS, CT
Vol. Capt. Craig Arnone - Age 23 - 7-year veteran
While working at a dwelling fire, he was electrocuted when his SCBA came
in contact with a dangling 23,000-volt power line. He was the 1st member
of the department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1910 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Michael Russell - Engine 36
He died when he fell down a pole hole in quarters.
1920 - BOSTON, MA
F/F William J. Cox - Ladder 29
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1932 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Patrick Windle - Truck 50
He suffered a fatal heart attack while at the Training Academy as the
result of overexertion.
1943 - BROCKTON, MA
F/F Richard Barry
He died in the performance of his duties.
1944 - WASHINGTON, DC
Capt. Thomas S. Baber - Engine 15
He suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty.
1953 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Garrett W. Langdon - Engine 298 - 7-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained at a single-alarm fire on
November 24th.
1955 - STATEN ISLAND, NY
F/F William B. Brown - Engine 156
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1976 - WEYMOUTH, MA
F/F Robert G. Clark
He died in the performance of his duties.
1987 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F John J. Toomey - Ladder 123 - Age 38 - 8-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while venting the roof at a tenement
fire. It was the 4th fire of the night for Ladder 123, and he had worked
the roof each time, in addition to making rescues at one of the blazes.
A civilian also died in the fire.
1989 - BURR RIDGE, IL
Lt. Joseph Samec - Pleasantview FPD - Age 27
As F/Fs were backing out of a burning 2-story frame dwelling, the foyer
floor collapsed, pitching Samec into the hole. Another Lt. grabbed him
by the hand as he went down, but he couldn't hold on, and Samec fell
into the burning basement. He suffered massive burns, and was pronounced
dead at the hospital.
1993 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F Jesse Pacheco
He died in the performance of his duties.
1994 - ARKPORT, NY
Vol. F/F Dwight G. Burger Jr. - South Danesville VFD
He was killed in an apparatus collision while responding to an alarm.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1914 - BOSTON, MA
Lt. William H. Wagner - Ladder 9
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties on May 11th.
1916 - WASHINGTON, DC
Capt. Charles A.E. Watt - Truck 6
He was killed when he fell from a step ladder while repairing a harness
assembly in quarters.
1918 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. Joseph Fitzgerald II - Engine 207
He was killed when he was knocked off a ladder from the 3rd floor by a
falling window.
1926 - BROOKLYN, NY
Dep. Chief John O'Hara - Brooklyn/Queens Deputy Chief
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 4-alarm fire.
1928 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Batt. Chief Henry Piper - Battalion 9
He died in the performance of his duties.
1934 - WASHINGTON, DC
Batt. Chief Patrick J. Sullivan - Battalion 7
He died as a result of heart disease contracted in the line of duty.
1936 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F John Hart - Truck 7 - Age 40 - 15-year veteran
He was killed when he was crushed between the ladder truck and a utility
truck that had struck Truck 7 in the side running board.
1957 - WASHINGTON, DC
Sgt. John B. Richards - Engine 20
He died while undergoing heart surgery after suffering 2 heart attacks
while on duty on earlier dates.
1966 - BALTIMORE, MD
Lt. John E. Hochsted - Engine 44 - Age 46 - 20-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while stretching a line in at a 6-alarm
fire in an occupied college dormitory building.
1968 - RAPID CITY, SD
Lt. Leonard Evans
He died as a result of a medical condition contracted in the performance
of his duties.
1972 - ATLANTA, GA
Capt. Leon A. Westmoreland - Engine 14 - Age 53 - 27-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1878 - MANHATTAN, NY
Fire Patrolman John J. Stevens
He died in the performance of his duties.
1898 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Thomas Dillon - Truck 4
He died as a result of injuries sustained when he and several other F/Fs
were caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a 3-alarm stable
fire the previous day. Two F/Fs were killed instantly in the collapse,
and a 4th man died at a later date.
1909 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Joseph Toner - Engine 18
F/F Eugene Smith - Engine 41
They both died in the performance of their duties.
1913 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Thomas J. McManus - Engine 40
He was killed when he fell from a ladder while attempting to rescue a
trapped occupant at a 3-alarm tenement fire. Three civilians were killed
in the blaze, and many others were injured when they were forced to jump
from upper story windows.
1939 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Clifford C. Woods - Engine 1 - Age 40 - 6-year veteran
He was crushed to death when the pumper overturned on top of him after
striking a large pothole in the street while responding to an alarm.
1944 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Hubert S. Toombs - Engine 20 - Age 47 - 24-year veteran
While out on a test drive with the department mechanic, he was killed
when the pumper collided with an auto that pulled out of an alleyway.
Another F/F was critically injured in the crash and died at a later
date.
1947 - BRONX, NY
F/F James C. Farley - Engine 92 - 18-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at an alarm.
1951 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Frank E. Wolf - Ladder 8 - 14-year veteran
He was killed when Truck 8 collided with another vehicle while returning
to quarters from an alarm.
1952 - AKRON, OH
F/F Dwight Hinman
He died in the performance of his duties.
1953 - STATEN ISLAND, NY
F/F Harry J. Smith Jr. - Engine 159 - 16-year veteran
He was killed when he was struck by a car while operating at the scene
of a motor vehicle accident.
1977 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James Smith - Engine 93
He was killed when he fell from the pumper while responding to an alarm.
1978 - FALL RIVER, MA
F/F Ernest Dube
F/F Joseph Levesque
They both died in the performance of their duties.
1984 - PITTSBURGH, PA
F/F Anthony J. Lundy Sr. - Age 36
As a pumper was backing down a narrow alleyway to take a hydrant, he was
killed when he either fell or slipped from the backstep and landed under
the rear wheels of the pumper, sustaining massive head injuries.
1991 - HAMMOND, IN
F/F Fred P. Biedron - Age 34
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing roof while operating
at a 3-alarm fire in a block-long warehouse. His father also made The
Supreme Sacrifice in 1968.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1891 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Lt. John Murray - Ladder F
He died in the performance of his duties.
1892 - ALBANY, NY
Capt. Charles E. Marshall - Engine 4
F/F Fred Amthor - Engine 4
F/F Bernard Bamer - Engine 4
F/F John W. Bridgford - Engine 4
They were all killed when they were caught in the collapse of a 70-foot
high wall while operating at a 2-alarm explosion and fire in a flour
mill. Ironically, F/F Bamer was wearing the helmet of a F/F who was
killed in a wall collapse in 1885. Bamer's dying words were, "I knew it
would bring me bad luck."
1898 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Edward Cremieux - Truck 11
He was the 4th and last F/F to die as a result of injuries sustained
December 15th, when he and several other F/Fs were caught under a
collapsing wall while operating at a 3-alarm stable fire.
1899 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Webster Robertson - Hose 5 - Age 47 - 16-year veteran
He died as a result of severe head injuries sustained December 7th, when
he was thrown from the hose wagon while responding to an alarm.
1903 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Joseph F. Brown - Engine 2
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1905 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Henry Bassett - Engine 96 (det. to Engine 40)
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a 6-alarm fire which destroyed a block.
1907 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F John J. Sullivan - Engine 11
He died in the performance of his duties.
1942 - HAMMOND, IN
F/F Joseph Ribiski
He died in the performance of his duties.
1954 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Millard F. Coxen - Truck 16
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1957 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Joseph J. Tucker - Engine 240
He suffered a fatal heart attack in the performance of his duties.
1958 - RICHMOND, VA
F/F Charles C. Jones
He died in the performance of his duties.
1980 - RAPID CITY, SD
Capt. Martin Wiley
He died as a result of an illness contracted in the performance of his
duties.
1981 - STATEN ISLAND, NY
F/F Dennis M. Peterson - Ladder 80 - 15-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1984 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F John T. Williams - Rescue 1 - Age 36
While searching for people reportedly trapped at a 2-alarm fire, he was
killed when he climbed onto the marquee of the building and fell into an
old air duct that was covered over by a piece of tin. He dropped into
the basement and suffered a broken neck.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1877 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John J. Scharrenburg - Engine 6
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 4-alarm
fire on November 14th. Two other F/Fs died in the fire that day.
1919 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Baynes - Truck 22
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire on
December 15th.
1953 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Nicholas Schmidt - Engine 107
F/F John Jarose - Engine 31
F/F George Malik - Engine 34
F/F Robert Jordan - Truck 2
F/F Robert Shaack - Truck 19
They were all killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating at a 3-alarm hotel fire.
1960 - BALTIMORE, MD
Batt. Chief Christian F.J. Reynolds - Batt. 6 - Age 59 - 36-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while in the quarters of Engine 2.
1988 - COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, OH
F/F Robert W. Leas - Age 44
He suffered a fatal heart attack while hooking up a pumper at a pond for
a drafting operation at a mock fire evacuation drill.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1908 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Samuel Dunlap
He died in the performance of his duties.
1920 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F John Keupp - Ladder 101
He died in the performance of his duties.
1977 - VANDENBURG, CA
Chief William Bell
Asst. Chief Eugene Cooper
Base Commander Joseph Turner
They were killed as they were assessing a large brush fire on Vandenburg
Air Force Base property, and the fire swept over them. A F/F was also
critically burned when the fire swept over him as he was operating a
bulldozer to create a fire break. He died at a later date.
1978 - ATLANTA, GA
Capt. Clyde T. Ragsdale III - Ladder 1
He died as a result of his exposure to toxic chemicals at a fire on May
21st, 1970. While not affected immediately, his exposure to the burning
chemicals caused his health to slowly deteriorate.
1989 - LAWRENCE, MA
F/F William F. Maguire Jr.
He died in the performance of his duties.
1991 - BRACKENRIDGE, PA
Vol. F/F Michael J. Cielicki Burns - Hilltop Hose Co. 3 - Age 28
Vol. F/F David G. Emanuelson - Hilltop Hose Co. 3 - Age 29
Vol. F/F Richard A. Frantz - Hilltop Hose Co. 3 - Age 23
Vol. F/F Frank Veri Jr. - Hilltop Hose Co. 3 - Age 31
While searching the 1st floor for extension of a basement fire, they
were all killed instantly when the 1st floor collapsed, engulfing them
in a fireball.
Paul
In reading your December posts I have kept an eye out for a fire I remember
from my childhood. It was a long time ago, 1960 give or take a few years as
I recall, when a number of Louisville, Kentucky firefighters were killed in
a multiple-alarm bowling alley fire [Parkmoor Bowling Alley on Third Street,
if memory serves]. I was struck by a couple of things about that fire. For
starters, several of the firefighters were friends of my father. He was the
mailman who had served their firehouse for perhaps fifteen or twenty years.
And, if my long ago memories are correct, the Louisville fire department
then had a tradition of flying the Jolly Roger at firehouses when a LOD
death occured.
[I also remember that in those days one of the firefighters had to stay up
all night to monitor the bell system in the firehouse and bored firefighters
would once in a while call my father in the middle of the night to ask if he
was the same John Smith that came over on the Mayflower.]
Everything I recall about that fire, perhaps is incorrect: I was only eight
or nine years old at the time, but, I seem to remember it being in December.
As I haven't seen it in your posts I assume that I am wrong about the date.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1882 - BUFFALO, NY
F/F William Smith - Ladder 3
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a major fire involving a printing firm. He was the 1st paid member of
the department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
1893 - MANHATTAN, NY
Fire Patrolman Augustus Milner
He died in the performance of his duties.
1897 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Martin J. Oakley - Engine 5
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1903 - MANHATTAN, NY
Batt. Chief Martin M. Coleman - Battalion 5
Lt. Richard J. Joyce - Engine 55
They were killed when they were caught under collapsing walls while
operating at a spectacular 8-alarm fire involving a 6-story furniture
factory.
1904 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F William Malloy - Engine 45
He died in the performance of his duties.
1915 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Charles Willett - Engine 10
F/F Dennis A. Walsh - Engine 10
They were killed when they were caught in the collapse of the floors of
a burning building while operating at a 3-alarm fire.
1916 - RICHMOND, VA
Capt. W.C. Matt
He died in the performance of his duties.
1918 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F Joseph A. Donahue
He died as a result of spinal injuries sustained in a prior collision
between Engines 9 and 23 while responding to an alarm.
1921 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F George S. Mumford - Truck 5 - Age 52 - 23-year veteran
While responding to an alarm, he was thrown from the driver's seat when
the truck was struck by an auto. He was rushed to the hospital, where he
died a short time later as a result of multiple trauma.
1929 - HOUSTON, TX
F/F William M. Ward - Engine 14 (det. to Engine 19) - Age 44
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when the
pumper was struck by a train while responding to an alarm. Another F/F
was killed instantly in the crash.
1934 - BUFFALO, NY
F/F Edward Hanavan - Battalion 1 Aide
He died in the performance of his duties.
1935 - COLUMBUS, GA
F/F Louis W. Thomason
He died in the performance of his duties.
1940 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Thomas B. Hassell - Fireboat 2
He died in the performance of his duties.
1944 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Harold B. Adkinson - Engine 20 - Age 39 - 10-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 16th, when Engine 20
collided with an auto while responding to an alarm. The driver of the
pumper was killed instantly in the crash.
1987 - SEA PINES, SC
F/F Frank Hut - Hilton Head FD - Age 28
While on a salvage diving mission, he drowned in about 60 feet of water
when his communication line got tangled.
1996 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Stanley E. Scott - Engine 47 (det. to E84) - Age 45 - 11-year vet
After turning on a hydrant at a garage fire, he collapsed in full
arrest. CPR as started and he was rushed to the hospital, where all
efforts to revive him failed.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
Part 2
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1846 - BUFFALO, NY
Vol. F/F Henry B. Bishop - Engine 2
He was caught in a fire and burned to death as he slept in his father's
store.
1892 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Capt. William R. McGinnis - Hose 8 - Age 40 - 14-year veteran
He was the 13th and last man to die as a result of injuries sustained
March 17th, 1890, when he and numerous other F/Fs were caught in a
building collapse while operating at a fire in a bookstore.
1912 - BOSTON, MA
Batt. Chief Robert A. Ritchie - Battalion 13
He died in the performance of his duties.
1917 - ATLANTA, GA
F/F Charles C. Winter - Engine 4 - Age 39 - 4-year veteran
He died as a result of complications which arose from injuries sustained
February 19th, when he struck his head at a multi-alarm grain warehouse
fire.
1925 - BALTIMORE, MD
Capt. Harry Jones - Water Tower 2 - Age 51 - 16-year veteran
After knocking a 4-alarm fire in a grain silo down, he and several other
F/Fs entered the tall structure to complete the extinguishment. Without
warning, the top portion of the concrete silo collapsed, trapping 4 men
under tons of debris. They were dug out, and Capt. Jones was found to be
dead.
1952 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Patrick Rochford - Engine 82
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1959 - REVERE BEACH, MA
F/F Melvin Caissie - Engine 1
He died while working at a spectacular general-alarm fire that destroyed
a 3.5-story frame, 300x150-foot ballroom.
1960 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief Michael Lynch - Battalion 10
He was killed when he fell down a pole hole in quarters while responding
to an alarm.
1963 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F James J. Johnston II - Engine 310 - 4-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1989 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Kelvin Anderson - Engine 107 - Age 27 - 1-year veteran
He was killed while searching for possible trapped occupants during a
3-alarm fire in a church. He apparently became lost and disoriented in
the heavy smoke during the search. Search teams entered the church on
several occasions, only to be pushed back each time by heavy fire and
smoke conditions. The building became fully involved, resulting in the
roof eventually collapsing. His body was recovered 16 hours later.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1901 - TOLEDO, OH
Capt. John B. Ward - Ladder 7
He was killed in a collision between Ladder 7 and a street car while
responding to an alarm.
