Walter R. Connison, January 3rd, 1925
On Saturday, January 3, 1925 at 2:16 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 778, Broad and Huntingden Streets for a fire at Queen Automobile Tire Company, 2518 North Broad Street, and United States Tire Supply Company 2514-16 North Broad Street.
Ladderman Walter R. Connison of Truck 12 was one of several firemen who went into the Queen Automobile Supply Company building at the start of the fire to protect the stock by throwing canvas tarpaulins over the floor and over the tire racks. After the fire raged for more than half an hour, Ladderman Connison was noted as being missing by Chief Engineer Ross B. Davis and Lieutenant Dougherty. An immediate search was ordered by Chief Engineer Davis.
Chief Engineer Davis, Lieutenant Dougherty, and several firemen entered the second floor of the blazing building and searched for the missing man. After making their way through blinding smoke, they finally lifted a heavy tarpaulin thrown over a pile of tires, and found the body of Ladderman Connison. Apparently, he had been overcome as soon as he entered the building and, in some way, got caught beneath the tarpaulin, and was suffocated.
Among those searching for Ladderman Connison was his brother, George, who arrived at the fire with the Second Alarmer’s. At first, he didn’t believe that his brother was dead and he didn’t give up hope until the body reached the Samaritan Hospital.
Walter R. Connison, January 3rd, 1925
On Saturday, January 3, 1925 at 2:16 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 778, Broad and Huntingden Streets for a fire at Queen Automobile Tire Company, 2518 North Broad Street, and United States Tire Supply Company 2514-16 North Broad Street.
Ladderman Walter R. Connison of Truck 12 was one of several firemen who went into the Queen Automobile Supply Company building at the start of the fire to protect the stock by throwing canvas tarpaulins over the floor and over the tire racks. After the fire raged for more than half an hour, Ladderman Connison was noted as being missing by Chief Engineer Ross B. Davis and Lieutenant Dougherty. An immediate search was ordered by Chief Engineer Davis.
Chief Engineer Davis, Lieutenant Dougherty, and several firemen entered the second floor of the blazing building and searched for the missing man. After making their way through blinding smoke, they finally lifted a heavy tarpaulin thrown over a pile of tires, and found the body of Ladderman Connison. Apparently, he had been overcome as soon as he entered the building and, in some way, got caught beneath the tarpaulin, and was suffocated.
Among those searching for Ladderman Connison was his brother, George, who arrived at the fire with the Second Alarmer’s. At first, he didn’t believe that his brother was dead and he didn’t give up hope until the body reached the Samaritan Hospital.
Career History
Appointed Ladderman Truck 19 - January 16, 1921
Transferred Ladderman Truck 12 - June 7, 1921