George Atkinson, October 14th, 1921
On Friday, October 14, 1921 just after 4:00 AM, a fire occurred in the three-story frame dwelling of Mrs. Martha Belinski, Ashton Road and Grant Avenue.
While working on the second floor of the building, Captain George Atkinson of Engine 36 and several other men fell through the floor into a mass of flaming debris. Captain Atkinson was taken to Frankford Hospital where he died of his injuries later that afternoon. Captain Atkinson was 65 years old at the time of his death.
The fire loss amounted to $20,000.
George Atkinson, October 14th, 1921
On Friday, October 14, 1921 just after 4:00 AM, a fire occurred in the three-story frame dwelling of Mrs. Martha Belinski, Ashton Road and Grant Avenue.
While working on the second floor of the building, Captain George Atkinson of Engine 36 and several other men fell through the floor into a mass of flaming debris. Captain Atkinson was taken to Frankford Hospital where he died of his injuries later that afternoon. Captain Atkinson was 65 years old at the time of his death.
The fire loss amounted to $20,000.
Career History
Appointed Driver Engine 4 - May 1, 1888
Promoted Assistant Foreman Engine 4 - March 11, 1894
Promoted Captain Engine 2 - May 1, 1897
Transferred Captain Engine 32 - June 5, 1899
Transferred Captain Engine 48 - June 1, 1900
Transferred Captain Engine 44 - January 8, 1902
Transferred Captain Engine 36 - April 11, 1912
Additonal Information
Research from the museum.
Name: George Atkinson
Date of appointment: May 11, 1888
Address: 204 Carpenter St.
Age at appointment: 32
Occupation at appointment: Dealer
Position of appointment: Driver
Station assigned: Engine 4 @ 116 S. 17th St.
Promoted to: Assistant Foreman, March 11, 1894 (remained at Engine 4)
Promoted to: Foreman, May 1, 1897
Transferred to: Engine 2, May 1, 1897 @ 1034 W. Berks St.
Transferred to: Engine 32, June 5, 1899 @ SWC 6th & Sansom Sts.
Transferred to: Engine 48, June 1, 1900@ 930 S. 7th St.
Transferred to: Engine 44, January 8, 1902 @ 2110 Market St.
Transferred to: Engine 36, April 11, 1912 @ House of Correction at Holmesburg
Died: October 14, 1921 in the Line of Duty
Shortly after 4:00 am on the morning of October 14, 1921 Box 4354 Ashton Rd and Grant Ave. was struck for a fire in a dwelling. While operating on the second floor of the dwelling the floor suddenly collapsed. Capt. Atkinson of Engine 36 along with several other firefighters were thrown down into the mass of flaming debris. Rescue operations were started immediately. The men were taken to Frankford Hospital, where Captain Atkinson died of his injuries during that afternoon. Captain Atkinson was 65 years old at the time of his death.
Captain George Atkinson’s name is inscribed on the Memorial Board at Fireman’s Hall Museum, The Living Flame Memorial for Fallen Firefighters and Police Officers at Franklin Square, 6th and Race Sts and at the Memorial Plaque at IAFF Local 22 at 5th and Willows Sts.
The Asst. Foreman was in charge of one of the shifts known as platoons. Today this position is known as Lieutenant.
The Foreman was in charge of the company. Today this position is known as the Station Captain.
On July 1, 1912 the designations for Assistant Foreman and Foreman were changed to Lieutenant and Captain, respectively.
A search of our Injury Journal revealed that Captain George Atkinson received the following reported injuries during his career.
November 28, 1893 - Hand cut with glass.
May 13, 1894 - Hands and face burned.
October 4, 1895 - Eyes injured by smoke.
November 17, 1895 - Finger lacerated.
June 28, 1898 - Arm burned by chemicals.
December 28, 1898 -Leg injured from fall from Insurance Patrol Wagon.
January 12, 1899 - Hand lacerated by glass
November 29, 1899 - Foot burned.
February 5, 1900 - Ran splinter in hand.
February 21, 1900 - Injured by falling beam.
May 5, 1900 - Eyes injured by smoke.
April 15, 1901 - Foot lacerated with glass.
June 21, 1901 - Ribs fractured, head & body injured from fall from roof.
January 14, 1914 - Left ear frostbitten.
November 12, 1919 - Lacerated right foot.