08/16/2020
Buffalo Fire Department LODD Memorial Page Ut Vivant Alii
Buffalo Fire Department LODD Memorial Page Ut Vivant Alii
On August 16, 1896, Fireman John F. Clarke of Hook & Ladder No. 6 Died in the Line of Duty.
Hook & Ladder 6 was responding to a fire at Broadway and Lathrop, Box 561. Leaving their Best St firehouse, Hook & Ladder 6 made their way east to Walden Ave. , the driver then swung the rig onto Woltz Ave where the horses stretched out for the run to Broadway.
With most of the crew riding the aerial and foot boards, Fireman Rosenberger who was riding near the Captain continually pulled on the Bell to alert those near of the Trucks response.
As the Hook & Ladder neared the corner of Sycamore and Woltz, Captain Stengel took the Bell cord and began to ring it harder for the crossing of the intersection. A street car speeding down Sycamore from the east struck the 65' Hayes Ladder. The rig rolled over on impact. Fireman John Clarke whom was riding on the west side of the aerial was thrown from the rig and crushed as it rolled on top of him. Fireman Clarke was killed instantly.
The other 8 members of the Hook & Ladder crew including Captain Stengel and Lieutenant Hedden suffered various degrees of injury. Fireman Jacky was in grave condition after being thrown.
The street car motorman and conductor were arrested on scene and charged with the accident.
The fire they were responding to destroyed a small shed causing about $75 damage.
Fireman Clarke was 33 year's of age and survived by his wife and one child.
