Our fallen hero

On Sunday, July 25, 1965, Rescue 12 responded to the House of Correction, where oxygen was administered to an inmate, Richard Bennett.

It became necessary to transfer Mr. Bennett to Philadelphia General Hospital, whereupon he was placed in Police Wagon No. 700 with Firefighter Thomas Stewart, who was to administer oxygen en route to the hospital.

While proceeding south on Frankford Avenue, at Sheffield Street, the police wagon was involved in an accident with a car driven by Willie W. Hitt of 6933 Tulip Street.

The police wagon was overturned and Fireman Stewart was thrown to the street and rendered unconscious by a head injury. Rescue 12, driven by Firefighter Howard Kelly, was following and administered aid to Firefighter Stewart and then transported him to Nazareth Hospital.

At approximately 9:15 PM, Firefighter Thomas Stewart of Rescue 12 died of his injuries.