Walter T. Long, October 9th, 1974
On Wednesday, October 9, 1974 at 12:51 PM, Box 5221, 16th Street and Indiana Avenue was struck for a fire in the Wilder Industries Inc., a paper products manufacturer located at the southwest corner of 16th Street and Indiana Avenue. This was a one-, two-, and three-story brick and cinderblock building approximately 150’ X 300’.
The second alarm was pulled at 1:13 PM, the third at 1:37 PM, and a 4th alarm at 2:01 PM.
The fire was located in a one-story cinderblock section of the complex known as a balehouse and was located beside the railroad tracks on the south side. The fire spread to an adjoining three-story building.
During the fire, Firefighter Steven Dreher of Engine 31, who was manning a hoseline, was struck by a falling beam. This caused the line to get away. Battalion Chief Walter T. Long of the Sixth Battalion, immediately ran to assist Firefighter Dreher. Battalion Chief Long called for help on his radio at approximately 3:14 PM.
It was reported that when the line got away from Firefighter Dreher, it struck Chief Long in the head. He collapsed as a result. He was removed to Temple Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 3:35 PM.
Firefighter Dreher was removed to the Episcopal Hospital where he was listed in fair condition, suffering from a mild concussion.
The helmet that BC Long wore on the day of his death is shown here. Photo courtesy of Walt, Bob, Dennis and David, sons of Chief Long.
Walter T. Long, October 9th, 1974
On Wednesday, October 9, 1974 at 12:51 PM, Box 5221, 16th Street and Indiana Avenue was struck for a fire in the Wilder Industries Inc., a paper products manufacturer located at the southwest corner of 16th Street and Indiana Avenue. This was a one-, two-, and three-story brick and cinderblock building approximately 150’ X 300’.
The second alarm was pulled at 1:13 PM, the third at 1:37 PM, and a 4th alarm at 2:01 PM.
The fire was located in a one-story cinderblock section of the complex known as a balehouse and was located beside the railroad tracks on the south side. The fire spread to an adjoining three-story building.
During the fire, Firefighter Steven Dreher of Engine 31, who was manning a hoseline, was struck by a falling beam. This caused the line to get away. Battalion Chief Walter T. Long of the Sixth Battalion, immediately ran to assist Firefighter Dreher. Battalion Chief Long called for help on his radio at approximately 3:14 PM.
It was reported that when the line got away from Firefighter Dreher, it struck Chief Long in the head. He collapsed as a result. He was removed to Temple Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 3:35 PM.
Firefighter Dreher was removed to the Episcopal Hospital where he was listed in fair condition, suffering from a mild concussion.
The helmet that BC Long wore on the day of his death is shown here. Photo courtesy of Walt, Bob, Dennis and David, sons of Chief Long.
Career History
Appointed Firefighter - September 15, 1958
Promoted Lieutenant - May 8, 1962
Promoted Captain - June 29, 1965
Promoted Battalion Chief - June 24, 1968