1908 - HOUSTON, TX
Chief Thomas A. O'Leary - Age 48 - 13-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained November 22nd, when he and 3
F/Fs were caught in the explosion of a burning railroad box car filled
with fireworks. He came to this country from England, and was the 1st
chief officer, and the only fire chief in the department's history to
ever die in the line of duty.
1912 - DALLAS, TX
F/F H.G. Hodges
He died in the performance of his duties.
1919 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John DeBreau - Squad 5
He was killed while responding to an alarm.
1938 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Thomas Barragry - Engine 241
He died due to overexertion while operating at a fire along the railroad
tracks.
1943 - JACKSONVILLE, FL
F/F William E. Holloway
He died in the performance of his duties.
1943 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Louis Kahler - Engine 14
While operating at a 2-alarm apartment house fire, he was killed when
the ladder he was on broke, dropping him to the pavement.
1944 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Dewey W. Neil - Fireboat 1
He died as a result of heart disease contracted in the performance of
his duties.
1949 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. John A. Lyden - Engine 240 - 20-year veteran
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained the previous
day, while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1953 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Joseph T. Mannino - Engine 219 - 16-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while performing company
building inspection.
1966 - CLEVELAND, OH
F/F Stanley W. Lawson - Ladder 5
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire.
1968 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Eugene R. Miller - Ladder 109 - 21-year veteran
He died as a result of critical burns sustained while operating at a
single-alarm fire on November 30th.
1975 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F John E. Cullinane - Ladder 2 - Age 59 - 30-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters after returning from a
structure fire.
1994 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Lionel L. Hoffer - Ladder 11 - Age 44 - 2-year veteran
While checking the 2nd floor of a 2-story church for extension of fire,
the floor collapsed under him, dropping him 12 feet into the 1st floor.
F/Fs were hampered in their rescue efforts by steel security bars, heavy
fire and smoke on the 1st floor, and a floor collapse at the front of
the building. He ran out of air and died before rescuers could reach
him.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1895 - LITTLE ROCK, AR
F/F George Wunderlich - Engine 1 - Age 25
He died as a result of the critical burns, and severe head and internal
injuries, sustained December 15th, when he and his captain were caught
under a collapsing roof while operating at a church fire. The captain
died of his injuries the day following the fire.
1897 - CLEVELAND, OH
Lt. William B. MacFeeters - Engine 1
He was killed when he fell down an elevator shaft from the 4th floor
while operating at a major fire.
1909 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Francis V.A. Maher - Ladder 110
He died as a result of injuries sustained while responding to an alarm
on April 26th.
1911 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. John F. Timmons - Ladder 105
He was killed instantly when he fell from the roof of a burning
building.
1926 - LOS ANGELES, CA
F/F Ross Sechrist - Engine 31
F/Fs turned out for a small fire in a chicken coop that was started when
a power line fell on it during a storm. He entered the frame structure
with several other F/Fs, and being the tallest in the group, the high
eagle frontpiece holder of his helmet came in contact with the wire mesh
roof of the coop. Unknown to the men, however, the roof was still
energized. A charge of electricity ran through his metal helmet and
entered his perspiring forehead where a small portion of the helmet's
insulation had worn out. The electrical jolt killed him instantly.
1939 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Henry C. Foster - Engine 321
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1943 - RICHMOND, VA
F/F H.C. Bottoms
He died in the performance of his duties.
1952 - BUFFALO, NY
Capt. William Quinn - Engine 34
He died in the performance of his duties.
1955 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Robert Crawford - Engine 26
He died in the performance of his duties.
1963 - HAMMOND, IN
F/F Francis Volk
He died in the performance of his duties.
1974 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Daniel Perricone - Battalion 9 - 12-year veteran
He died while attempting to make a rescue at a 5-alarm fire while off
duty.
1975 - DALLAS, TX
F/F Riley C. Hurst
F/F Ralph T. Lack
While helping trapped occupants to a stairwell on the 14th floor at a
5-alarm fire in a 21-story apartment building, a flashover occurred,
forcing them to seek refuge in a smoke-filled apartment. Both of their
15-minute air masks ran out of air, and they died of smoke inhalation
and carbon monoxide poisoning before help could reach them.
1996 - BOSTON, MA
F/F James A. Ellis - Engine 14 - Age 43 - 19-year veteran
He died as a result of massive head trauma sustained December 21st, when
he fell down a pole hole in quarters while responding to an alarm.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1878 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F George T. Yatman - Truck 2
While operating at a major fire in a shirt factory, he and several other
F/Fs were operating a line from the icy roof of an adjacent church. As
he stomped his feet in an effort to keep warm, he lost his footing and
slid down the roof into the wall of the factory, snapping his neck. He
then fell down into an alleyway, dead.
1883 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Joseph V. Dougherty - Truck 1
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 19th, when he was
caught under a collapsing wall at a fire.
1897 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F James F. Calnan - Engine 34
He was killed when the apparatus overturned while responding to an
alarm.
1906 - BRONX, NY
F/F Joseph Finger - Ladder 29
He died as a result of internal injuries sustained while returning to
quarters from an alarm.
1911 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Fred H. Glander - Engine 20
He was electrocuted while operating at a fire.
1912 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George Wentz - Engine 6
He died in the performance of his duties.
1914 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Thomas W. Devziey - Engine 38/39
He died in the performance of his duties.
1916 - NEWARK, NJ
Lt. Joseph J. Owens - Truck 3
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 22nd, when Truck 3
collided with the Salvage Corps. wagon while responding to an alarm.
1927 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Bernard O'Kane - Engine 227
He died while operating at an alarm.
1933 - TOLEDO, OH
F/F Vanner E. Wendt
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire.
1935 - ATLANTA, GA
Capt. E.T. Allen - Engine 17 - Age 62 - 40-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 17th, when he was
thrown from the apparatus after it jumped a sidewalk and rammed into the
front porch of a dwelling.
1941 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F James F. Gillick - Truck 4
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 20th, when he was
thrown from the tiler seat after Truck 4 collided with a tractor-trailer
and then ran into a bridge abutment, while returning to quarters from an
alarm.
1955 - BRONX, NY
Capt. Vincent J. McGill - Engine 96
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm.
1959 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Arthur P. Spacone - Engine 2
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 23rd, when he was
thrown from the apparatus while responding to an alarm.
1965 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F William Huerta - Engine 112
He was killed when he fell from the 3rd floor while operating at an
alarm.
1968 - JACKSONVILLE, FL
F/F Walter W. Flowers
He died in the performance of his duties.
1971 - NEW ORLEANS, LA
F/F William Aymami - Engine 16
F/F Anton Puderer - Ladder 8
F/F George Forstall - Flying Squad - 24-year veteran
While operating at a 2-alarm fire involving a row of vacant 2-story
frame dwellings, they were killed, and 14 other F/Fs were injured, when
they were caught under the collapsing front walls and balconies of
several of the buildings. F/F Forstall was scheduled to retire the next
day.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
Part 1
by Hank Przybylowicz
This date in 1910, stands as the darkest in U.S. career municipal fire
service history, as 34 men made The Supreme Sacrifice while operating at
2 separate fire incidents, 700 miles apart. Here are the names and their
stories:
1910 - CHICAGO, IL
Fire Chief James Horan - Age 51 - 19-year veteran
2nd Asst. Chief William Burroughs - Age 47 - 15-year veteran
Capt. Dennis Doyle - Engine 39 - Age 46 - 14-year veteran
Capt. Alexander Lannon - Engine 50 - Age 40 - 17-year veteran
Capt. Patrick Collins - Engine 59 - Age 47 - 17-year veteran
Lt. James Fitzgerald - Engine 23 - Age 33 - 5-year veteran
Lt. Edward Danis - Engine 61 - Age 46 - 15-year veteran
Lt. William Sturm - Engine 64 - Age 46 - 13-year veteran
Lt. Herman Brandenberg - Truck 11 - Age 41 - 18-year veteran
F/F George Enthof - Engine 23 - Age 31 - 4-year veteran
F/F Thomas Costello - Engine 29 - Age 34 - 5-year veteran
F/F George Murawski - Engine 49 - Age 37
F/F Frank Walters - Engine 59 - Age 46 - 17-year veteran
F/F William Weber - Engine 59 - Age 34 - 5-year veteran
F/F Albert J. Moriarty - Truck 11 - Age 34 - 8-year veteran
F/F Peter Powers - Truck 11 - Age 34 - 8-year veteran
F/F Michael McInerney - Truck 11 - Age 32 - 6-year veteran
F/F Nicholas Doyle - Truck 11 - Age 25 - 3-year veteran
F/F Edward Schonsett - Truck 11 - Age 27 - 3-year veteran
F/F Nicholas Crane - Truck 18 - Age 34 - 11-year veteran
F/F Charles Moore - Truck 18 - Age 29 - 6-year veteran
After operating at an early-morning 4-alarm fire in a 6-story brick meat
packing warehouse in the Stockyards, for close to an hour, over a score
of F/Fs were caught under a collapsing wall while working from a covered
platform. Six additional alarms were struck over the next three hours to
assist in the firefighting and rescue efforts. F/Fs worked throughout
the day and into the next night removing their injured, dying, and dead
comrades from the rubble. The fire was declared under control more than
24 hours later, and 21 men lie dead.
The Fire Chief's body was found 14-1/2 hours after the collapse.
The last body to be recovered was that of Capt. Doyle. His son, Nicholas
Doyle, was also killed in the collapse.
The entire company of Truck 11 was killed in the collapse.
The 1st Asst. Chief, who was suddenly thrust into the role of Fire Chief
at the tragic disaster, went on to become the Fire Chief, and was the
Fire Commissioner when a 1934 conflagration destroyed a good part of the
sprawling Stockyards.
Lt. Brandenberg traded his days off with another man so that he could be
at home with his family on Christmas Day.
Lt. Fitzgerald was to be married on Christmas Eve.
F/F Schonsett died on his birthday, and his 3rd wedding anniversary was
on Christmas Eve.
F/F Weber had just moved his family into their new home a few days
earlier.
The chief of Battalion 11, who was the first fire chief at the scene of
the fire, was killed in a collision on November 8, 1916, as he responded
to another fire in the Stockyards.
1910 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. Gustave Wittig - Engine 15
Lt. Thomas Entwistle - Engine 21
Lt. John Kalberer - Engine 23
F/F Robert Stewart - Engine 2
F/F Charles Edelman - Engine 6
F/F William McConnell - Engine 23
F/F Samuel W. Park - Ladder A
F/F John F. Carroll - Ladder G
F/F William Bihlmire - Ladder 1
F/F John Collins - Ladder 4
F/F George Matchinsky - Ladder 7
F/F Harry Bartolet - Chemical 2
F/F Thomas M. Pass - Chemical 2
After F/Fs had been making an interior attack on a 2-alarm fire in a
5-story brick leather factory for close to three hours, a collapse of
the building occurred, trapping several of the men under tons of burning
rubble. Immediate rescue efforts were launched, and two hours into the
rescue operation, a secondary collapse occurred, trapping even more men
than in the intial collapse. A total of 13 F/Fs and 1 police officer
were killed, and 51 other F/Fs were injured, in the collapses.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1910 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F William Ball - Truck 1
He died of severe burns sustained while operating at a 4-alarm structure
fire.
1913 - PORTLAND, ME
Lt. Ralph Elbridge - Chemical 1
He died as a result of inhaling nitric acid fumes the previous day while
operating at an acid apill in a drug warehouse. A deputy chief also died
due to the deadly fumes.
1928 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Courtney Hodges - Engine 49
He died while operating at a garage fire. He had just been promoted to
captain the previous day.
1935 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. John H. Seeman - Engine 227
F/F Cornelius Healy - Engine 233
They were killed while working at a 3-alarm fire in a 4-story tenement,
when the stairway collapsed, pitching them into the water-filled cellar.
1942 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Raymond J. Cosgrove - Ladder 153
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at an alarm.
1945 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Stanley Mazurek - Engine 97
While operating at a 2-alarm factory fire, he was killed when the ladder
he was on slipped, throwing him to the pavement below.
1961 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Arthur Lubecker - Engine 69
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm on
December 26th, 1960.
1967 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Thomas F. Brand - Engine 25 - Age 32
He was killed while responding to an alarm, when he was thrown to the
pavement as a result of a collision between Engine 25 and an automobile.
1986 - NEWARK, NJ
F/F Marcus Reddick - Engine 5
He died as a result of injuries sustained at a dwelling fire on December
31st, 1985, when he was knocked off a ladder by a woman who jumped at
him from a window ledge as he was climbing to rescue her.
1993 - JESSAMINE COUNTY, KY
Vol. Chief William M. Wheeler - Age 37 - 12-year veteran
Vol. F/F Cecil A. Fain - Age 27 - 4-year veteran
While returning to quarters from a car fire, both men were killed when
their 2,000-gallon water tanker left the road, overturned, and struck a
tree. Both were wearing seat belts and speed was not cited as a factor
in the crash.
1997 - CLARENCE CENTER, NY
Vol. Asst. Chief David P. Janora - Age 49
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from a car
fire.
1997 - LEBANON, PA
Vol. F/F Howard E. McGowan - Age 70
He suffered a fatal heart attack while taking up from the scene of a
call he had responded to.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more."
-- Charlie Ball
"Fireman's Prayer"
Let us not forget these brave souls who unselfishly gave their lives in
the performance of their duties. Let us all take a moment out of our
busy day to say a prayer for these fallen soldiers of the Lord, and ask
that he grant them eternal rest and peace in His Kingdom. Also ask that
He watch over and protect the member's loved ones who were left behind.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1880 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Patrick Clark - Engine 23
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 27th, when he was run
over by the hose tender while responding to an alarm.
1913 - PORTLAND, ME
Dep. Chief William Steele
He died as a result of breathing in nitric acid fumes at an acid spill
earlier in the day. A lieutenant was also severely overcome and died the
next day.
1914 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F William Rohde - Engine 25
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1922 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Alfred Little - Engine 27
F/F Patrick Dixon - Engine 27
F/F William Gelis - Engine 27
They were killed when Engine 27 was struck by Engine 14 while responding
to alarm.
1940 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Charles Monaghan - Engine 3
He died in the performance of his duties.
1945 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Joseph E. Joyce - Engine 40
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at an apartment house fire.
The rest of his crew was also knocked out by smoke.
1955 - QUEENS, NY
Capt. Thomas Herlihy - Ladder 167 - 31-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire on
December 24th, 1954.
1958 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Timothy F. O'Leary Jr. - Fire Prevention Bureau
He died in the performance of his duties.
1969 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James Fisher - Truck 47 (det. to Engine 79)
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained the previous
day, while operating at a 3-alarm fire in a vacant building.
1971 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Bernard Wienckowski - Engine 91
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1976 - MEDFORD, MA
F/F Anthony Bove
He died in the performance of his duties.
1976 - WESTWOOD, MA
F/F Robert Buteau
He died in the performance of his duties.
1978 - CHELSEA, MA
F/F James E. Trainor
He died in the performance of his duties.
1994 - CLINTON, SC
F/F Ronnie M. Fuller
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating the pumps at a house
fire.
