Our fallen hero

Foreman William Berry was not killed on any particular fire. He served for over 19 years before the final entry was recorded in his service record.

In a newspaper article dated February 27, 1908 titled “Dick Berry Dies” reads:

"Injuries received in the service of the Philadelphia Fire Department prove fatal to firefighter hurt 39 times.

Dick Berry is dead – broken in body – weakened by injuries - yet fighting death as valiantly as for 20 years he had unceasingly warred upon property attacking and life menacing fire – the gallant foreman of Truck 4 was forced to yield his life at his home last night.

Down at the truck house on Delancey Street, Berry’s comrades are shrouding the doorways in black crepe – the flag droops at half-mast – but these are only the external signs. The grief and admiration held by these smoke eaters – for their fallen leader – are too deep for outward expression.

Dead at the age of 45, Dick Berry succumbed to the cruel battering and crushing of 20 years of continuous reckless disregard for his own health in the service of the citizens of Philadelphia.

39 times he had been taken to hospitals from burning buildings, and in those accidents, more than once, physicians shook their heads and said he could not survive. Berry did survive and go back to duty – even though service meant physical torture and an expenditure of vital energies that he knew must be paid for.

With his daughter at his bedside, the gallant firefighter breathed his last breath, just on the eve of reaching eligible age for retirement."