FDNY Line of Duty Death
June 6, 1910 - LODD's
Fireman Timothy Cotter - Engine 6
Fireman William F. Healy - Engine 10
FDNY. Manhattan, New York
They died as a result of inhaling deadly fumes from burning aniline dyes during a two-alarm fire in a warehouse stocked with liquors and aniline dyes. At least 25 other firemen were overcome and experienced breathing difficulties. Some of the men's faces even turned black from the exposure to the dyes.
Over a dozen firemen who went up ladders to the top floor of the fire building were caught in a backdraft, injuring many. The trapped men were rendered unconscious by the heavy smoke and had to be rescued by other firemen. Fireman Timothy Cotter along with other members of Engine 6 went up to rescue the trapped men. One by one, the downed firemen were brought to safety. Once the two-alarm fire was under control, the men entered the fourth floor to find Cotter lying face down and dead. The smoke overcame him.
Fireman William F. Healy lost his life while working under orders on the same floor as Cotter. Healey had been sent to relieve the nozzleman. He was the last to obey the order to retreat and became confused in the dense smoke, apparently mistaking his direction. He was also overcome by smoke. Healey thirty-five years old, was married and left five children behind.
Cotter was thirty years old. He lived with his aunt, Mrs.Nora Willman, who died upon learning of her nephew’s death. A joint requiem mass and burial were held for them. (From "The Last Alarm" by Boucher, Urbanowicz & Melahn, 2007).
RIP. Never forget.
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