1997 - SCHUYLERVILLE, NY
Vol. F/F Brian D. Myers Sr. - Age 47 - 3-year veteran
He was killed when he was caught in a flashover while making an interior
attack on a fire in a tavern/restaurant. One of his 3 sons, who are all
members of the department, was injured while trying to rescue him. He
was the first member of the department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1891 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Hugh McGowen - Engine 205
He died in the performance of his duties.
1919 - BRONX, NY
F/F Charles Snyder - Engine 62
He died as a result of critical burns sustained while operating at a
truck fire on December 28th, 1918.
1920 - ATLANTA, GA
Capt. Robert M. Netherland - Engine 10 - 27-year veteran
While responding to an alarm, he was thrown from the rig when Engine 10
collided with a street car. He suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs,
and internal injuries, and died at the hospital while being prepared for
emergency surgery.
1925 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Sigurd Christofferson - Truck 7
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 28th 1924, when Truck
7 collided with another vehicle while responding to an alarm.
1937 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Thomas Sheehan - Engine 20 - Age 48 - 15-year veteran
While preparing to put a line into operation at a basement fire in a
grocery store, an explosion occurred, blowing him down the stairs into
the burning cellar. He was rescued by brother F/Fs, but died before he
could be taken to a hospital.
1947 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Winfield A. Walsh - Ladder 9 - 9-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 31st, 1946, when he
and numerous other F/Fs were caught in the collapse of a loft building
while operating at a 4-alarm fire. A battalion chief who was critically
injured in the collapse, died at a later date.
1958 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Joseph J. Gray - Chemical 3 - Age 50 - 14-year veteran
After returning to quarters from a small fire on a very cold and windy
day, he was at the watch desk tapping the company back in service when
he suffered a fatal heart attack.
1993 - MEMPHIS, TN
F/F James D. Hill - Age 45 - 21-year veteran
He died as a result of the critical burns he sustained December 26th,
1992, when he and another F/F were caught under a collapsing roof while
operating at a church fire. The other F/F died at a later date.
1994 - RUTHERFORD, NJ
Vol. F/F Thomas E. Dunn
While searching the 2nd floor of a 2.5-story frame dwelling for possible
trapped occupants, he was killed when conditions rapidly deteriorated,
and his escape was prevented when he got tangled in a bed frame.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1890 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Charles E. Morris - Engine 17
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 30th, 1889, when he
fell down a pole hole in quarters.
1910 - MILWAUKEE, WI
Capt. John J. Hennessey - Engine 4
Lt. Dominick O'Donnell - Engine 4
F/F William Foley - Engine 4
F/F Joseph J. Sullivan - Engine 4
They were killed instantly when they were caught under a collapsing roof
while operating at a major fire in a steel plant.
1918 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John J. Freid - Engine 65
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a 3-alarm factory fire.
1925 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Walter Connison - Ladder 12
He died in the performance of his duties.
1929 - NEWARK, NJ
Capt. John J. Wagner - Engine 16
While operating at a factory fire, we was killed when a weakened smoke
stack fell, crushing him, and collapsing the roof that he was standing
on.
1939 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Andrew B. George - Engine 36
He suffered a fatal heart attack upon returning to quarters from a fire,
where he overexerted himself.
1942 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F John Vernon - Engine 62
He died in the performance of his duties.
1953 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Robert Skalla - Truck 12
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 3-alarm fire.
1970 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Harold R. Nelson - Ladder 156 - 21-year veteran
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered in quarters
while on duty in 1958.
1989 - SOUTH HOLLAND, IL
F/F Douglas Maicach - Age 30
He was killed when he was struck full-force by a 2-foot-long propane
cylinder that had exploded and rocketed at him as he stretched a hose
line at a fire in a freight terminal. He was the first member of the
department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
1994 - CHILLICOTHE, MO
F/F Marcus E. Carr
F/F David J. Mosher
While transporting a patient to the hospital, they were killed, as well
as the patient, when a tractor-trailer swerved into the path of their
ambulance and struck them head-on. The truck driver was also seriously
injured.
1995 - MANHATTAN, NY
Prob. F/F Thomas A. Wylie - Ladder 18 - Age 30 - 3-month veteran
He died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning sustained December
27th, 1994, while searching for trapped occupants at a 2-alarm fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1878 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Frederick A.W. Gay - Ladder 3
While preparing to respond to an alarm, he was crushed to death when he
was caught between the hub of the steamer's wheel and a door post.
1881 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Hanlan - Engine 25
He was killed when he was thrown from the hose wagon while responding to
an alarm.
1889 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F William J. Chin - Engine 220
He was killed when he was thrown from the supply wagon while responding
to an alarm.
1919 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Capt. Clinton T. Lowes - Wagon 7 - Age 44 - 22-year veteran
Capt. Edwin Ankenbauer - Salvage Corps.
Salvageman Jason Shipp - Salvage Corps.
Both officers were killed instantly when Hose Wagon 7 collided with a
Salvage Corps wagon while both were responding to the same alarm. Shipp
was critically injured and died a short time later in the hospital. A
total of 5 other F/Fs and 2 salvagemen were injured in the wreck.
1931 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F William H. Hundertmark - Engine 44 - Age 46 - 21-year veteran
While operating a line on the front porch at a 4-alarm fire in a 30-room
country club, he and 5 other F/Fs were buried when the porch collapsed
on top of them. The 5 other men were rescued through a cellar window,
but he was heavily pinned by a large beam. Despite efforts to keep him
alive at the scene by the department surgeon, he died as his brothers
worked to free him.
1941 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Harold A. Barker - Rescue 2
He died in a fall from a ladder while in the quarters of the airport
crash unit at Laguardia Airport.
1942 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Barney Golombeck - Engine 117
He died while operating at a fire.
1943 - BALTIMORE, MD
Prob. F/F John H. Naumann - Engine 10 - Age 25 - 9-month veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained June 1st, 1942, when he fell
from the back step of the pumper while responding to an alarm.
1946 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Walter A. Jensen - Engine 233
He died as a result of critical burns sustained the previous day, when
he was caught in a flashover while attempting to rescue a trapped woman
in a single-alarm fire.
1950 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Peter Engel - Fireboat 232 - 36-year veteran
He died in the performance of his duties while at the quarters of
Fireboat 66.
1959 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Walter Schlueter - Engine 71
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire in a bowling
alley.
1960 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Clarence Sredzinski - Engine 126
He was crushed to death when he fell under the pumper as it backed down
a snowbound street.
1960 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Joseph Tuohy - Truck 17 - Age 69 - 44-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire in a paper
cup factory.
1965 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James E. Blake - Engine 118
He died in the performance of his duties.
1967 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Lorenzo Warlick - Squad 4 - 3-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained at an alarm on September 6th,
1965.
1969 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Joseph Willems - Engine 56
After returning to quarters from a fire, he suffered a severe hemorrhage
which resulted in his death.
1969 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F Marianno M. Pacheco
He died in the performance of his duties.
1993 - PORTLAND, ME
F/F Cowan
He died while operating at a 2-alarm restaurant fire.
1995 - SEATTLE, WA
Lt. Walter D. Kilgore - Engine 10 - Age 45 - 24-year veteran
Lt. Gregory A. Shoemaker - Engine 13 - Age 43 - 22-year veteran
F/F Randall R. Terlicker - Engine 13 - Age 35 - 4-year veteran
F/F James T. Brown - Ladder 7 - Age 25 - 3-year veteran
While operating at a 4-alarm arson fire in a food warehouse, they all
died of smoke inhalation when the floor collapsed, dropping them into
the burning basement. Heavy fire and smoke conditions prevented their
immediate rescue.
1996 - QUEENS, NY
F/F James B. Williams - Ladder 121 - Age 38 - 12-year veteran
He was killed, and several other F/Fs were seriously burned, when they
were caught in a flashover while searching for a child that was reported
to be trapped in an apartment fire.
1996 - STOWE, PA
Vol. F/F William R. Favinger Sr.
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from a call
for an automatic fire alarm.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more."
-- Charlie Ball
"Fireman's Prayer"
Let us not forget these brave souls who unselfishly gave their lives in
the performance of their duties. Let us all take a moment out of our
busy day to say a prayer for these fallen soldiers of the Lord, and ask
that he grant them eternal rest and peace in His Kingdom. Also ask that
he watch over and protect the member's loved ones who were left behind.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1879 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John W. Irving - Engine 29
He died as a result of a fractured skull that he sustained in a building
collapse.
1898 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Pierce English - Ladder 22
He was killed when he was thrown from the apparatus as a result of a
collision, and then run over by the truck.
1911 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Anton Jiranek - Engine 215
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when the
branch of a tree he was on broke while attempting to rescue a cat.
1934 - PORTLAND, OR
F/F Frank L. Kearney - Engine 21 - Age 37 - 8-year veteran
He was killed, and 9 other F/Fs were injured, when Engine 21 and Squad 1
collided while responding to an explosion in a dairy.
1937 - BALTIMORE, MD
Capt. Murray L. Byrne - Truck 10 - Age 55 - 23-year veteran
As he climbed down from the truck after returning to quarters from a
smoky house fire, he suffered a massive heart attack and fell to the
floor, dead.
1945 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F R.M. Ball
He died in the performance of his duties.
1967 - BOSTON, MA
Chief James D. Flanagan
While assisting at a motor vehicle accident on a highway, he was struck
by a vehicle and pinned between 2 cars. He was extricated and rushed to
the hospital, where he died a short time later.
1968 - MANHATTAN, NY
Dep. Chief Perry R. Peterson - Division 3 - 23-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1970 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Earl C. Kite - Truck 10
He died as a result of inhaling toxic fumes while operating at a fire
involving Xerox copying machine chemicals the previous day.
1974 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Fabian J. Echevarrieta - Ladder 109 - Age 37 - 13-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a tenement fire.
1976 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Charles R. Sanchez I - Ladder 131 - 7-year veteran
He was killed, and 8 other F/Fs were injured, when they were caught in a
building collapse while operating at a 5-alarm fire in a 1-story A&P
supermarket.
1995 - WINCHESTER, TN
F/F Wilbur Pinnell
He suffered a fatal heart attack while returning to quarters from a
fire.
1996 - ROCKAWAY, NJ
Vol. F/F Willard R. Hopler - Rockaway Boro VFD - Age 59 - 35-year vet
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating an aerial ladder at a
chimney fire.
1996 - PLEASANTVILLE, NY
Vol. F/F Thomas Dorr - 20-year veteran
During the "Blizzard of '96" he left his home on foot to answer a call
for all members to report for storm duty. He was discovered missing the
next day when his wife called the firehouse looking for him. A search
was made and and he was found lying dead in a park. He apparently had
been assaulted and murdered.
1997 - CLARK'S SUMMIT, PA
Vol. F/F Carl L. Ayers - Age 67
He collapsed and died while directing traffic at the scene of a motor
vehicle accident.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1875 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F George Fuller - Engine 6
He was killed when the steamer overturned while responding to an alarm.
1907 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Daniel J. Campbell - Engine 32
F/F Thomas F. Lennon - Engine 32
They were killed when they were caught in the collapse of the floors of
a 5-story rag and wastepaper warehouse while working at a 3-alarm fire.
1918 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F James Casey - Engine 202
He was killed while responding to an alarm.
1928 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Jackson - Engine 19
He was killed when Truck 11 collided with Engine 19 while responding to
an alarm.
1970 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Carmelo J. Puccia - Engine 53 - 18-month veteran
He was killed when he was struck by a train while operating at a small
fire in railroad tunnel.
1973 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Alfred Stach - Division 2 Aide
F/F Timothy Moran - Engine 25
F/F Richard Kowalzyk - Engine 104
They were killed when they were caught in a roof collapse while working
at a 4-alarm fire in a 2-story restaurant.
1981 - BOSTON, MA
Lt. Paul M. Lentini Jr. - Engine 37 - Age 32
F/F James M. Gibbons - Engine 37 - Age 31
They were killed, and 4 other F/Fs were seriously injured, when they
were caught in the collapse of the upper floors while operating at an
8-alarm fire in a 5-story commercial building.
1996 - OWEGO, NY
Vol. Capt. Guy R. Pollard - Age 64
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating the pumps at a house
fire.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more."
-- Charlie Ball
"Fireman's Prayer"
Let us not forget these brave souls who unselfishly gave their lives in
the performance of their duties. Let us all take a moment out of our
busy day to say a prayer for these fallen soldiers of the Lord, and ask
that he grant them eternal rest and peace in His Kingdom. Also ask that
He watch over and protect the member's loved ones who were left behind.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1894 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F William Mackie - Engine 61
He was killed while working at a spectacular 6-alarm fire that destroyed
3 buildings.
1959 - BALTIMORE, MD
Lt. Charles L. DeFalco - Truck 10
He died as a result of a broken back and paralysis sustained in a fall
from the roof of a warehouse while operating at a 6-alarm fire.
1960 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Ignatius V. Bell - Ladder 12 - 19-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a single
alarm fire.
1968 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Thomas Conley - Truck 50
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at an alarm.
1970 - QUEENS, NY
Dep. Chief William G. Dusterwald - Division 13 - 23-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1974 - JOHNSON CITY, NY
F/F Homer G. Mead - Engine 3
He suffered a fatal heart attack while connecting to a hydrant at a
structure fire. He was found lying in the snow next to the hydrant when
it was discovered there was no water to fight the fire.
1978 - VANDENBURG, CA
F/F Clarence McCauley - Vandenburg AFB FD
He died as a result of critical burns sustained on December 20th, 1977,
when his bulldozer was overtaken by a rapidly moving brush fire while he
was attempting to make a fire break. Three other men also died in the
fire.
1986 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Thomas L. Conley - Engine 41
He died in the performance of his duties.
1994 - BINGHAMTON, NY
F/F Gerald F. Mullins
He suffered a fatal heart attack across the street from the firehouse
after leaving quarters upon completing his night shift.
1997 - BRANCHPORT, NY
Vol. 1st Asst. Chief H. Robert Hathaway - Age 58
He collapsed and died immediately following a meeting at the firehouse.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1912 - MANHATTAN, NY
Batt. Chief William J. Walsh - Battalion 2
He was killed when he was caught in a collapse on the 4th floor while
operating at the spectacular 8-alarm fire in the block-square, 8-story,
Equitable Life Assurance Co. building. Extremely heavy fire conditions,
fear of additional collapses, and sub-freezing temperatures made rescue
attempts impossible, and it was several days before his crushed body was
found on the 3rd floor, buried under tons of rubble. Six civilians were
also killed in the blaze, 2 of whom jumped from the roof.
1918 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Charles Anderson - Squad 2
F/F Peter Horan - Engine 24
F/F Frederick Stoll - Engine 26
F/F James Kerr - Engine 26
They were all killed, and 2 other F/Fs were critically injured, when
they were caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a 5-alarm
theater fire. The 2 injured men died at later dates.
1918 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Charles J. Murphy - Engine 26
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 30th, 1917, when he
was critically injured while preparing to respond to an alarm.
1944 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Reuben G. Von Ohlen - Engine 16 - Age 58 - 22-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a dwelling fire. He
had just returned to duty after serving 6 months in the Coast Guard.
1945 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Elbert Hardman - Engine 36
F/F Nelson L. Tuite - Engine 36
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating a deck gun in front of a burning 6-story warehouse involved in
a 4-alarm fire. The hose wagon was destroyed in the collapse, and a
ladder truck was severely damaged.
