Milford Dorff, Sr., June 8th, 1920
On Monday, June 7, 1920 at 8:36 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 1786, Mutter and Somerset Streets.
While responding, Pipeline 2 approached the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad intersection at American and Somerset Streets. Firefighter Dorff had been detailed to Pipeline 2. The engine was waived through the gate by the gateman. Unnoticed at that time was a southbound freight train, which struck the apparatus directly in the center, turned it over on its side, and then dragged over 200 feet.
The accident left many of the firemen pinned underneath the wreckage including Hoseman Little, Hoseman Schriver, Hoseman Grombo, Hoseman Forstom, Hoseman Mangold, Hoseman McKee, Lieutenant Thompson, and Hoseman Dorff.
As help arrived, and as firemen were removed from the wreckage, Hoseman Dorff asked that his comrades be freed before him. When he was finally removed, he was treated for a fractured skull, collarbone, ribs, and other contusions. Hoseman Dorff died the next day, June 8, 1920.
Hoseman Dorff’s son, Milford K. Dorff Jr., also a member of the fire department at that time, rose through the ranks and finally achieved the rank of Deputy Chief. In later years, his grandson William also became a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Milford Dorff, Sr., June 8th, 1920
On Monday, June 7, 1920 at 8:36 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 1786, Mutter and Somerset Streets.
While responding, Pipeline 2 approached the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad intersection at American and Somerset Streets. Firefighter Dorff had been detailed to Pipeline 2. The engine was waived through the gate by the gateman. Unnoticed at that time was a southbound freight train, which struck the apparatus directly in the center, turned it over on its side, and then dragged over 200 feet.
The accident left many of the firemen pinned underneath the wreckage including Hoseman Little, Hoseman Schriver, Hoseman Grombo, Hoseman Forstom, Hoseman Mangold, Hoseman McKee, Lieutenant Thompson, and Hoseman Dorff.
As help arrived, and as firemen were removed from the wreckage, Hoseman Dorff asked that his comrades be freed before him. When he was finally removed, he was treated for a fractured skull, collarbone, ribs, and other contusions. Hoseman Dorff died the next day, June 8, 1920.
Hoseman Dorff’s son, Milford K. Dorff Jr., also a member of the fire department at that time, rose through the ranks and finally achieved the rank of Deputy Chief. In later years, his grandson William also became a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Career History
Appointed Ladderman Truck 10 - January 7, 1901
Transferred Ladderman Truck 7 - June 15, 1902
Transferred Hoseman Engine 42 - October 1, 1902
Transferred Hoseman Engine 50 - March 15, 1912
Transferred Hoseman Engine 21 - December 18, 1912
Transferred Ladderman Truck 4 - November 7, 1913
Transferred Hoseman Water Tower 2 - August 25, 1916