Houston Fire Department. Line of Duty Death.
Killed in an attempt to put out a fire of a railroad boxcar loaded with fireworks. On November 22, 1908, the Houston Belt Terminal Railroad switching station suffered a fiery incident. Two boxcars collided and caused the fire. Large shells for aerial fireworks were on board the boxcar. It is believed that one or more of the shells exploded and Chief O'Leary was struck by the blast. Five fellow firefighters from the crew were injured. The Chief was able to fight for his life until December 24, 1908. Chief O'Leary was a volunteer before the Houston Fire Department became paid. When full time Fire Fighters were hired to take the place of the volunteers, Chief O'Leary became a paid member.
Killed in an attempt to put out a fire of a railroad boxcar loaded with fireworks. On November 22, 1908, the Houston Belt Terminal Railroad switching station suffered a fiery incident. Two boxcars collided and caused the fire. Large shells for aerial fireworks were on board the boxcar. It is believed that one or more of the shells exploded and Chief O'Leary was struck by the blast. Five fellow firefighters from the crew were injured. The Chief was able to fight for his life until December 24, 1908. Chief O'Leary was a volunteer before the Houston Fire Department became paid. When full time Fire Fighters were hired to take the place of the volunteers, Chief O'Leary became a paid member.
Houston Fire Department. Line of Duty Death.
Killed in an attempt to put out a fire of a railroad boxcar loaded with fireworks. On November 22, 1908, the Houston Belt Terminal Railroad switching station suffered a fiery incident. Two boxcars collided and caused the fire. Large shells for aerial fireworks were on board the boxcar. It is believed that one or more of the shells exploded and Chief O'Leary was struck by the blast. Five fellow firefighters from the crew were injured. The Chief was able to fight for his life until December 24, 1908. Chief O'Leary was a volunteer before the Houston Fire Department became paid. When full time Fire Fighters were hired to take the place of the volunteers, Chief O'Leary became a paid member.
Killed in an attempt to put out a fire of a railroad boxcar loaded with fireworks. On November 22, 1908, the Houston Belt Terminal Railroad switching station suffered a fiery incident. Two boxcars collided and caused the fire. Large shells for aerial fireworks were on board the boxcar. It is believed that one or more of the shells exploded and Chief O'Leary was struck by the blast. Five fellow firefighters from the crew were injured. The Chief was able to fight for his life until December 24, 1908. Chief O'Leary was a volunteer before the Houston Fire Department became paid. When full time Fire Fighters were hired to take the place of the volunteers, Chief O'Leary became a paid member.