1947 - MANHATTAN, NY
Batt. Chief William P. Hogan - Battalion 5 - 33-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 31st, 1946, when he,
and numerous other F/Fs, were caught in the collapse of a loft building
while operating at a 4-alarm fire. One of the injured F/Fs died at an
earlier date.
1947 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Jacob Rothfuss - Engine 38
He died in the performance of his duties.
1974 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Howard A. Heales - Truck 21 - Age 48 - 20-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while being hospitalized for chest
pains he suffered after overexertion at an alarm on January 6th.
1974 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Anthony W. DeFalco - Engine 298 - 13-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a dwelling fire.
1981 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Richard J. Smith III - Ladder 7
He was killed while responding to an alarm at Bellevue Hospital.
1993 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Arthur K. Tuck - Ladder 160 - 24-year veteran
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered while working
at a fire on March 13th, 1992.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1908 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Thomas F. Phillips - Engine 72
F/F George A. O'Connor - Engine 72
While operating at a 5-alarm fire, which originated on the 6th floor of
a 12-story commercial building, both men, as well as a Fire Patrolman,
were killed when the steel columns supporting the upper floors buckled,
collapsing 8 floors into the cellar. A total of 50 other F/Fs were also
injured in the collapse.
1909 - WASHINGTON, DC
Lt. Francis M. Smith - Engine 11
He died as a result of heart disease contracted in the performance of
his duties.
1957 - SEATTLE, WA
F/F James Willey - Engine 6
He died in the performance of his duties.
1962 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Francis G. Marney - Engine 2 - Age 54 - 19-year veteran
While driving the rig back to quarters from a small fire, he suffered a
fatal heart attack and slumped over the wheel. The captain was able to
reach over and stop the pumper, and then radioed for help.
1967 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Batt. Chief William Dusenberry - Battalion 2
He died in the performance of his duties.
1994 - EAST GREENWICH, RI
Vol. Dep. Chief Harold L. Salisbury
He suffered a fatal heart attack while directing operations at a fire in
a metal products factory.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more."
-- Charlie Ball
"Fireman's Prayer"
Let us not forget these brave souls who unselfishly gave their lives in
the performance of their duties. Let us all take a moment out of our
busy day to say a prayer for these fallen soldiers of the Lord, and ask
that he grant them eternal rest and peace in His Kingdom. Also ask that
He watch over and protect the member's loved one's who were left behind.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1818 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Vol. F/F John O. O'Connor - Southwark Hose Co.
He died in the performance of his duties.
1874 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
Capt. Charles A. Paine - Engine 2 - Age 32 - 8-year veteran
He died as a result of a fatal nervous system injury sustained as he was
climbing down from the hose wagon at a carriage house fire.
1908 - BOYERTOWN, PA
A volunteer F/F was killed while responding to the tragic Rhoads Opera
House fire, in which 169 people died and a city block was destroyed. The
F/F's sister was one of the people who was killed in the fire.
1913 - BOSTON, MA
Lt. Michael D. Greene - Engine 33
He died in the performance of his duties.
1925 - MANHATTAN, NY
Asst. Chief Joseph Crawley
He died as a result of lumbar pneumonia contracted after severe exposure
while operating at a 3-alarm fire on January 6th.
1953 - RICHMOND, VA
F/F S.J. Wood
He died in the performance of his duties.
1960 - BOSTON, MA
F/F James P. Walsh - Engine 42
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered the previous
day while operating at a fire.
1960 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Paul R. Cady - Engineers Unit 1 - 29-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties on January 10th.
1973 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Raymond F. Moore - Engine 3 - Age 29 - 6-year veteran
He was killed instantly when Engine 3 overturned after being rammed by
an automobile while enroute to a brush fire. Another F/F was critically
injured and died the next day as a result of injuries sustained.
1996 - SEWARD, IL
Vol. Chief Dale R. Zimmerman - Pecatonica FPD - Age 41
He died of carbon monoxide poisoning while attempting to rescue 2 men
who were overcome by fumes in a corn bin.
1996 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F William J. Zokan - Age 66
He died as a result of suffocating injuries sustained September 6th,
1982, when he was pinned under falling bales of waste paper after the
loading dock he was on collapsed during a fire. He had been in a coma
ever since.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more."
-- Charlie Ball
"Fireman's Prayer"
Let us not forget these brave souls who unselfishly gave their lives in
the performance of their duties. Let us all take a moment out of our
busy day to say a prayer for these fallen soldiers of the Lord, and ask
that he grant them eternal rest and peace in His Kingdom. Also ask that
He watch over and protect the member's loved ones who were left behind.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1898 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Charles Craven - Engine 2
He died in the performance of his duties.
1919 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Oscar Peterson - Engine 114
He died of asphyxiation while operating at an alarm.
1930 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Paul Rein - Engine 10
He died in the performance of his duties.
1931 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Thomas F. Kain - Engine 212
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained while operating
at a fire on October 9th, 1930.
1937 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F George A. Regan - Engine 4 - Age 54 - 30-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire in a
store.
1942 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F William F. Davidson - Deputy Chief Aide - Age 53 - 22-year veteran
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a 3-alarm fire involving a theater, hall, and store.
1948 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F Pierre J. Cournoyor
He died in the performance of his duties.
1948 - CAMDEN, NJ
F/F Elwood Menzies - Engine 8 - Age 51 - 25-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while connecting a hoseline to a pumper
at a working fire.
1951 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Jack Schuberth - Engine 42
F/F Henry Dyer - Engine 11
F/F John Gleason - Engine 42
Fire Patrolman Patrick Milott - Fire Patrol 5
They were killed when an explosion of illegally stored drums of lacquers
and thinners pushed a wall out onto them as they worked in a rear alley
at an 8-alarm fire in a 4-story waterfront warehouse. Several other F/Fs
were injured.
1955 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Joseph M. Oesau - Engine 277 - 30-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 5-alarm fire.
1960 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Henry Keating - Ambulance 7
He died as a result of injuries sustained January 9th, when Ambulance 7
collided with a private ambulance.
1962 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Charles F. Hale - Engine 14 - 33-year veteran
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered while working
at a single-alarm fire on January 14th, 1960.
1963 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Charles Senior - Engine 20
F/F John McKernan - Ladder 14
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating at a school fire.
1974 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F John A. Clark - Engine 6 - Age 56 - 29-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while hooking up a pumper to a hydrant
at a 2-alarm fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1879 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John Reilly I - Engine 17
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a fire.
1893 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Lars Petterson - Truck 2
He was killed when he fell down an elevator shaft while operating at a
fire.
1893 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Stephen Morgan - Engine 62
He was killed, and another F/F was injured, when they were caught under
a collapsing wall while operating at a 4-alarm store fire.
1899 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Burns - Truck 1
He died as a result of injuries sustained January 10th, when he fell
from the truck while responding to an alarm.
1914 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Joseph A. Hackett - Division 2 Aide
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
a deck gun at a 5-alarm fire in a commercial building. The hose wagon
was seriously damaged in the collapse.
1922 - HAMMOND, IN
F/F John Kotzer
He died in the performance of his duties.
1929 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Claude McGee - Truck 18 - Age 40
While relocating to another company's quarters, he was crushed to death
when the truck was forced into a parked car by a moving street car, and
he was pinned between the 2 vehicles on the side running board. The
tillerman was thrown from his seat and suffered head injuries.
1938 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Joseph Bogan - Truck 26
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 15th, 1937, when he
was crushed between the truck and a trolley pole while responding to,
what proved to be, a false alarm.
1959 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Frederick E. Glasser - Limited Service Squad
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1964 - CAMDEN, NJ
Capt. Leonard Ianelli - Ladder 2
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a 3-alarm fire in a
commercial dwelling. His father had suffered a fatal heart attack on
duty in 1942, and his brother also died the same way in 1975.
1966 - SPOKANE, WA
F/F Leroy Mackey - Engine 4 - Age 36 - 10-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation after being trapped in the basement of a
burning building.
1973 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Jerry A. Poole - Engine 3 - Age 32 - 3-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when Engine
3 collided with an auto and overturned while responding to a brush fire.
Another F/F was killed instantly in the wreck.
1973 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Frank E. Smith - Engine 236 - 20-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm.
1984 - SEATTLE, WA
F/F Mary F. Matthews - Engine 25 - Age 29
She died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when she
fell from the apparatus while responding to an alarm.
1997 - ROSINE, KY
Vol. Chief Stoy Geary
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a structure fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1905 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. James L. Haviland - Engine 257
He was killed when he fell down a pole hole in quarters.
1905 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F William J. Robinson - Engine 28
He died in the performance of his duties.
1919 - BOSTON, MA
F/F George Layhe - Fireboat 31
He was killed in quarters when a tank containing over 2 million gallons
of molasses ruptured, destroying the firehouse. He was found crushed to
death under a pool table.
1934 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Thomas A. Bowler - Ladder 43
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm on
January 2nd.
1958 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Richard Gelke - Limited Service Squad
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1963 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Charles Paukstis - Engine 88
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters after returning from a
fire.
1973 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Warren MacDonald - Ladder 20
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1997 - OAKLAND, CA
Lt. Richard A. Sanders - Engine 21 - Age 47 - 20-year veteran
He died in quarters while on duty.
1997 - WALDO, OH
F/F Arthur Ebert - Fort Morrow Fire District - Age 63
He suffered a fatal heart attack while manning the pumps at a garage
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1877 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Richard Sweeney - Engine 1
He was killed when he was thrown from the hose wagon while responding to
an alarm.
1911 - BRONX, NY
F/F Leo Hackbarth - Ladder 32
He was killed when he fell 5 floors while operating at a single-alarm
fire.
1918 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Ryan - Engine 26
He died as a result of injuries sustained January 9th, when he and
several other F/Fs were caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a 5-alarm theater fire. Four men died instantly in the collapse and a
6th man died at a later date.
1920 - SPOKANE, WA
Lt. Warren S. Willis - Engine 5 - 10-year veteran
He died as a result of severe head injuries sustained when he fell down
a pole hole in quarters.
1938 - BALTIMORE, MD
Salvageman James N. Baldwin - Salvage 3 - Age 31 - 8-year veteran
He was killed instantly when he fell head-first from a 2nd floor rear
porch while throwing a mattress out after a dwelling fire.
1948 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Carl E. Humphries - Truck 1 - Age 45 - 19-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while searching the 2nd floor for
trapped occupants at a dwelling fire.
1956 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Charles H. Jerscheid - Engine 24 - Age 45
F/F Joseph F. Taylor - Engine 24 - Age 41
While enroute to a house fire, Engine 24 collided with a tractor-trailer
and then skidded 50 feet, where it overturned. Jerscheid was pinned in
the driver's seat and was crushed to death. Taylor was thrown from the
back step and sailed through the air, striking a mailbox head-first,
knocking it from its foundation.. He was killed instantly. The captain
was also pinned under the engine and suffered injuries which left him
crippled for life. Two other F/Fs were also injured.
1974 - WEST SAINT PAUL, MN
As F/Fs were evacuating the area and setting up master streams at an LP
gas leak, the 11,000-gallon stationary tank BLEVE'd, killing 3 F/Fs and
a civilian. One F/F was killed by flying shrapnel and was struck by a
small portion of the tank. The 2nd F/F was killed when he was struck and
crushed by a larger portion of the tank. The 3rd man was crushed to
death when the rocketing tank struck a pumper as he was manning a deck
gun. The civilian was killed when several pieces of the tank amputated
both her legs.
1993 - MEMPHIS, TN
F/F Joseph Boswell - Engine 26 - Age 32 - 8-year veteran
He died as a result of critical burns sustained December 26th, 1992,
when he and another F/F were caught under the collapsing roof while
operating at a church fire. The other F/F died earlier in the week.
1997 - NEW ORLEANS, LA
F/F Allen H. Martin Jr. - Ladder 8 (det. to E16) - Age 33 - 5-year vet
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing roof while searching
for trapped occupants at a 4-alarm rooming house fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1943 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F James H. Mahoney
He died in the performance of his duties.
1948 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F Clarence M. Craig - Engine 16 - Age 49 - 20-year veteran
While responding to a car fire, he was thrown from the back step when
the pumper was struck by an auto. He was rushed to the hospital, where
he died 2 hours later as a result of injuries sustained.
1962 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief John C. Benham - Battalion 28
He was killed when he was caught in a stairway collapse while attempting
to rescue children trapped in a 3-alarm apartment house fire.
1962 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Victor Prokop - Ladder 155
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1977 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Donald P. Aversa - Ladder 152 - 13-year veteran
He died while operating at an alarm at the old World's Fair grounds.
1979 - OAKLAND, CA
A lieutenant died of smoke inhalation while operating at a train fire in
a tunnel under San Francisco Bay. A total of 40 civilians, and 44 other
F/Fs, were treated for respiratory problems due to the intense smoke and
heat generated by the burning train.
1984 - ROBBINSDALE, MN
Vol. F/F Thomas K. Hollingsworth - Age 35
He died of smoke inhalation after becoming disoriented and trapped in
the basement at a cellar fire in a single-family dwelling.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1891 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief Richard Fitzgerald - Battalion 7
He died as a result of lung complications after operating at a fire.
1903 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F James G. Corbett - Ladder 9
He was killed while operating at a 4-alarm fire in a 7-story excelsior
factory.
1919 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George J. Scanlon - Engine 44
F/F Joseph G. Schmitt - Engine 44
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating from an adjacent shed roof at a 3-alarm fire.
1922 - CAMDEN, NJ
Capt. Marvin Carrigan - Engine 3
He died as a result of crushing injuries sustained the previous day,
when he and 4 F/Fs were caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a multi-alarm department store fire.
1925 - CAMDEN, NJ
Prob. F/F John Reilly - Engine 4 - Age 35 - 7-month veteran
He was killed instantly when a copper fire extinguisher, that was shut
down, exploded in his face after it was used to extinguish an oil stove
fire. Another F/F suffered severe cuts and bruises as a result of flying
shrapnel.
1935 - PORTLAND, OR
F/F H.U. Gardner - Engine 28 - Age 63 - 18-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a house fire.
1946 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Harold F. Bishop - Ladder 2
While operating at a fire, he was struck by a falling skylight when a
backdraft occurred. His escape from the building was prevented and he
died as a result of smoke inhalation and burns.
1956 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
F/F H. Miller
He died in the performance of his duties.
1965 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Bartholomew V. Farley - Division 6 - 30-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 23rd, 1963, when he
fell down the subway station stairs while on inspection duty.
1971 - BRONX, NY
Lt. Jerome R. O'Connor - Ladder 27 - 10-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1972 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Joseph P. Connelly - Engine 311
He died while operating at a 3-alarm fire.
1996 - ALGER, MI
Vol. F/F Robert J. Haggadone - Wildwood Fire Assn.
He died after being in a coma for 7.5 months, the result of being struck
by a passing car while operating a hydrant at a house fire earlier in
the year.
1996 - SOUTH RENOVA, PA
Vol. F/F Reed E. Morton Sr.
He suffered a fatal heart attack while directing traffic and assisting
evacuees at a fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1864 - MANHATTAN, NY
Vol. F/F George W. Burridge - Engine 42 - Age 40
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a major fire.
1912 - BOSTON, MA
F/F J.F. Kippenburger
He was killed when he fell 4 floors onto a picket fence while operating
at a 4-alarm hotel fire.
1918 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John W.T.F. Kocher - Engine 54
While operating at a 3-alarm fire in a 6-story warehouse, he was caught
in the collapse of the 1st floor into the cellar. He managed to find his
way to a window, only to be blocked by iron bars. His body was found 48
hours later, still clinging to the bars that blocked his escape. He was
wrapped in a block of ice and had apparently froze to death.
