George J. Murray, October 19th, 1937
On Monday, October 18, 1937 at 11:19 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 216, 10th & South Streets for a fire in an awning of a three-story brick dwelling at 923 South Street. Engine 20 responded from Engine 17’s station at Juniper and Race Streets, because Engine 20’s station was having a new floor installed.
While responding to the incident, Engine 20’s apparatus, commanded by Captain David Joffe was proceeding south on 10th Street.
At the intersection of 10th & Market Streets, Policeman John Campshaw was on duty. He waved for the apparatus to pass through the intersection.
At the same time, a P.R.T. trolley car (Number 6237) being operated by George Michael, was proceeding eastbound on Market Street. The operator failed to heed the signal of the police officer.
Engine 20’s wagon collided with the trolley car, and then struck a parked car. Hoseman George Murray and Hoseman James McKelvey were pinned in the wreckage. Hoseman Murray was removed to the Hahnemann Hospital where his shattered left leg was amputated above the knee.
Other injured firemen were removed to Jefferson Hospital for treatment. They included Hoseman James McKelvey, treated for an injured right leg. Hoseman John O’Donnell, driver of the apparatus, was treated for a broken right cheekbone. Hoseman Charles Toner was treated for a bruised right shoulder, and Hoseman James McGarry was treated for bruises of the right side.
Hoseman Murray died in the Hahnemann Hospital at 3:30 AM on October 19, 1937 after several blood transfusions were given. Numerous firefighters from the department served as blood donors.
Captain Joffe, Commander of Engine 20, stated: “This accident was caused by the motorman who tried to beat our apparatus across the intersection.”
George J. Murray, October 19th, 1937
On Monday, October 18, 1937 at 11:19 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 216, 10th & South Streets for a fire in an awning of a three-story brick dwelling at 923 South Street. Engine 20 responded from Engine 17’s station at Juniper and Race Streets, because Engine 20’s station was having a new floor installed.
While responding to the incident, Engine 20’s apparatus, commanded by Captain David Joffe was proceeding south on 10th Street.
At the intersection of 10th & Market Streets, Policeman John Campshaw was on duty. He waved for the apparatus to pass through the intersection.
At the same time, a P.R.T. trolley car (Number 6237) being operated by George Michael, was proceeding eastbound on Market Street. The operator failed to heed the signal of the police officer.
Engine 20’s wagon collided with the trolley car, and then struck a parked car. Hoseman George Murray and Hoseman James McKelvey were pinned in the wreckage. Hoseman Murray was removed to the Hahnemann Hospital where his shattered left leg was amputated above the knee.
Other injured firemen were removed to Jefferson Hospital for treatment. They included Hoseman James McKelvey, treated for an injured right leg. Hoseman John O’Donnell, driver of the apparatus, was treated for a broken right cheekbone. Hoseman Charles Toner was treated for a bruised right shoulder, and Hoseman James McGarry was treated for bruises of the right side.
Hoseman Murray died in the Hahnemann Hospital at 3:30 AM on October 19, 1937 after several blood transfusions were given. Numerous firefighters from the department served as blood donors.
Captain Joffe, Commander of Engine 20, stated: “This accident was caused by the motorman who tried to beat our apparatus across the intersection.”
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 43 - April 1, 1916
Transferred Hoseman Engine 47 - October 1, 1923
Transferred Hoseman Engine 20 - May 1, 1924