John Brightcliffe, February 7th, 1978
On Tuesday, February 7, 1978, Platoon “D” of Engine 2, commanded by Lieutenant John McGuire, and Ladder 3, commanded by Captain William McIlmail, responded to a local alarm for a “chimney fire” in the residence of Garvino and Narcissa Garcia at 528 W. York Street. Ladder 3 had previously responded to the same address at 6:36 PM for an “oil burner” with Engine 31.
At approximately 7:17 PM, while members of Ladder 3 were lowering a 35-foot aluminum extension ladder, the ladder accidentally touched a 13,000-volt overhead wire. Firefighter John Brightcliffe of Ladder 3, who was located on the building side of the ladder received a fatal electrical shock. He slid under the ladder and remained in contact with it as it fell back into the building.
He was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on scene by members of Engine 2 and Ladder 3, and rescue companies were called. Rescue 4 transported Firefighter Brightcliffe to Episcopal Hospital at Front and Lehigh Avenues. He died a short time later.
Firefighter Gerard Prodoehl suffered from electrical shock, and Firefighter Walter Bossard received burns of both thumbs. Both were taken to Episcopal Hospital by Rescue 8, where they were treated and kept for observation. Another fireman Michael Yaeger was thrown from the ladder but sustained no injuries.
John Brightcliffe, February 7th, 1978
On Tuesday, February 7, 1978, Platoon “D” of Engine 2, commanded by Lieutenant John McGuire, and Ladder 3, commanded by Captain William McIlmail, responded to a local alarm for a “chimney fire” in the residence of Garvino and Narcissa Garcia at 528 W. York Street. Ladder 3 had previously responded to the same address at 6:36 PM for an “oil burner” with Engine 31.
At approximately 7:17 PM, while members of Ladder 3 were lowering a 35-foot aluminum extension ladder, the ladder accidentally touched a 13,000-volt overhead wire. Firefighter John Brightcliffe of Ladder 3, who was located on the building side of the ladder received a fatal electrical shock. He slid under the ladder and remained in contact with it as it fell back into the building.
He was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on scene by members of Engine 2 and Ladder 3, and rescue companies were called. Rescue 4 transported Firefighter Brightcliffe to Episcopal Hospital at Front and Lehigh Avenues. He died a short time later.
Firefighter Gerard Prodoehl suffered from electrical shock, and Firefighter Walter Bossard received burns of both thumbs. Both were taken to Episcopal Hospital by Rescue 8, where they were treated and kept for observation. Another fireman Michael Yaeger was thrown from the ladder but sustained no injuries.
Career History
Appointed - May 3, 1977 assigned to FTA
Transferred to Ladder 3 - July 18, 1977