1937 - WASHINGTON, DC
Lt. Gilbert G. Fletcher - Engine 20
He died as a result of lumbar pneumonia contracted in the performance of
his duties.
1948 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Robert Johnson - Engine 48
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from a
fire.
1959 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. Thomas P. Mulvaney - Ladder 148
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1880 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. William Baldwin - Engine 216
He died as a result of injuries sustained January 14th, when he was
caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a brewery fire. He was
the 1st member of the Brooklyn FD to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
1886 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Dennis McGee - Ladder 15
He died due to blood poisoning as a result of injuries sustained January
12th, when he was run over by the apparatus while enroute to an alarm.
1917 - SEATTLE, WA
Batt. Chief Fred G. Gilham - Battalion 2
He died in the performance of his duties.
1931 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Michael A. Riley - Ladder 24
He died while operating at a fire.
1961 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Arnold N. Reis - Engine 3
He died while operating at a 2-alarm fire.
1961 - QUEENS, NY
F/F James A. Pinto - Engine 275 - 27-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 2-alarm
fire.
1962 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Harold Gleich - Engine 22
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 3-alarm fire in a
vacant building.
1989 - OAK LODGE, OR
F/F W.D. Mills - Oak LOdge Rural FPD
He suffered a fatal heart attack while attending a fire service seminar.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1912 - RICHMOND, VA
Lt. Charles H. Reintz
He died in the performance of his duties.
1925 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Capt. David A. Gresh - Engine 14 - Age 64 - 32-year veteran
He had just returned to duty after a 3-week illness and had responded to
an alarm for smoke issuing from a vacant building. After searching the
building for the source of the smoke, he was leaving the structure when
he suddenly collapsed. He died while enroute to the hospital.
1927 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Frederick Busch - Engine 117
He was killed when he fell from the apparatus while responding to an
alarm.
1935 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George W. Sampson - Engine 30
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1971 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Ralph Helminiak - Engine 6
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a dwelling fire.
1981 - CINCINNATI, OH
F/F Lawrence J. Hausermann
He died in the performance of his duties while operating at a mutual aid
fire.
1995 - MOUNT VERNON, NY
F/F Dennis J. Mulllins Jr. - Engine 3 - Age 59
He died after being in a coma for over a year as a result of collapsing
in full arrest while operating at a dwelling fire on January 12th, 1994.
1996 - CAIRO, GA
F/F Marcel S. Glenn
He suffered a fatal heart attack while venting the outside of a burning
dwelling.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1881 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James Conway - Engine 18
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when he was
caught under a collapsing wall while working at a 3-alarm factory fire.
1904 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F George Gibson - Ladder 118
While operating at a 4-alarm factory fire, he was instantly killed when
he was knocked from an aerial ladder by a blast of smoke and hot air,
and fell onto the ladder truck.
1905 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Phineas W. Coleman
He died in the performance of his duties.
1924 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Lt. Fred E. Barlow - Engine 28 - Age 43 - 15-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a house fire.
1927 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Quinlan - Engine 12
He was killed, and a dozen F/Fs were injured, while working at a 4-alarm
warehouse fire.
1945 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Morris Graf - Engine 31
He died as a result of inhaling toxic fumes while operating at a fire in
a fat rending plant. Several other F/Fs were also overcome.
1952 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. William Munda - Ladder 130 - 25-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a single
alarm fire on January 11th.
1974 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Bernard C. Tully - Engine 30
He was killed while responding to a motor vehicle accident, when Engine
30 slid on the ice and collided with a dump truck. Several other F/Fs
were injured, one seriously.
1994 - OCEAN CITY, NJ
Capt. George A. Ciliberto
He suffered a fatal heart attack in his sleep in quarters while on duty.
He had answered several emergency calls during the night.
1996 - DALLAS, TX
Prob. F/F Jerald L. Dibbles
He died during his second day at the fire academy due to the failure of
several internal organs brought on by overheating during his training.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1841 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Vol. F/F Oscar Douglas - Dilligent Engine Co.
Vol. F/F Marcus Rink - Dilligent Engine Co.
They died in the performance of their duties.
1895 - ALBANY, NY
F/F Robert Gilmer - Truck 1
He died in the performance of his duties.
1899 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Martin F. McDonald - Engine 13
While responding to an alarm, he was killed when he fell from the rear
of the steamer and was run over by the horses of another apparatus that
was following.
1907 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Thomas McNamera - Engine 266
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 4-alarm fire.
1929 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Charles Siefert - Engine 9
He died while operating at a fire.
1929 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Ernest Heide - Engine 25
He died of electrocution. (This was a different incident than above)
1961 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Richard Concannon - Ladder 15
He died while operating at a fire.
1983 - AVON, NY
Vol. F/F Keith Farr - Age 24 - 2-year veteran
After rescuing several people from a tavern fire, he took a line in the
front door and fell into a hole that had burned through the floor. He
became tightly wedged, and despite all rescue efforts, died as the
result of smoke inhalation.
1994 - PROCTOR, VT
Vol. F/F Maurice W. Wardwell Jr.
He suffered a fatal heart attack after arriving at the scene of a fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1922 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Frank B. Hart - Engine 11
He died when he fell from a ladder while working at a fire in a grocery
store.
1924 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Albert E. Donovan - Engine 303
He died while operating at a 3-alarm fire.
1940 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Fred Boehm - Engine 39
He died as a result of head injuries sustained late in 1939, when he was
struck by a falling steel beam while operating at a fire.
1961 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Charles Moore - Engine 122 (detailed to Engine 51)
He collapsed and died while operating at a 2-alarm fire in an apartment
house.
1970 - RICHMOND, VA
F/F George W. Miller
He died in the performance of his duties.
1977 - CHICAGO, IL
Dep. Asst. Chief Christopher Riley
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties on November 1st, 1974.
1991 - HURLEY, SD
Vol. F/F Curtis D. Mikkelson
He was killed in a collision while responding to an alarm in his private
vehicle.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1865 - BUFFALO, NY
Vol. Lt. James H. Sidway - Hose 1 - Age 25
Vol. F/F George H. Tifft - Hose 1 - Age 22
Vol. F/F William H. Gillett - Hose 1 - Age 22
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating at a major fire that destroyed a block of hotels, stores, etc.
1880 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John O'Rourke - Engine 6
He died as a result of injuries sustained January 11th, when he fell
from a hayloft to the 5th floor while operating at an alarm.
1927 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Nathan Burnham - Truck 27
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire on
January 19th.
1927 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
L/M John Berdel - High Pressure 1
He died in the performance of his duties.
1929 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Herman Priebe - Truck 1
He was killed when a portable fire extinguisher exploded.
1976 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Joseph Kanavan - Engine 228 - 11-year veteran
While operating at a car fire, he was killed when a drunk driver rammed
into the rear of the pumper at the booster reel, where he was standing.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1900 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. Edwin H. Tobin - Engine 23
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained while operating
at a 2-alarm bowling alley fire on January 10th.
1908 - BALTIMORE, MD
Lt. Frederick W. Harmon - Engine 3
F/F Charles Freeman - Engine 3
F/F William B. Pugh - Engine 33
They were killed, and 22 other F/Fs were injured, when they were caught
under a collapsing wall while operating at a 3-alarm fire in a 6-story
foundry. Truck 1's apparatus was also destroyed in the collapse.
1918 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. James D. Stewart - Ladder 6
Lt. Harry Wirth - Engine 41
F/F James Pollick - Chemical 1
F/F Samuel G. Roller - Chemical 1
They died in the performance of their duties.
1933 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John V. Logan - Engine 37
He died while responding to an alarm.
1937 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F John B. Gormley - Ladder 5
He died in the performance of his duties.
1939 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Ceasar J. Macari - Ladder 128
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1945 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Frank J. Winklarek - Ladder 36
He was killed when Ladder 36 collided with a truck while responding to
an alarm.
1960 - SIOUX FALLS, SD
F/F Thomas C. Masters
He died as a result of a severe stroke he suffered several days earlier
while operating at a fire.
1970 - COTTAGE GROVE, OR
Fire Chief C.T. Arnold
He died while operating at a factory fire.
1995 - BURNS, TN
Forestry F/F Henry Frizzell - Tennessee Division of Forestry
He suffered a fatal heart attack while returning from a fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1874 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George Devitt - Engine 3
F/F Charles O'Neill - Engine 4
They died in the performance of their duties.
1909 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Daniel T. Dineen - Ladder 17
He died of gas asphyxiation while operating at an alarm.
1922 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. James T. Brown - Ladder 45
He died as a result of injuries sustained while responding to an alarm
on January 27th.
1926 - BALTIMORE, MD
Salvageman Frederick Klump - Salvage 5
He was killed when Salvage 5 collided with Engine 7 while responding to
an alarm. Six F/Fs and 5 other Salvagemen were injured in the crash.
1933 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Joseph Kasper - Engine 55
He died in the performance of his duties.
1955 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Frank K. Kober - Engine 278 - 15-year veteran
He died as a result of the severe illness he was stricken with the
previous day while on duty in quarters.
1956 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Thomas J. Slattery - Engine 40
He was killed, and a lieutenant was critically injured, when they were
caught under a collapsing roof while operating at a 4-alarm fire in The
Sons of Italy hall. The lieutenant died at a later date.
1967 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F James S. Hosey - Ladder 16 - 15-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a single
alarm fire.
1972 - PORTLAND, ME
Capt. John Rafferty - Rescue 1 - 30-year veteran
While returning from a medical run, he was talking to his driver, when
he paused and then slumped from his seat to the floor of the apparatus.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was due
to retire in 2 months.
1987 - GREENBELT, MD
Vol. Dep. Chief James G. Yvorra
He was killed when he was struck by a car while assisting an accident
victim on a highway.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1897 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Jeremiah O'Rourke - Engine 6
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 6-alarm
fire the previous day.
1901 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George Lehman - Engine 22
He died in the performance of his duties.
1906 - BALTIMORE, MD
Lt. John A. McKew - Engine 14 - Age 37 - 13-year veteran
He died of tuberculosis, which was the result of severe exposure while
battling the Great Baltimore Fire on February 7, 1904.
1908 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James Gallagher - Truck 1
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a 5-alarm fire in a 7-story factory.
1927 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Joseph A. Heslin - Engine 9
F/F Edward J. Fox - Fireboat 77
F/F John M. Grane - Fireboat 77
They were killed, and 19 other F/Fs were injured, when the floors of a
burning 7-story ragshop collapsed during a 3-alarm fire.
1945 - BROOKLYN, NY
Batt. Chief Anthony Jireck - Battalion 32
While directing operations in heavy smoke and heat on the 1st floor at a
4-alarm fire in a 4-story paper warehouse, he collapsed due to severe
smoke inhalation. All attempts to revive him failed and he died while
enroute to the hospital.
1955 - BROOKLYN, NY
Batt. Chief Eugene G. Dowd - Battalion 44 - 26-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a single
alarm fire on May 4th, 1949.
1960 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Nelson L. Little - Water Tower 1 (detailed to Engine 23)
He suffered a fatal heart attack while helping to hang hose in quarters.
1991 - BALTIMORE, MD
Lt. John N. Plummer - Engine 23 - Age 47 - 23-year veteran
After solely stretching a line into the building at a rowhouse fire, he
came out of the building to tell the pump operator to wet the line. He
complained of feeling light-headed and suddenly collapsed. Medics began
ALS and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead of a
massive heart attack.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1912 - WALLA WALLA, WA
Asst. Chief Robert Wolf - Age 46
While searching for the seat of a fire in a commercial building, he fell
into the water-filled and burning cellar of the building. He was quickly
enveloped in billowing clouds of dense smoke, which prevented F/Fs from
rescuing him. He was later found lying in 3 feet of water.
1942 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Francis J. Doman - Engine 59
He died in the performance of his duties.
1948 - CHICAGO, IL
Fire Patrolman Walter Crump - Fire Patrol 1
He was killed when Fire Patrol 1 collided with another vehicle while
responding to an alarm.
1955 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Daniel A. Dunphy - Engine 309 - 13-year veteran
He died as a result of head injuries sustained the previous day, when he
struck his head on a kitchen cabinet in quarters.
1962 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Michael J. Shields - Fire Prevention
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1976 - RACINE, WI
Capt. Thomas C. Werk - Age 51
While conducting a routine building inspection, he suffered a massive
stroke and died in the hospital a short time later.
1986 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Edmond Coglianese - Engine 98 - Age 42
After rescuing 2 people from a 3-alarm arson fire in a hotel, he died of
smoke inhalation after re-entering the structure to search for trapped
occupants. He apparently became disoriented in the heavy smoke and his
air supply ran out.
1995 - TALLADEGA, AL
Vol. Fire Chief Lathan G. Smith Jr. - East Providence VFD
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a brush fire. He was
also a career F/F with the Talladega FD.
1996 - LIVINGSTON, TX
Vol. F/F Lynn D. Burkhalter
While responding to an alarm in his personal vehicle, he was killed when
another vehicle broadsided him on the driver's side as he attempted to
cross a rain-slickened highway in heavy fog.
1997 - CONOVER, WI
Vol. Asst. Chief Robert Martinson - Age 43
He died of smoke inhalation when he became trapped at a dwelling fire
after falling through the roof.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1908 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Matthew Miller - Engine 249
While returning to quarters from a 2-alarm fire, he was killed when he
fell from the driver's seat and was run over by the heavy steamer.
1932 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Thomas Conway - Engine 71
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a 5-alarm fire in a
grain elevator.
1933 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Louis Nilsen - Squad 5
While responding to an alarm, he was killed when the wagon overturned,
pinning him to the pavement.
1962 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Bernard Goldman - Limited Service Squad
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1979 - EASTHAMPTON, MA
F/F Donald McPhee
He died in the performance of his duties.
1984 - FAIROAKS, OR
Vol. F/F E.I. King
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating the pumps at a fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1904 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Christopher Dressel - Engine 238
F/F Arthur J. Rank - Engine 238
While operating at a 4-alarm fire in a jute and hemp warehouse, they
died as a result of inhaling toxic fumes given off by the burning jute.
Another member of the company was also severely overcome, and died the
next day as a result. There were 15 other F/Fs also overcome by the
fumes.
1929 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Carey - Squad 8
He was killed, and 4 other F/Fs were injured, when they were caught
under a collapsing wall while operating at a 4-alarm commercial laundry
fire.
1937 - EVANSVILLE, IN
Capt. William Arthur - Indianapolis Engine 8 - Age 42 - 23-year veteran
He died as a result of extreme exhaustion and exposure suffered after
working without rest for several days and nights at a mutual aid flood
relief effort.
1954 - LIMA, OH
Capt. Cloyd R. Webb - Engine 6 - Age 43 - 13-year veteran
While operating at a major fire in a sporting food store, he donned an
old Civil Defense-style filter mask and went alone into the basement of
an adjacent store to check conditions. He was quickly overcome by carbon
monoxide fumes and fell into a foot of water, where he was later found.
1965 - BRONX, NY
F/F James F. Hipple - Ladder 49 - 12-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a single
alarm fire.
1977 - NEW STRAITSVILLE, OH
While operating at an arson fire in the town's firehouse, a 31-year-old
volunteer F/F was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall. The
fire was set by 3 teenage boys who were stealing gasoline. An adjacent
warehouse was also destroyed in the blaze.
