NYFD (Pre-FDNY) Line of Duty Deaths
May 26, 1828 - LODD
Volunteer Fireman John Bradshaw
Volunteer Engine 21
Manhattan, New York
In just a few minutes, an arson fire, which had been set in a livery stable, had spread to six or seven frame dwellings. Despite the valiant efforts of firemen to stop the further spread of the flames, the fire then spread to a theater through the wooden cornice. The building rapidly became fully involved, resulting in the collapse of the roof and walls shortly after. As a wall and the cornice fell to the street, Fireman Bradshaw was caught under it and was crushed to death. It was weeks before his mangled body was dug out of the rubble.
RIP. Never forget.