Joyce Craig-Lewis , December 9th, 2014
On Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 02:49 AM, Tactical Box 6542 at Woolston Avenue & Middleton Streets was struck for a fire at 1655 Middleton Street. Upon arrival, Engine 73 found a fire in the basement of the dwelling. (Firefighter Craig was assigned to Engine 64 but was working at Engine 73 for that night shift).
Engine 73 stretched 1¾” water line to the basement door located in the kitchen. Just before advancing the hoseline into the basement, the members of Engine 73 were engulfed by a fireball that erupted up the stairway. As a result, the members of Engine 73 were forced back.
After attempting another attack on the basement, Battalion 2 received a report of deteriorating conditions and ordered Engine 73 out of the building. Shortly after exiting the dwelling, Firefighter Craig was found to be missing. She sent a Mayday distress call and search and rescue operations were started.
Firefighter Craig was found unconscious in the dining room. She was transported to Einstein Hospital by Medic 16, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Joyce Craig-Lewis , December 9th, 2014
On Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 02:49 AM, Tactical Box 6542 at Woolston Avenue & Middleton Streets was struck for a fire at 1655 Middleton Street. Upon arrival, Engine 73 found a fire in the basement of the dwelling. (Firefighter Craig was assigned to Engine 64 but was working at Engine 73 for that night shift).
Engine 73 stretched 1¾” water line to the basement door located in the kitchen. Just before advancing the hoseline into the basement, the members of Engine 73 were engulfed by a fireball that erupted up the stairway. As a result, the members of Engine 73 were forced back.
After attempting another attack on the basement, Battalion 2 received a report of deteriorating conditions and ordered Engine 73 out of the building. Shortly after exiting the dwelling, Firefighter Craig was found to be missing. She sent a Mayday distress call and search and rescue operations were started.
Firefighter Craig was found unconscious in the dining room. She was transported to Einstein Hospital by Medic 16, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Career History
Appointed to the Fire Academy - December 8, 2003
Transferred to Engine 9 - March 1, 2004
Transferred to Engine 45 - July 25, 2006
Transferred to Ladder 21 - February 3, 2011
Transferred to Engine 64 - July 8, 2012
Promoted to Lieutenant (Posthumously) - December 10, 2014
Additonal Information
Firefighter Craig is the first female firefighter to die in the line of duty.
A Memorial Plaque was dedicated at Engine 64 station on November 13, 2015.