1996 - ARDMORE, OK
Vol. F/F Marvin G. Mathes Jr. - Lake Murray Village VFD
After driving a water tanker to a fire, he suffered a fatal heart attack
on arrival at the scene.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1854 - BUFFALO, NY
Vol. F/F Henry M. Jackson - Engine 1
After stretching a line up a ladder into the 3rd floor of a burning
factory, he was killed when he fell through an open hatchway in the
dense smoke.
1901 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Frank Featherston - Engine 54
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a very stubborn single
alarm cellar fire. Many other F/Fs were also overcome.
1907 - BUFFALO, NY
A collapsing wall at a major hotel fire buried a score of F/Fs, killing
3 of them.
1927 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. John S. Roberts - Engine 15
He died of illuminating gas asphyxiation while operating at a tenement
fire. Many other F/Fs were also overcome.
1932 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F William E. Foley - Ladder 2 - Age 45 - 12-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 3-alarm
church fire.
1933 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Batt. Chief Charles Douglas - Battalion 4
He died in the performance of his duties.
1941 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William J. Driscoll - Fire Headquarters
He suffered a fatal heart attack while driving a medical division car.
1941 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Benjamin Parcell - Ladder 121
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when he fell
from roof while operating at an alarm.
1959 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Matthew F. Wieners - Engine 256
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1961 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief George Rees - Battalion 1
Batt. Chief George Kihn - Battalion 5
Lt. Charles Rauch - Engine 114
Lt. Louis Repkin - Truck 19
F/F Ciro Zuccarello - Engine 26
F/F Stanley Sliwinski - Engine 26
F/F William Hillistad - Engine 44
F/F Hillard S. Augustine - Squad 10
Prob. F/F Robert Burns - Squad 2
They were killed, and 15 other F/Fs were seriously injured, when they
were caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a 7-alarm fire in
a 6-story commercial building.
1985 - READING, PA
Vol. F/F Donald G. Jacobs - Ladder 2 - Age 26
While leading a trapped civilian to safety down a stairwell at an arson
fire in a YMCA, he and the man were killed when they were caught in a
flashover that engulfed a 1st floor hallway and raced up the stairwell.
Two other F/Fs were also seriously burned.
1994 - KANSAS CITY, MO
Capt. Nick J. Charmello
After assisting in extricating the victim of a motor vehicle accident,
he suddenly collapsed. CPR was started and he was rushed to a hospital,
where he was pronounced dead of a massive heart attack.
1994 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F John J. Redmond Sr. - Ladder 11 - Age 41
F/F Vencent C. Acey - Rescue 1 - Age 42
They died after becoming trapped as conditions rapidly deteriorated at a
5-alarm church fire. F/F Redmond was found unconscious in a foot of
water in the basement, and F/F Acey ran out of air after being caught in
a ceiling collapse on the ground floor.
1995 - STOUGHTON, MA
F/F Victor C. Melendy - Age 47 - 23-year veteran
He was killed when he was caught in a flashover while searching the 2nd
floor of a boarding house for possible trapped occupants.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1889 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F George Showers - Engine 4
He died in the performance of his duties.
1938 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Cornelius Noonan - Engine 33
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 3-alarm
fire on January 30th.
1970 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. John R. Eastburn - Engine 54 - 26-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1901 - WASHINGTON, DC
Prob. F/F Charles A. Keefe - Truck B
He was killed when Truck B collided with a street car while responding
to an alarm.
1912 - BALTIMORE, MD
Capt. August Schlimm - Engine 3 - 24-year veteran
F/F Herman Fumbaugh - Engine 3 - 24-year veteran
They both died in their sickbeds at home after contracting pneumonia due
to the severe exposure they sustained January 8th, while operating at a
5-alarm fire in a shoe factory.
1923 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. James Griffin - Engine 285 (detailed to Ladder 142)
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when the
truck was struck by a train while responding to an alarm. Two F/Fs were
also killed in the wreck.
1968 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. John Fischer - Truck 18
F/F Charles Bottger - Truck 18
F/F Edward Leifker - Truck 18
Unknown to F/Fs who were operating at a 3-alarm fire in the Mickelberry
Food Products Co., a 6,000-gallon gasoline tanker was parked behind the
building. Either a leak, or a faulty connection, caused gasoline to pour
into the basement of the 3-story brick, 125x200-foot structure. As the
gas fumes reached an ignition source, a massive and violent explosion
occurred, leveling the building and burying scores of F/Fs, employees,
and on-lookers under tons of burning rubble. The 3 above-named F/Fs were
killed outright in the blast, and another member was critically injured,
dying at a later date. Ten additional F/Fs were injured, many seriously,
5 civilians were killed, and 77 more were injured.
1978 - BOSTON, MA
F/F John J. McDonough - Light Plant 1
He suffered a fatal heart attack while responding to an alarm during the
"Blizzard of '78."
1978 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F John Brightcliffe - Ladder 3
He was electrocuted when a ladder came in contact with a high-tension
wire.
1994 - PINE HILL, NJ
Vol. F/F Walter Franks
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered in the fire
station on January 28th.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1861 - MANHATTAN, NY
Vol. F/F Joseph Skillman - Ladder 15
He was killed while operating at a fire.
1865 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Vol. F/F Samuel Flectwood - Moyamensing Hose Co.
He died in the performance of his duties.
1876 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F David Clute - Engine 30
F/F David Muldrew - Engine 30
They were killed, and their lieutenant was critically injured, when they
were caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a major fire. The
lieutenant died at a later date.
1942 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Joseph Prendergast - Squad 1
He died as a result of injuries sustained in quarters January 23rd, when
he fell from a window while he was cleaning it.
1952 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. William J. Brady - Engine 35 - 16-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire on
January 30th.
1958 - CAMDEN, NJ
F/F Edward Glaze - Engine 7
He died in the performance of his duties.
1967 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. Raymond Radecki - Fire Prevention Bureau
He suffered a fatal heart attack while on fire prevention inspections
during a blizzard.
1969 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Thomas Wannop - Engine 73
He suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty.
1976 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Joseph M. Beetle - Ladder 143 - 19-year veteran
F/F Thomas J. Earl - Engine 285 - 11-year veteran
F/F Stanley H. Skinner - Ladder 143 - 20-year veteran
While operating at a 3-alarm fire in the cockloft of a large restaurant,
they were killed when the weight of several rooftop air conditioning
units caused a collapse of the fire-weakened roof.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1838 - MANHATTAN, NY
Vol. F/F John Buckloh - Engine 19
While operating a hoseline from a ladder at a major fire, he was killed
when a wall collapsed onto the ladder.
1901 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Mortimer A. Roberts - Engine 231
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when he was
thrown from the driver's seat of the steamer while responding to an
alarm.
1919 - HACKENSACK, NJ
F/F Frederick Maas - Ladder 1
He died in the performance of his duties.
1923 - QUEENS, NY
F/F John F. Dunne - Ladder 142
F/F Michael E. Hanley - Ladder 142
They were killed, and the lieutenant was critically injured, when the
truck was struck by a train while responding to an alarm. The lieutenant
died the next day.
1926 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Robert Murdock - Engine 34
He died in the performance of his duties.
1927 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F David Lynch - Engine 3
F/F William Flynn - Engine 90
They were killed, and 4 other F/Fs were injured, when they were caught
under a collapsing wall while operating at a 7-alarm fire in a 5-story
commercial building.
1928 - STATEN ISLAND, NY
F/F John Dwyer - Ladder 78
He was killed when he fell 80 feet to the ground while operating at a
2-alarm fire involving a coal pocket.
1931 - QUEENS, NY
F/F George L. Byrne - Engine 301
He was crushed to death between the apparatus and the apparatus bay
doors in quarters while preparing to respond to an alarm.
1938 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Thomas Vaid - Truck 7
While operating at a 7-alarm fire in a high school, he was killed when
he was caught in a roof collapse, which was the result of an explosion
in a biology lab.
1957 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F Joseph C. Botelho
He died in the performance of his duties.
1980 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Donald Simpson - Engine 15
He suffered a fatal stroke while on duty.
1997 - STOCKTON, CA
F/F Brett A. Laws - Engine 9 - Age 29 - 6-year veteran
Prob. F/F Bryan J. Golden - Engine 9 - Age 21 - 2-month veteran
While searching for a trapped woman in a house fire, they were killed,
and their captain was seriously injured, when the rear wall collapsed,
bringing the roof down on top of them. The woman also died in the blaze.
It was F/F Laws' first fire, and they were the first members of the
department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1873 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George A. Erlacher - Battalion 2
He died as a result of injuries sustained Jnauary 17th, when he was
thrown from the hose tender while responding to an alarm.
1915 - ATLANTA, GA
F/F Charles A. Lowe - Engine 9 - Age 31 - 5-year veteran
He died as a result of the severe skull fracture sustained February 7th,
when he was thrown from the hose wagon when they collided with an auto
while responding to an alarm. The lieutenant was also critically injured
in the wreck, and died at a later date.
1928 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Joseph Fell - Engine 61
He was electrocuted while operating at a 3-alarm apartment house fire.
1953 - ATLANTA, GA
Asst. Chief Morris H. Dean - Age 56 - 34-year veteran
He was killed instantly, and 13 other F/Fs were injured, some seriously,
when they were caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a
7-alarm fire in a railroad depot. A captain was critically injured and
died at a later date.
1955 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. William L. Casey - Engine 218 - 15-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a fire on
February 1st.
1956 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William Prechtel - Ladder 28 - 18-year veteran
He died in quarters while on duty.
1979 - KANSAS CITY, MO
A captain was killed, and 3 F/Fs were injured, when a cornice collapsed
on top of them as they operated a hoseline in an alleyway to cover an
exposure.
1994 - SEA GIRT, NJ
Vol. F/F Glenn T. Thorn - Engine 1
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered shortly after
his arrival at a structure fire on January 21st.
kre...@juno.com
If am looking for information Good or Bad on EMS units. We are currently
looking to spec out a new Ambulance. We are looking at the Freightliner
FL60 or the International series of similar size. Also I am looking for
Good and bad on the box, along with repair and warranty problems of all
manufacturers. Any comment are appreciated. Concerns are with Ride
Quality, electrical system, durability etc.
Robert Krebs
Cold Spring - Crestview Fire Department
_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1876 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. John H. Bush - Engine 30
He died as a result of injuries sustained on February 8th, when he was
caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a major fire. Two F/Fs
from his company were also killed in the collapse.
1903 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Albert Pfluger - Fireboat 1
He died in the performance of his duties.
1930 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John J. Harvey I - Fireboat 86
While operating at a 5-alarm fire aboard a freighter loaded with nitrate
of potash, shellac, and news print, he was blown into the water and
drowned when the pilot house of the fireboat was blown off by a series
of violent explosions. A new fireboat was later named in his honor.
1945 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Maurice T. Hizer - Truck 4
He died as a result of a critical illness that struck him while he was
on duty in quarters on January 3rd.
1967 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. John W. Smith III - Limited Services Squad - 27-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1994 - PHOENIX, AZ
F/F Timothy Hale - Engine 15 - Age 29 - 8-year veteran
While unloading a stretcher from the back of an ambulance at a medical
call, he was crushed between the ambulance and a pick-up truck that ran
into the back of the ambulance at a high rate of speed. He was rushed to
the hospital, where he died while in emergency surgery. The driver of
the pick-up truck, who was under the influence of alcohol and fleeing
the scene of another accident several blocks away, was also critically
injured in the wreck.
1996 - RIDGEFIELD, NJ
Vol. F/F Michael W. McLaughlin - Engine 3 - Age 54 - 6-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack after raising the aerial ladder at a
fire in a laundromat.
1996 - MARIETTA, OK
F/F William R. Vinson - Enville, VFD
After spending 12 hours operating at 2 separate brush fires, he suffered
a fatal heart attack after returning from the 2nd fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1895 - LYNN, MA
Capt. Henry L. Skinner
F/F Thomas E. Murray
F/F John F. Dolan
They were killed, and 9 other F/Fs were seriously injured, when they
were caught in a building collapse while operating at a major fire in a
4-story frame hardware store.
1895 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Peter McKeon - Engine 5
He was killed when he was thrown from the hose wagon in a collision and
then trampled by the horses.
1909 - MILWAUKEE, WI
Asst. Chief James Gunning
Lt. Nathan Whaley - Engine 4
F/F John Craft - Engine 4
F/F Leonard Curtis - Engine 4
F/F Joseph Bielinski - Engine 19
While operating from the roof of an adjacent 4-story factory at a major
fire in a 6-story asbestos plant, they were killed, and many other F/Fs
were injured, when the rear wall of the burning factory collapsed onto
them, carrying them down through 2 floors of the piano factory. The dead
and injured men had to be lowered from the upper floor windows by ropes.
One of the injured men died at a later date as a result of his injuries.
1912 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George Farrell II - Engine 26
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm.
1917 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Alexander F. Mitchell - Engine 1
He was killed as a result of a collision between Engine 1 and Ladder 20
while responding to an alarm.
1918 - SOMERVILLE, MA
F/F Frank W. Ring
He died in the performance of his duties.
1922 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Thomas D. Hassett - Engine 58
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1923 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Lt. Charles J. Murphy - Engine 6 - Age 45 - 16-year veteran
After answering an alarm for a broken steam pipe, he was preparing to
return to quarters when he suffered a massive stroke. He was rushed to
the hospital, where he died several hours later.
1926 - PORTLAND, ME
Lineman John M. Hardy - Fire Alarm Division
He was killed when he fell from a ladder.
1943 - MILWAUKEE, WI
Lt. Michael Thiesenheusen - Engine 35
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire.
1946 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Kohles - Engine 25
He suffered a fatal heart attack while attempting to rescue a man who
was trapped in a fire.
1957 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Peter G. Peila - Rescue 2 - 17-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 2-alarm
fire.
1968 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Thomas Collins - Truck 18
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the massive explosion at
the food processing plant on February 7th, in which 3 other F/Fs were
killed.
1971 - CHICAGO, IL
Lt. William Quinn - Engine 119
F/F Martin Dyer - Truck 55
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall following
an explosion at a factory fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1908 - MANHATTAN, NY
Dep. Chief Charles A. Kruger - Division 2
He drowned while operating at a 3-alarm fire when he walked through a
trapdoor in the cellar and fell into the flooded sub-cellar of the loft
building. He was nearly saved by his aide, but due to the intense smoke
and the chief's weight, he couldn't hold him until help arrived.
1909 - BROOKLYN, NY
Batt. Chief Michael E.C. Graham - Battalion 35
He died while operating at a 3-alarm fire.
1910 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F William Caton - Engine 18 - Age 54
He died as a result of a massive skull fracture, suffered when he was
thrown from the driver's seat while responding to an alarm.
1923 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
Capt. James H. Furfrey - Engine 6 - Age 65 - 28-year veteran
He died while operating at a dwelling fire.
1930 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. Charles H. Furey - Engine 245
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1934 - MILTON, MA
F/F George B. Hersey
He died in the performance of his duties.
1940 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F John P. Schwintek - Engine 202
He suffered a fatal heart attack in front of quarters while shoveling
snow.
1946 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Conrad Wynne - Squad 10
After fighting an earlier fire, he responded to another alarm, where he
suffered an apparent massive heart attack and died.
