Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial

76 Cleveland Firefighters have been killed in the line of duty since 1863. On six separate occasions, more than one firefighter has been killed at the same incident. Although the causes may be different, the result has been the same. Firefighting is one of the most dangerous professions in America. The following are some of those incidents, which have resulted in a Line of Duty Death:

Intersection of Flint Ave. and the Detroit-Superior Viaduct - April 10, 1879

Horse drawn Ladder Company 2 was responding to Box 15 when a buggy pulled in front of them at the above intersection. Ladder 2 turned abruptly to avoid a collision with the buggy and in turn was struck by the Pearl St. street car. FGF Samuel A. Fitch was thrown from the rig and killed.

3200 West 65th St. - March 11, 1944

Engine Company 20 was working a box assignment at the Cleveland Union Stockyards. During the fire, a wall collapsed pinning the crew of Engine 20. FGF Patrick J. Mangan and FGF Norman H. Kitzerow were trapped and killed by the falling debris.

1204 Carnegie Ave. - August 13, 1963

Located at this address was a truck rental and service facility operated by the Avis Truck Company. A gas leak inside the building ignited and exploded. Four firefighters were killed as a result of the explosion and fireball. Many more were injured. Those killed were Lt. Edwin J. Hart of Engine 3, FGF Robert H. Jones of Engine 3, FGF Robert L. Marquard of Ladder 7 and FGF John T. McKenna of Engine 14.

3804 St. Clair Ave. - December 31, 1985

On New Year's Eve, Engine Company 22 responded to a Box Alarm at Milner Electric Company. Milner Electric warehoused electric supplies on floor to ceiling storage racks, which were arranged in very tight rows. Acting Lieutenant Daniel R. Pescatrice and the crew of Engine 22 advanced a hand line into the warehouse, burning and heavily charged with smoke.

At some point, Pescatrice became separated from the hose line and lost in the maze of storage racks. He ran out of air before his fellow firefighters could find and rescue him. Acting Lt. Daniel R. Pescatrice was pronounced dead at the hospital.

We will add a complete list of our fallen fire fighters shortly.