Alfred W. Balkie, February 27th, 1965
On Saturday, February 27, 1965 at 12:56 PM, Engine 61, Ladder 22 and Battalion 2, were dispatched for a local alarm at the two and three story Dry Cleaning Plant occupied by The Sonny Cleaners and Dyers.
At 1:06 PM, by orders of Battalion 2, Box 958 was struck to bring additional help to fight this stubborn fire. While assisting his company to fight this fire, Fireman Alfred Balkie of Engine 61 collapsed. He was treated on the fireground by Rescue 2 and transported to Albert Einstein Hospital, Northeast Division, where he was pronounced dead at 1:40 PM.
Fireman Alfred Balkie Jr. came from a firefighting family. His father Alfred Balkie Sr. was a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department for 30 years. Serving from 1917 to 1947.
Alfred W. Balkie, February 27th, 1965
On Saturday, February 27, 1965 at 12:56 PM, Engine 61, Ladder 22 and Battalion 2, were dispatched for a local alarm at the two and three story Dry Cleaning Plant occupied by The Sonny Cleaners and Dyers.
At 1:06 PM, by orders of Battalion 2, Box 958 was struck to bring additional help to fight this stubborn fire. While assisting his company to fight this fire, Fireman Alfred Balkie of Engine 61 collapsed. He was treated on the fireground by Rescue 2 and transported to Albert Einstein Hospital, Northeast Division, where he was pronounced dead at 1:40 PM.
Fireman Alfred Balkie Jr. came from a firefighting family. His father Alfred Balkie Sr. was a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department for 30 years. Serving from 1917 to 1947.
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 55 - November 1, 1943
Transferred Hoseman Fire Prevention Office - October 23, 1956
Transferred Hoseman Engine 55 - December 17, 1956
Transferred Hoseman Engine 30 - November 21, 1957
Transferred Hoseman Engine 61 - June 6, 1960