George Cavanaugh, November 21st, 1933
On Thursday, November 16, 1933 at 5:27 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 1397, 63rd and Lansdowne Avenue for a cellar fire in the Stanley Drug Company Store located at 801 N. 63rd Street.
Upon arrival, firemen found much of the stock and a refrigeration unit involved in fire. While operating at the fire, Hoseman Peter Murray of Engine 54 was found to be missing. He was later found and carried out by Hoseman Charles Carroll.
About that time, Hoseman Charles Carroll collapsed. Both Hoseman Peter Murray and Hoseman Charles Carroll were taken to the Misericordia Hospital.
Hoseman Murray died of his injuries before reaching the hospital.
Many other firemen were sickened by the heavy smoke which contained Sulphur dioxide fumes from the refrigerator. The injured included Ladderman George Cavanaugh of Truck 24.
Five days later, on November 21, 1933, Ladderman George Cavanaugh died of injuries received while fighting this fire.
George Cavanaugh, November 21st, 1933
On Thursday, November 16, 1933 at 5:27 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 1397, 63rd and Lansdowne Avenue for a cellar fire in the Stanley Drug Company Store located at 801 N. 63rd Street.
Upon arrival, firemen found much of the stock and a refrigeration unit involved in fire. While operating at the fire, Hoseman Peter Murray of Engine 54 was found to be missing. He was later found and carried out by Hoseman Charles Carroll.
About that time, Hoseman Charles Carroll collapsed. Both Hoseman Peter Murray and Hoseman Charles Carroll were taken to the Misericordia Hospital.
Hoseman Murray died of his injuries before reaching the hospital.
Many other firemen were sickened by the heavy smoke which contained Sulphur dioxide fumes from the refrigerator. The injured included Ladderman George Cavanaugh of Truck 24.
Five days later, on November 21, 1933, Ladderman George Cavanaugh died of injuries received while fighting this fire.
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 16 - April 1, 1920
Transferred Ladderman Truck 24 - January 1, 1931
Additonal Information
January 18, 2014
Dear Sister Cecelia,
In reference to your request for information on George Cavanaugh, our records have the following information:
Name: George E. Cavanaugh
Date of appointment: April 1, 1920
Address: 1488 N. Wilton St.
Age at appointment: 25
Occupation at appointment: Stock Clerk
Position of appointment: Hoseman
Station assigned: Engine 16 @ Belmont Ave south of Girard Ave.
Transferred to: Truck 24, January 1, 1931 @ 54th St. and Haverford Ave.
Died: November 21, 1933 in the Line of Duty
On November 16, 1933 at 5:27 am, Box 1397 at 63rd St and Lansdown Ave. was pulled. The fire was located in the basement of 801 N. 63rd St, The Stanley Drug Company Store. Upon arrival, the firemen were confronted with a good portion of the stock and a large refrigeration unit involved in the fire. During the firefighting operation a member of Engine 54, Hoseman Peter Murry, could not be located. A search was started and he was found, both Hoseman Murry and his rescuer, Hoseman Charles Carroll were taken to the hospital. Hoseman Murry died on the way to Misericordia Hospital and Hoseman Carroll was admitted in critical condition. Many other Firemen were sickened by the heavy smoke which contained sulfur dioxide fumes from the refrigeration unit. Hoseman Cavanaugh was among those affected. He went home after his shift and never returned to duty. Five days after the fire, on November 21, 1933, he succumbed to his injuries.
Hoseman George Cavanaugh’s name is inscribed on the Memorial Board at Fireman’s Hall Museum, The Living Flame Memorial for Fallen Fire Fighters and Police at Franklin Square, 6th and Race Sts, and also the Memorial Plaque at IAFF Local 22 at 5th and Willows Sts.
A Truck Company carried ladders and tools but, no hose or water. Today a Truck Company is known as a Ladder company and they perform the same duties.
Engine 16 moved from the Belmont & Girard Aves location in 1969, but the building where Hoseman Cavanaugh worked is still standing. Also, the building that housed Truck 24 and Engine 65 at 54th St and Haverford Ave. is still standing and is now the Haddington Community Center.