Harry Wirth, January 24th, 1918

On Wednesday, January 23, 1918 at 10:30 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 2428, 56th and Wyalusing Avenues, for a fire in the Brooks Public School, a 3-story brick and stone building located at 57th and Haverford Avenue.

While operating at this fire, Hoseman James Pollick of Chemical 1, Hoseman Samuel C. Roller of Chemical 1, Lieutenant Harry Wirth of Engine 41, and Captain James D. Stewart of Truck 6 were killed under a falling wall that collapsed. The iron fence surrounding the schoolyard prevented them from escaping in time.

Seven other firemen were also injured in this catastrophe. Among them was Ladderman John Doyle of Truck 9 who was seriously injured. He died of his injuries of March 7, 1918, about a month and a half later.

The fire reached four alarms.

Read more...

Harry Wirth, January 24th, 1918

On Wednesday, January 23, 1918 at 10:30 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 2428, 56th and Wyalusing Avenues, for a fire in the Brooks Public School, a 3-story brick and stone building located at 57th and Haverford Avenue.

While operating at this fire, Hoseman James Pollick of Chemical 1, Hoseman Samuel C. Roller of Chemical 1, Lieutenant Harry Wirth of Engine 41, and Captain James D. Stewart of Truck 6 were killed under a falling wall that collapsed. The iron fence surrounding the schoolyard prevented them from escaping in time.

Seven other firemen were also injured in this catastrophe. Among them was Ladderman John Doyle of Truck 9 who was seriously injured. He died of his injuries of March 7, 1918, about a month and a half later.

The fire reached four alarms.

Career History

Appointed Ladderman Truck “F”  - April 3, 1899

Transferred Tillerman Truck 11 - December 18, 1912

Transferred Tillerman Truck 6 - March 18, 1913

Transferred Tillerman Truck 9  - June 20, 1913

Transferred Tillerman Truck 6 - October 1, 1913

Promoted Lieutenant Engine 41  - August 5, 1914