Patrick A. Murray, October 4th, 1922
On Wednesday, October 4, 1922 at 11:19 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 523, 4th and George Streets, for a fire in Joseph Belitskty’s six-story warehouse located at 1016-28 N. American Street. The fire also spread to P.T. Simons & Sons, Skins and Tallow, 1017-19 N. Bodine Street.
While operating at this fire, Hoseman Albert Fisher of Engine 21, Hoseman Patrick Murray of Engine 21, Ladderman Thomas Gilloway of Truck 2, and Ladderman Edward Paxson of Truck 2 were burned to death when they became trapped in an elevator that became stuck between floors.
One newspaper article of the day describes the incident as follows: “Trapped in an elevator between the fourth and fifth floors, the men had no chance to escape. They were suffocated by the heavy clouds of smoke which engulfed them and their bodies burned to a crisp.”
Describing the recovery of the four firefighters, the article continues to say: “Huddled on the floor of the elevator they found the four men, their bodies seared and blackened. Their axe handles were charred and hose burned through."
The fire loss amounted to $300,000.
Patrick A. Murray, October 4th, 1922
On Wednesday, October 4, 1922 at 11:19 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 523, 4th and George Streets, for a fire in Joseph Belitskty’s six-story warehouse located at 1016-28 N. American Street. The fire also spread to P.T. Simons & Sons, Skins and Tallow, 1017-19 N. Bodine Street.
While operating at this fire, Hoseman Albert Fisher of Engine 21, Hoseman Patrick Murray of Engine 21, Ladderman Thomas Gilloway of Truck 2, and Ladderman Edward Paxson of Truck 2 were burned to death when they became trapped in an elevator that became stuck between floors.
One newspaper article of the day describes the incident as follows: “Trapped in an elevator between the fourth and fifth floors, the men had no chance to escape. They were suffocated by the heavy clouds of smoke which engulfed them and their bodies burned to a crisp.”
Describing the recovery of the four firefighters, the article continues to say: “Huddled on the floor of the elevator they found the four men, their bodies seared and blackened. Their axe handles were charred and hose burned through."
The fire loss amounted to $300,000.
Career History
Appointed Hoseman Engine 21 - January 16, 1917
Additonal Information
PATRICK MURRAY. The following information has been taken from the archives of Fireman’s Hall Museum: NAME: PATRICK A MURRAY Age at time of appointment – 22 Address at time of appointment – 1739 N. 11th st Occupation at time of appointment – Chauffer Station – Engine 21, 826-28 N. New Market St Date of appointment – 1/16/1917 Ward – 20 Position of appointment – Hoseman RESIGNED – 6/20/1918 REINSTATED – 5/23/1919 DEATH – killed at fire, 1020-22 N. American St, 10/4/1922 OTHER INJURIES – Engine 21 – 8/8/1917 – burnt ear & wrist, arm, shoulder ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: USA Service, 11/23/1917 – 4/8/1919