1958 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William G. Schmid - Ladder 1 (detailed to Ladder 20)
F/F Bernard Blumenthal - Ladder 20
Sgt. Michael G. McGee - Fire Patrol
Patrolman James F. Devine - Fire Patrol
Patrolman Louis J. Brusati - Fire Patrol
Patrolman Michael R. Tracy - Fire Patrol
While operating at a 5-alarm fire in a 6-story loft building, 3 floors
of the building, which were overloaded with 800-pound rolls of paper,
collapsed, killing the 6 men. Due to a heavy snowfall, bitter cold and
icy conditions, and the possibility of further collapses, it took F/Fs 4
days to recover the bodies of their fallen comrades.
1962 - CHICAGO, IL
Dep. Chief Robert O'Brien - Fire Prevention Bureau
Batt. Chief Thomas Hoff - Fire Academy
While operating at a 4-alarm fire in a 4-story apartment house, they
were killed when the building collapsed.
1979 - BUTLER, NJ
Vol. F/F Irving W. Soules - Kinney Hose Co. 1 - Age 23 - 3-year veteran
He was killed while attempting to rescue his father from their burning
apartment building. His father was rescued through a window by another
F/F who worked next door.
1995 - PITTSBURGH, PA
Capt. Thomas A. Brooks - Engine 17 - Age 42 - 13-year veteran
F/F Patricia A. Conroy - Engine 8 - Age 43 - 8-year veteran
Prob. F/F Marc R. Kolenda - Engine 8 - Age 27
They died as a result of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning
when their air supplies ran out after becoming trapped in the burning
basement at a 5-alarm arson fire in a multiple dwelling.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1877 - WASHINGTON, DC
Capt. Thomas H. Robinson - Truck A
He died as a result of injuries sustained, when the wheels of the truck
crushed his leg after he fell from the apparatus while responding to an
a alarm.
1906 - BOSTON, MA
Fire Chief William T. Cheswell
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire in a grocery
warehouse.
1909 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Otto Nimmer - Engine 19
He died as a result of a broken back and crushing injuries sustained in
the building collapse on February 13th, where 5 other F/Fs were killed.
1919 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Thomas J. Stevens - Ladder 11
He was crushed to death between the truck and the apparatus bay doors
while preparing to respond to an alarm.
1962 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Leo J.J. Ray - Engine 53
He died in the performance of his duties.
1969 - BROOKLYN, NY
Capt. James A. Walsh - Engine 234
He died in the performance of his duties.
1971 - WASHINGTON, DC
Dep. Chief Vance T. Bartley - Apparatus Division
He died as a result of heart disease contracted in the performance of
his duties.
1977 - PORTLAND, OR
F/F John L. DeVaney - Engine 15 - Age 56 - 27-year veteran
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered while working
at a shed fire on February 13th.
1984 - MEMPHIS, TN
Lt. James R. Kennedy - Age 43
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a multi-alarm fire
in a supermarket.
1997 - GENEVA, NY
Vol. F/F Timothy J. Warren - Age 36 - 18-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while stretching a hoseline at a fire
in a college dormitory. His brother, also a Geneva volunteer F/F, was
killed in a motor vehicle accident in 1980 while responding to a false
alarm.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1852 - BOSTON, MA
Vol. F/F John Smith - Hydrant Co. 2
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at major fire in a commercial building. He was the first member of the
department to make The Supreme Sacrifice.
1924 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Terrence McCaffery - Engine 72
He was killed when he fell 3 stories while operating at a fire.
1951 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Charles Stewart - Engine 50
He died in the performance of his duties.
1962 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Pierce - Engine 50
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a 9-alarm fire in a
factory.
1968 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Lawrence Minogue - Engine 89
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties on August 21st, 1956.
1976 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F George A. Edgar - Ladder 14 - 2-year veteran
He died of pneumonia, which was the result of severe exposure while
operating at a 5-alarm fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1882 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F William Krattinger - Engine 2
He died as a result of a severe skull fracture sustained while operating
at an alarm on February 11th.
1892 - CHICAGO, IL
Prob. F/F Dennis King - Truck 1
He died at a fire just 10 days after joining the department.
1945 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F James J. Ryan IV - Engine 1
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 2-alarm fire.
1948 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Batt. Chief Howard A. Stewart - Battalion 11
He died in the performance of his duties.
1955 - BALTIMORE, MD
Batt. Chief Francis X. O'Brien - Battalion 4 - Age 53 - 31-year veteran
F/F Joseph F. Hanley Jr. - Battalion 4 Aide
F/F Rudolph A. Machovec - Engine 15
F/F Richard F. Meizer - Engine 15
F/F William W. Barnes - Engine 17 (detailed to Engine 2)
F/F Anthony M. Reinsfelder - Truck 16
After hours of pouring water on a very stubborn and smoky 6-alarm cellar
fire in a 3-story clothing factory, F/Fs were finally able to enter the
building for final extinguishment. Without warning, the entire building
collapsed, burying close to 50 F/Fs under tons of rubble. An additional
3-alarms were struck to assist in the rescue efforts which lasted for 9
hours. The toll ended at 6 dead and 40 injured.
1964 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Peter A. Cervini - Limited Service Squad
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1965 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
Fire Chief P. Galvin - Age 51 - 23-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack during a budget hearing in City Hall.
1982 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Robert J. Cahill - Ladder 173 - 28-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a 2-alarm fire.
1987 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Peter J. Cannelli - Ladder 143 - 16-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty in quarters.
1997 - TRUMANSBURG, NY
Vol. F/F Peter Kahn - Age 75
He collapsed and died while directing traffic at the scene of a motor
vehicle accident.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1860 - BOSTON, MA
Capt. Charles E. Dunton - Hose 1
F/F Charles Carter - Ladder 1
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating at a 4-alarm factory fire during a howling snow storm.
1968 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F George P. Linneman - Engine 218 - 25-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at a 4-alarm
fire.
1981 - LYNN, MA
F/F Robert W. Forest
He died in the performance of his duties.
1985 - MIAMI, FL
F/F Shawn O'Dare - Age 30
He drowned while trying to aid another F/F in locating a child that was
trapped in an overturned car at the bottom of a canal.
1997 - COLLINGSWOOD, NJ
F/F Giacomo Menei Jr. - Age 44 - 22-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty. He was the
1st member of the department to die in the performance of his duties.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1882 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F David McBride - Engine 19
He died as a result of the acute stroke he suffered the previous day in
quarters while on duty.
1899 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F William Chance - Engine 32
F/F Hugh Duffy - Engine 32
F/F George Steinle - Engine 32
They died in the performance of their duties.
1919 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Alfred J. Kunde - Ladder 114
He was killed when he fell into the hold of a burning freighter and was
overcome by fumes.
1942 - ATLANTA, GA
F/F Julian H. Head - Engine 6 - Age 30 - 7-year veteran
He died as a result of the smoke and gases he inhaled while operating at
a fire in an inn on February 10th.
1956 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
Capt. John J. Drinan - Engine 3 - Age 57 - 30-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1984 - CAPE CORAL, FL
F/F Michael T. McCarthy - Age 44
While moving a hose line in on a car which caught fire after striking a
pole, he suddenly collapsed. CPR was started and he was rushed to the
hopspital, where he was pronounced dead of an apparent massive heart
attack.
1997 - LEXINGTON, KY
F/F Charles J. Williams Jr. - Engine 6 - Age 29 - 7-year veteran
While searching a burning dwelling for a reportedly trapped woman, he
was pitched into the burning basement when the 1st floor collapsed. He
was rescued after about 20 minutes, but died as a result of burns and
smoke inhalation while enroute to the hospital. There was no one in the
building and the fire was determined to have been arson.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1902 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Edward Kinsella - Engine 3
F/F Christ Mattison - Truck 8
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
operating at a foundry fire.
1912 - ST. PAUL, MN
Lt. John Thome - Engine 9
He was killed when he fell 30 feet from a ladder while operating a hose
line at a general alarm fire in an opera house.
1932 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Maurice P. Corbett - Truck 4
He was killed in a collision between Truck 4 and a street car while
responding to an alarm.
1933 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Charles Arnold - Engine 44
He died in the performance of his duties.
1942 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Lloyd Benson - Engine 35
He died while operating at a fire.
1952 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Bernard E. Meaney - Engine 276
He suffered a fatal heart attack as a result of the smoke inhalation he
sustained the previous day while operating at a fire.
1969 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Lawrence Franklin - Ladder 30 - 16-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm.
1988 - CROOKED RIVER RANCH, OR
Vol. F/F W.L. Beck
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered on February
15th, while fighting a fire involving his own home.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1880 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John F. Cassidy - Ladder 1
F/F Thomas J. Dougherty - Ladder 1
While venting the roof at a 3-alarm fire, they were killed when the roof
collapsed under them.
1885 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F George Wolf - Engine 1
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire in a plumbing
warehouse.
1891 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Thomas R. Newman - Truck A
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when a
street car struck the truck while they were responding to an alarm.
1897 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F William Heller - Engine 1
He died in the performance of his duties.
1907 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Lt. John J. Cox - Ladder D
He died in the performance of his duties.
1915 - BOSTON, MA
Batt. Chief Michael Walsh - Battalion 9
He died as a result of injuries sustained December 2nd, 1914, when his
car struck an elevated railway pillar while responding to an alarm.
1930 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F William F. McGrath - Ladder 3 - Age 45 - 21-year veteran
He was asphyxiated by gas in the basement while operating at a fire in a
row of stores.
1933 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Ferdinand Riviello - Ladder 14
He was killed in a collision between the truck and a taxi cab while
responding to an alarm.
1941 - QUEENS, NY
Capt. Daniel J. Murphy I - Engine 315
He died as a result of the severe smoke inhalation he suffered while
operating at a fire on February 2nd, 1940.
1943 - SEATTLE, WA
F/F Luther D. Bonner - Engine 19
He died in the performance of his duties.
1990 - SOUTH BEND, IN
F/F Richard V. Brekrus - Age 59 - 34-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at an arson fire in a
dwelling.
David W. Pfister
Hank,
I don't know if you have a formal "submission" system for the Supreme
Sacrifice list; however, here are two additions for you. I know I speak for
many when I say that we appreciate the effort you put into this service.
For February 19th:
1990 - PORT WASHINGTON, NY
Vol. F/F Ingrid Sowle
She died as a result of being struck by a drunk driver while operating at
the scene of an auto accident.
For November 26:
1988 - PORT WASHINGTON, NY
Vol. F/F Lt. Robert Dayton
He died while searching for occupants in an apartment above an antique
store. Lt. Dayton was also a career firefighter with FDNY.
-----Original Message-----
From: Hank Przybylowicz <"chie...@viconet.com"@207.17.227.2>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.fire-l
Date: Sunday, February 15, 1998 6:03 AM
Subject: SUPREME SACRIFICE - February 19
>_|_ _|_
> | THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
> | February 19 |
>
> by Hank Przybylowicz
>
>
>On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
>The Supreme Sacrifice:
>
>1902 - MILWAUKEE, WI
>F/F Edward Kinsella - Engine 3
>F/F Christ Mattison - Truck 8
>They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing wall while
>operating at a foundry fire.
>
>1912 - ST. PAUL, MN
>Lt. John Thome - Engine 9
>He was killed when he fell 30 feet from a ladder while operating a hose
>line at a general alarm fire in an opera house.
>
>1932 - WASHINGTON, DC
>F/F Maurice P. Corbett - Truck 4
>He was killed in a collision between Truck 4 and a street car while
>responding to an alarm.
>
>1933 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
>F/F Charles Arnold - Engine 44
>He died in the performance of his duties.
>
>1942 - CHICAGO, IL
>F/F Lloyd Benson - Engine 35
>He died while operating at a fire.
>
>1952 - BROOKLYN, NY
>F/F Bernard E. Meaney - Engine 276
>He suffered a fatal heart attack as a result of the smoke inhalation he
>sustained the previous day while operating at a fire.
>
>1969 - MANHATTAN, NY
>F/F Lawrence Franklin - Ladder 30 - 16-year veteran
>He died as a result of injuries sustained while operating at an alarm.
>
>1988 - CROOKED RIVER RANCH, OR
>Vol. F/F W.L. Beck
>He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered on February
>15th, while fighting a fire involving his own home.
>
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1899 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Michael Hackett - Engine 4
He died as a result of injuries sustained while battling a conflagration
the previous day.
1901 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F John Geary - Ladder 2
He was killed when the truck collided with a street car while responding
to an alarm.
1904 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Edwin Mason - Engine 4
He died in the performance of his duties.
1932 - PORTLAND, ME
F/F Jackson
He died while operating at a 2-alarm fire.
1936 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F George J. Reif - Truck 3 (det. to Eng. 5) - Age 39 - 12-year veteran
He was killed, and another F/F was injured, when they were struck by the
powerful stream from a fireboat's bow monitor after an explosion aboard
a burning freighter engulfed them in clouds of heavy smoke.
1965 - CAMBRIDGE, MA
F/F Richard E. Smith - Engine 2 - Age 58 - 18-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire in the city
dump.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1899 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Patrick O'Neill - Engine 49
He was killed while operating at a 6-alarm fire and explosion that
destroyed a 9-story meat-packing warehouse.
1927 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Peter Parks - Engine 24
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1933 - WASHINGTON, DC
Capt. Robert G. Anderson - Engine 22
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1936 - NEW BEDFORD, MA
F/F Frederick E. Mosher
He died in the performance of his duties.
1948 - ATLANTA, GA
Lt. Roy W. Kirk - Engine 10 - Age 59 - 27-year veteran
He died as a result of the extreme exhaustion and exposure sustained the
previous day while operating at a 4-alarm fire.
1971 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F James Ward - Engine 19 (detailed to Engine 60)
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered while working
at a fire on January 13th.
1975 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Edward J. Winewski - Engine 304 - 9-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a single-alarm fire.
1981 - SALEM, MA
F/F James J. Koen Jr.
He died in the performance of his duties.
1991 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. David P. Holcombe - Engine 11
F/F James Chappel - Engine 11
F/F Phyllis McAllister - Engine 11
While operating at a 12-alarm fire in a high-rise office building, they
all died of smoke inhalation after their air supplies ran out when they
became trapped on the 30th floor by the rapidly escalating fire.
1996 - OKEMAH, OK
Fire Chief Nathaniel E. Quinn Sr. - IXL VFD - Age 66
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating on mutual aid at a
30,000-acre brush fire that destroyed 43 homes in 10 counties. Another
F/F was seriously burned in the blaze.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1927 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Steven A. Williamson - Engine 33
He died while performing a theater detail.
1928 - ATLANTA, GA
Asst. Chief Tacitus Short - Age 59 - 28-year veteran
While directing operations at a dwelling fire, he was severely overcome
by smoke and gases, and collapsed as a result. He died while enroute to
the hospital.
1940 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Naperala - Truck 28
He died as a result of inhaling chemical fumes while operating at an
alarm.
1947 - BRONX, NY
F/F Nathan Levine - Engine 73
He died in the performance of his duties.
1974 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Henry J. Hinton - Battalion 6 - 19-year veteran
He died in the performance of his duties.
1984 - RUSSELLVILLE, KY
Vol. F/F Edgar O. Hardin - Age 62
While backing out of a fire scene very slowly, a pumper struck a rut,
knocking him from the back step. Before anyone could warn the driver to
stop, the rear wheels passed over his chest, killing him.
