Stephen Presco, March 7th, 1907

On Wednesday, March 6, 1907 at 3:53 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 521, 9th & Arch Streets, for a fire in T. Stern’s shirtwaist factory, located at 823-25 Filbert Street. The fire reached three alarms before it could be extinguished.

While operating at this fire, Hoseman Stephen Presco, Assistant Foreman Charles E. Wilson, and Hoseman John J. Sullivan, all of Engine 11, were severely injured when they were struck by a falling wall.

Hoseman Presco died the next day, March 7, 1907, Assistant Foreman Wilson died two days later on March 8, 1907, and Hoseman John Sullivan died on December 19, 1907.

Hoseman Presco was the first African American appointed to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Read more...

Stephen Presco, March 7th, 1907

On Wednesday, March 6, 1907 at 3:53 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 521, 9th & Arch Streets, for a fire in T. Stern’s shirtwaist factory, located at 823-25 Filbert Street. The fire reached three alarms before it could be extinguished.

While operating at this fire, Hoseman Stephen Presco, Assistant Foreman Charles E. Wilson, and Hoseman John J. Sullivan, all of Engine 11, were severely injured when they were struck by a falling wall.

Hoseman Presco died the next day, March 7, 1907, Assistant Foreman Wilson died two days later on March 8, 1907, and Hoseman John Sullivan died on December 19, 1907.

Hoseman Presco was the first African American appointed to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Career History

Appointed Hoseman Engine 17 - June 8, 1891

Transferred Hoseman Engine 11 - July 13, 1891