Our fallen hero

On Wednesday, June 13, 1984 at 05:30 AM a Tactical Box 769 at Frankford Avenue and Norris Street was struck. At 05:31 AM the assignment was upgraded to a Full Box. The address of the fire was 2002 N. Tulip Street. Responding companies could see a column of black smoke from blocks away.

While responding, the companies received a report that an elderly woman was trapped on the second floor (This turned out to be false). Upon arrival, Captain Cheney of Engine 6 “A” Platoon, reported that he had a 3-story dwelling fully involved, all companies to lead off with 1 ¾ water lines.

At first, companies could not go inside because of the intense fire and heat. Engines 2 and 25 were eventually able to advance hand lines from the rear to the front of the dwelling. They reached the stairs and started to advance up to the second floor.  Firefighter Joseph Konrad of Engine 25 was part of this group.

As they started up the stairs, Battalion Chief Rosini of Battalion 4 ordered everyone to evacuate the building due to worsening conditions. At that instance, without warning, the dwelling collapsed.

Rescue operations started immediately to free the seven firefighters that were trapped under tons of rubble. While rescue operations were starting, Battalion Chief Rosini ordered the 2nd alarm. Six of the trapped Firefighters were rescued, but Firefighter Joseph Konrad was pinned by a large beam and could not be freed. A crane had to be brought in to lift the tons of debris.

Rescue 2M transported Firefighter Konrad to St. Mary’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.