1997 - SPENCERPORT, NY
F/F Robert E. Fowler - Age 54 - 22-year veteran
While responding to the firehouse with his son in answer to several
weather-related alarms, he was crushed to death when a high wind gust
toppled a large tree on top of his private car a short distance from the
firehouse. His son was also seriously injured and had to be extricated
from the car.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1882 - CORVALLIS, OR
Vol. Fire Chief George P. Wrenn
He was killed while operating at a warehouse fire.
1928 - QUEENS, NY
F/F Bernard J. Reilly - Engine 274
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1942 - SPOKANE, WA
Oper. Jesse L. Booher - Fire Alarm Division - Age 53 - 25-year veteran
He died in the alarm center while on duty.
1956 - ATLANTA, GA
F/F John R. Findley - Engine 17 - Age 33 - 8-year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire in a commercial
building.
1963 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Stephen J. Chearnye - Truck 6 - Age 55 - 19-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while climbing a ladder at a 5-alarm
fire in a drug factory.
1968 - JERSEY CITY, NJ
F/F Winterhalter - Truck 7
While relocating to another firehouse, the truck was struck in the cab
buy a speeding auto. The force of the impact caused the apparatus to
careen across the street, jump the curb, and smash through a storefront.
F/F Winterhalter was driving and was pinned behind the steering wheel.
He was extricated and rushed to the hospital, where he died a short time
later. Three other F/Fs were injured, as well as the 2 civilians in the
car.
1970 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Robert McShane - Engine 14
He died as a result of injuries sustained on June 7th, 1952, when he was
caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a 4-alarm fire in a
paper box factory. He never fully recovered from his injuries. Another
F/F died the day following the fire as a result of injuries sustained in
the collapse.
1971 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F George Christoffersen - Truck 55
He died while operating at an alarm.
1974 - TACOMA, WA
F/F Dale Jones
While operating at a 2-alarm restaurant fire, which was started by a
burglar trying to cut a safe open with a torch, he became trapped when
the roof collapsed. He died as a result of heat and smoke inhalation
after his air supply ran out.
1985 - BROOKLINE, MA
F/F Richard J. Daley
He died in the performance of his duties.
1992 - QUEENS, NY
Lt. Thomas A. Williams - Rescue 4 - Age 51 - 30-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when he fell
from a 2nd floor window while attempting to rescue trapped occupants at
a 3-alarm arson fire in a 3-story mixed occupancy building.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1862 - BOSTON, MA
F/F Reuben Hanaford - Hose 5
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a 4-alarm fire that
destroyed several warehouses and wharves on an extremely cold and windy
night.
1892 - BALTIMORE, MD
F/F Leon A. Talbott - Engine 15 - Age 28 - 2-year veteran
On arrival at a fire on the 5th floor of a large 6-story building, 2
F/Fs grabbed an extinguisher and got into an elevator. Not knowing how
to operate the elevator, they ended up on the fire floor and quickly
became trapped by the rapidly spreading fire. One of the men was able to
escape by crawling out onto a narrow window ledge, but F/F Talbott was
unable to escape. His body was found near a front window.
1905 - MILWAUKEE, WI
Lt. William Morgan - Engine 3
He was killed in a floor collapse while operating at a fire in a wood
working plant.
1908 - TACOMA, WA
Lt. George Hill - Engine 4
He was killed when he fell 5 stories after tripping over a window sill
while trying to climb onto a ladder.
1914 - BOSTON, MA
Lt. William H. Hughes - Engine 20
He died as a result of injuries sustained February 14th, when he was
thrown from the seat of the hose wagon while returning to quarters from
an alarm.
1919 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Lt. Robert T. Moorehead - Engine 52
He died in the performance of his duties.
1924 - ATLANTA, GA
Asst. Chief William T. Cody - 19-year veteran
He died as a result of complications which arose from critical injuries
he suffered to his kidneys on February 23rd, 1923, when he fell through
a hole burned in the floor while inspecting the ruins of a dwelling
fire.
1930 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Maurice Shanahan - Squad 6
He was killed, and 6 other F/Fs were injured, while operating at a
2-alarm fire in a commercial building.
1945 - PORTLAND, ME
F/F Thomas L. Walsh - Engine 8
While operating a large hand line from the street at a 3-alarm fire in
an armory, he was killed, and 2 other F/Fs were seriously injured, when
an explosion blew out a wall out onto them, burying them under tons of
rubble.
1955 - WASHINGTON, DC
Capt. George R. Flaherty - Engine 1
He died as a result of severe smoke inhalation sustained the previous
day while operating at a stubborn and smoky 5-alarm fire in a hardware
store.
1974 - WORCESTER, MA
F/F Earl Hagerstrom
He died in the performance of his duties.
1978 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Patrick Bowler
While attempting to rescue 3 children trapped in a fire, he, himself,
became trapped and died.
1978 - WAVERLY, TN
Two days after 25 freight cars and tankers derailed in a train accident,
experts were preparing to transfer the contents of a 20,000-gallon
propane tank car to tank trucks. A massive explosion occurred, killing
the Fire Chief, 2 F/Fs, and a dozen civilians. More than 50 others were
injured and the explosion flattened 10 nearby businesses which had been
evacuated earlier. All of the fatalities were the result of severe
thermal burns.
1980 - WYOMING, MI
While operating at a restaurant fire, 2 F/Fs, one of whom was 32-years-
old, and the other 35-years-old, were caught under a collapsing ceiling.
Immediately following, the roof collapsed, burying them under tons of
rubble. They both died of burns and acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
1993 - WHITE PLAINS, NY
F/F Warren R. Ogburn - Fire Alarm Division - Age 39 - 11-year veteran
He had responded to a fire on the 8th floor of a 12-story apartment
building and took the elevator to the 6th floor. Instead, the elevator
went to the 8th floor and he became trapped when the doors opened on the
fire floor and the elevator flashed over. Three other F/Fs rescued him,
but not before suffering serious 2nd and 3rd degree burns in their
rescue attempt.
1996 - CARLETON, MI
Vol. F/F Francis L. Ploeger - Ash Township VFD
He suffered a fatal heart attack while pulling hose from a pumper at a
barn fire.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1889 - MILWAUKEE, WI
Prob. F/F Edward Noonan - Chemical 1 - 6-month veteran
While moving lines in at a major fire in a 4-story millinery factory, he
and 8 other F/Fs were caught when the roof and top 3 floors collapsed
burying them beneath tons of rubble. Noonan was killed and the others
were all seriously injured.
1890 - PORTLAND, OR
F/F Fred Wagner - Truck 2 - 4-year veteran
While testing a new pumper, he was killed when he was struck in the head
by a nozzle. He was the 1st member of the paid department to make The
Supreme Sacrifice.
1896 - CAMDEN, NJ
F/F Wilson Bromley - Engine 1
He died as a result of complications that set in after suffering serious
leg injuries, when he was thrown from the apparatus while responding to
a major fire on February 15th.
1912 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Walter Titus - Engine 19
He died in the performance of his duties.
1920 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F James Brennan - Engine 251
He died as a result of critical burns sustained February 26th, when he
and his entire company were trapped in a pumphouse and an overflowing
oil tank exploded while they were operating at a 3-alarm fire in a gas
light plant.
1975 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Michael Iaquinta - Engine 55
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a 9-alarm fire.
1984 - IRVING, TX
F/F James E. Pressall - Age 31
He died as a result of critical burns and smoke inhalation sustained the
previous day, when he was caught under a collapsing roof while operating
at a 4-alarm fire in an apartment building under construction.
1997 - VIOLETVILLE, MD
Vol. F/F Charles A. Weber Sr. - Age 48 - 30-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack after returning to quarters from an
alarm.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1866 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Vol. F/F Edward O'Neill - Columbia Hose Co.
He died in the performance of his duties.
1903 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. John T. Anderiese - Engine 1
He was killed when he fell through a fire-weakened stairway landing from
the 5th floor to the 2nd floor, while operating at a 4-alarm fire in an
8-story commercial building.
1904 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Mark A. Kelly - Engine 16
He died as a result of pneumonia contracted after severe exposure, while
operating on mutual aid at the Great Baltimore Fire on February 7th.
1907 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Harry F. Baker - Engine 26
F/F Adam Damm - Engine 26
They died as a result of gas asphyxiation while operating at a stubborn
basement fire in a meat market. Many other F/Fs were also overcome by
illuminating gas, ammonia, and smoke.
1908 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Capt. William R. Berry - Ladder 4
He died in the performance of his duties.
1913 - ATLANTA, GA
F/F J. Ira Gillespi - Chemical 1 - Age 27 - 6-year veteran
While operating at a major building collapse where numerous civilians
were injured and trapped, he was killed when the front wall collapsed
onto the aerial ladder he was climbing, knocking him to the street and
burying him under tons of bricks.
1913 - BALTIMORE, MD
Capt. James J. Reynolds - Engine 32 - Age 55 - 23-year veteran
Shortly after taking a hose line through billowing clouds of smoke into
a burning 3-story dwelling, he staggered to the front door and fell to
the sidewalk, dead of massive heart attack.
1920 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Thomas F. Brennan - Engine 251
F/F Michael M. Karkel - Engine 251
While operatng at a 3-alarm fire in a gas light plant, they were killed,
and 4 other F/Fs were critically burned, when they became trapped in a
pump house and an overflowing oil tank exploded. The 4 remaining members
of Engine 251 that were critically burned, all died within a month.
1925 - CHICAGO, IL
Fire Patrolman Earl R. Barnes
He was killed when he fell down a pole hole in quarters.
1928 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F George C. Strauss - Engine 206
He suffered a fatal heart attack after becoming overcome by smoke while
operating at a fire.
1937 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Joseph T. Fosse - Engine 40
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1947 - CHICAGO, IL
Capt. Harry English - Engine 68
He was killed while operating at a 3-alarm apartment house fire.
1968 - QUEENS, NY
Capt. Thomas F. Munroe - Engine 313 - 21-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his
duties.
1984 - SPICEWOOD, TX
Vol. F/F Thomas C. Ross - Age 39
While stretching a line at a major brush fire that had jumped a 4-lane
state highway, he was struck by a car on the smoke-obscured highway and
critically injured. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died
as of multiple trauma.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1840 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
Vol. F/F James Wood - North Liberty Hose Co.
He died in the performance of his duties.
1873 - BOSTON, MA
F/F John Prince Jr. - Engine 11
F/F Brown P. Stowell - Engine 15
F/F James Sturks - Engine 15
They were killed when they were caught under a collapsing front wall
while operating at a 3-alarm fire in a mattress factory. A total of 14
other F/Fs were also injured, 9 seriously. Two women burned to death in
the blaze.
1906 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F James B. Gray - Ladder 9
He died in the performance of his duties.
1930 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Henry J. Hoehn - Ladder 15
He died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day, when he fell
down an elevator shaft from the 4th floor to the sub-basement while
operating at a fire in a 37-story building.
1933 - ATLANTA, GA
Fire Chief John Terrell - Age 63 - 41-year veteran
He died as a result of the severe skull fracture sustained the previous
day, when he was thrown from his car after colliding with another car
while responding to a false alarm.
1939 - WASHINGTON, DC
Fire Chief Charles B. Schrom
He died as a result of heart disease contracted in the performance of
his duties.
1965 - MANHATTAN, NY
Lt. Arthur J., Wagner Jr. - Engine 2
He suffered a fatal heart attack while returning to quarters from a
4-alarm fire.
1965 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Alfred Balkie - Engine 61
He died in the performance of his duties.
1986 - ATLANTA, GA
Capt. Jerry A. Prince - Ladder 30 - Age 36 - 16-year veteran
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a 3-alarm fire in an insulation factory.
1994 - AUBURN HILLS, MI
Vol. F/F Dennis E. Dearing - Station 2 - Age 27
While searching the first floor of a dwelling for fire extension at a
cellar fire, he was killed when the 1st floor collasped, pitching him
into the burning basement. The 2 other F/Fs that were with him grabbed
him as he went down, but were unable to hold onto him.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1952 - SOMERVILLE, MA
F/F Richard V. McDevitt
He died in the performance of his duties.
1952 - BRONX, NY
F/F Thomas W. Cokeley - Batt. 18 (det. to Ladder 27-2) - 13 year veteran
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
"Lay me down beside cool waters
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1894 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F James McFarland - Engine 4
He died in the performance of his duties.
1935 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. William J. Head - Engine 13
He died of smoke inhalation while operating at a fire.
1935 - MILWAUKEE, WI
F/F Joseph Toman - Truck 7
He was killed when he fell from the truck while responding to an alarm.
1957 - CHICAGO, IL
Batt. Chief Howard Strohacker - Battalion 21
Capt. George Donovan - Engine 29
F/F Sylvester Pietrowski - Engine 50
While operating at a 2-alarm fire in a commercial building, they were
killed, and another F/F as injured, when the roof collapsed on top of
them following an explosion.
1965 - WASHINGTON, DC
F/F Charles M. Chamberlin - Battalion 5 Aide
He suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a fire.
1982 - MANHATTAN, NY
Capt. Alfred M. Knecht - Engine 76 - 24-year veteran
He died as a result of the acute heart attack he suffered in the
performance of his duties on February 22nd.
Hank Przybylowicz
_|_ _|_
| THE SUPREME SACRIFICE |
by Hank Przybylowicz
On this date in history, the following members of the fire service made
The Supreme Sacrifice:
1834 - MANHATTAN, NY
Vol. F/F John Knapp - Engine 32
He was killed when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating
at a major fire in a commercial building.
1904 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F John Hubbard - Fireboat 37
While operating at a 4-alarm fire, he was killed when a hose line broke
and wrapped around his neck.
1907 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Stephen Presco - Engine 11
He died in the performance of his duties.
1913 - ATLANTA, GA
F/F Charles Dougherty - Engine 9 - Age 32 - 11-year veteran
While climbing a ladder with an axe to assist in venting the roof at a
dwelling fire, he came into contact with a high-voltage power line and
was electrocuted.
1915 - PORTLAND, ME
F/F Harmon
He was killed while operating at a 2-alarm fire in a drug company.
1926 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Charles Wolff - Truck 38
He died in the performance of his duties.
1936 - MANHATTAN, NY
F/F Charles Schoener - Engine 13
He suffered a fatal heart attack in front of quarters after returning
from a single-alarm fire.
1937 - BROOKLYN, NY
F/F Michael J. Mulvey - Engine 207
He died as a result of inhaling toxic fumes while operating at a 3-alarm
fire in a 9-story factory.
1940 - BALTIMORE, MD
Dep. Chief John F. Steadman - Division 2 - Age 49 - 27-year veteran
He suffered a fatal heart attack while appearing before the Board of
Commissioners with 3 F/Fs that were standing trial.
1942 - PHILADELPHIA, PA
F/F Frank Martin - Engine 12
He died in the performance of his duties.
1952 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Howard Fisher - Water Tower 3
He suffered a fatal heart attack while driving the water tower to a
6-alarm fire.
1953 - ALBANY, NY
F/F Charles Brady - Rescue 1
He died while operating at a 2-alarm dwelling fire.
1955 - CHICAGO, IL
F/F Martin McDonald - Engine 98
He suffered a fatal heart attack in quarters while on duty.
1995 - BROOKLYN, NY
Lt. Raymond F. Schiebel - Engine 221 - Age 49 - 24-year veteran
He died as a result of injuries sustained March 5th, when he collapsed
in the basement at a 2-alarm tenement fire and went into respiratory
arrest.
1996 - TOMAH, WI
Vol. F/F Dennis D. McGarry
He suffered a fatal heart attack while putting equipment away after
returning to quarters from a dwelling fire.