Our fallen hero

In the early morning of Friday, April 19, 1895, fire was discovered in the New York Biscuit Company’s Bakery at 210-214 N. Front Street, and the William H. Walker Harness Manufactory at 216-218 N. Front Street. Two men discovered the fire ran to Engine 8 at 143 Race Street to report the blaze. Engine 8 responded as a local alarm. On arrival, at 1:25 am, they found heavy fire throughout the four-story brick building.  They immediately pulled Box 58 at Front & Race Streets. Three more alarms would be struck in rapid succession.

Engine 32 commanded by Foreman William Sergeant, was working in the rear of the building keeping the flames from the adjoining houses. During this operation, the top of the rear wall gave way and fell on the 6 men working below. Five of the men were not seriously injured. Foreman Sergeant was buried under the rubble and sustained broken bones and internal injuries. Foreman Sergeant was taken to Pennsylvania Hospital where he later died of his injuries at approximately 10:00 am.

Foreman William Sergeant had a long history in firefighting. He was one of the first firefighters of the paid Fire Department, appointed on the first day, March 15, 1871. Previously he had been a member of the Volunteer Diligent Engine Co. #10 at 10^th & Filbert Streets. He was issued volunteer badge number 326 on June 1868.