William Adgie, March 10th, 1960

On Thursday, March 10, 1960 at 5:19 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 4195 for a fire at the Overbrook School for the Blind, located at the northeast corner of 64th and Malvern Avenue.

While the members of Engine 54 were working on the third floor of the building, the roof crashed down, caused by a backdraft and explosion under the roof, dropping the firefighters 60 feet to the first floor in a mass of debris and rubble. Rescue efforts were started immediately, however, Lieutenant William Adgie of Engine 54 was found to have been killed in the collapse. Six other firemen were also injured.

On Monday, September 19, 1960, Fireman David Murphy of Ladder 24, one of the firemen who suffered serious internal injuries, died at his home.

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William Adgie, March 10th, 1960

On Thursday, March 10, 1960 at 5:19 PM, an alarm was sounded on Box 4195 for a fire at the Overbrook School for the Blind, located at the northeast corner of 64th and Malvern Avenue.

While the members of Engine 54 were working on the third floor of the building, the roof crashed down, caused by a backdraft and explosion under the roof, dropping the firefighters 60 feet to the first floor in a mass of debris and rubble. Rescue efforts were started immediately, however, Lieutenant William Adgie of Engine 54 was found to have been killed in the collapse. Six other firemen were also injured.

On Monday, September 19, 1960, Fireman David Murphy of Ladder 24, one of the firemen who suffered serious internal injuries, died at his home.

Career History

Appointed Hoseman Engine 54 - March 1, 1943

Transferred Hoseman Engine 65 - May 1, 1943

Transferred Hoseman Engine 48 - June 16, 1948

Transferred Hoseman Rescue Squad 3 - January 1, 1949

Promoted Lieutenant Engine 16 - January 11, 1950

Transferred Lieutenant Rescue 3 -  January 1, 1953

Transferred Lieutenant 2nd Division - December 28, 1955

Transferred Lieutenant Battalion 6 - February 13, 1956

Transferred Lieutenant Engine 54  - May 14, 1956