Dallas Firefighter Memorial

Sept./Oct. 03 issue

Photo Courtesy of the Dallas Fire Department

Dallas Firefighter Memorial
Emphasizes Persistence

On a hot June day in 1902, Dallas firefighter John Clark drove a chemical fire wagon to a blaze that was jumping from house to house. Clark, clad only in street clothes, rushed into the fire with a hose and began to beat back the flames. He was overcome by heat and dragged out of the fire. After a short rest, he went back in not once, but twice more. He finally collapsed and died on the way to the hospital.His persistence in fighting fires is commemorated on the Dallas Firefighter Memorial.

Erected in 1903, by money raised by the Ladies of East Dallas, the statue is a likeness of John Clark holding a nozzle. The monument was first placed in Old City Park and was moved to Fair Park in 1936. A tier was also added to the statue. The statue was moved to the Cotton Bowl in 1958 and moved one last time to the fire training academy in 1981. Names on the memorial include those who died in line of duty (marked with a maltese cross) and those who died on active duty.

The move to the fire training academy was so firefighters could maintain the memorial and students could be inspired by John Clark’s persistence.

Houston Fire Monument

Jan/Feb 04 issue

Houston Fire Monument Stands Test of Time

In 1888, volunteer firefighters in Houston bought a lot in Glenwood Cemetery for the burial of deceased members of the fire department. The following month, firefighters began a drive to raise money for a monument to erect on the lot. Proceeds soon reached the needed amount, and a stone monument was ordered from T. E. Byrnes. The monument arrived on Christmas Eve, 1889. Atop the monument is a life-sized statue of Robert Brewster, the oldest living firefighter at the time. The statue was made in Carrara, Italy at the cost of $3,500.

The statue was moved from the cemetery to the front of Fire Station No. 1 in 1976. It was returned to its priginal spot in the cemetery in 1992.

Beaumont Fire Memorial

March/April 04 issue

Photo Courtesy of Fire Museum of Texas

‘Large’ Beginnings for Beaumont Firefighter Memorial

Getting the 24 ft. tall dalmatian spotted fire hydrant was the beginning of the creation of a memorial for firefighters at the Fire Museum of Texas in Beaumont. Donated by Walt Disney, the hydrant was constructed at Disney Land, California and was used as a prop for the re-release promotion of the video “101 Dalmatians.” It was installed in 1999 at the C.A. “Pete” Shelton Plaza and work began on getting the rest of the land that was needed and securing funding for a memorial to surround the hydrant.

In the fall of 2002 a walkway was constructed, an irrigation system, electric lamp poles and a sign were installed. Landcaping began in the summer of 2003 with crepe myrtle trees, indian hawthorn bushes, grass and flowers.
Engraved bricks surrounding the hydrant that have been purchased by Texas fire departments, retired firefighters and for firefighters who fell in the line of duty or who have passed away. The museum will continue to accept engraved brick purchases until each section is filled. The cost is $100 per brick.

Smaller spotted fire hydrants are installed around the perimeter of the sidewalk and a small black and silver hydrant was installed to one side of the big hydrant in memory to the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
Fore more information on the memorial or purchasing bricks, contact Susan Lanning at 409-880-3927 or by email slanning@ci.beaumont.tx.us.

Texas City Fire Memorial

May/ June 04 issue

Texas City Monument Honors the Memories of Volunteer Firefighters
Just before 8:00 a.m. April 16, 1947, the French Liberty ship Grandcamp was taking on the remainder of a consignment of ammonium nitrate when someone smelled smoke. As the fire grew, the captain of the ship was heard to say he didn’t want to use water to put out the steadily growing flames because it would damage the argo. Instead, he opted to try to smother it with steam. As the fire continued to grow, the superintendent of stevedores called the fire department and then called Galveston for a fire boat.

After the hatch covers blew off, a thick column of orange-colored smoke appeared in the sky. Several hundred onlookers, drawn by the unusually-colored smoke, gathered a few hundred feet from the ship. Twenty-six men and four fire trucks of the Texas City Voluneeer Fire Department arrived followed by the Republic Oil Refining Company fire fighting team.
At approximately 9:12 a.m., the Grandcamp disintegrated in an explosion heard 150 miles away. The shockwave knocked two light planes out of the sky and sent debris raining down on the town. The firefighters and ship’s crew still on board were vaporized by the blast and the fire trucks and equipment were destroyed. But the tragedy was far from over.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. April 17, the High Flyer, a ship that had been heavily damaged in the initial explosion, blew up. Witnesses said the second blast was even more powerful than that of the Grandcamp. Casualties were light, but chunks of the burning ship caused numerous fires. Crude oil tanks burst into flames and fire spread to structures previously spared from damage.

The exact total of the dead is not known, but the Texas Department of Public Safety counted 405 dead, 3500 injured and 100 missing.
Among the missing are 28 members of the volunteer fire department, 31 members of the Grandcamp’s crew and several school children who had been on the pier watching the fire. Also reported missing are businessmen, longshoremen, plant employees and sightseers.
The memorial, an angel with downcast eyes, and carved from Italian marble is located at the Memorial Cemetery at Loop 197 and 29th Street in Texas City. The base is inscribed, “Texas City Volunteer Firemen.”

Jumbled remains of Texas City fire trucks.

Crews pour water on the Grandcamp shortly before the explosion.

Corsicana Firemen's Memorial

July/August 04 issue

Corsicana Firemen’s Memorial Commemorates Dept. History

The citizens of Corsicana were inspired to begin a fire department after the Navarro County Courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1855. Before the time of the fire, the only source of water was from underground cisterns at street crossings. The newfound department saw many changes. In its very beginning, the department acquired a charter under the name Corsicana Hose Company #1 and later became Hook and Ladder Companies.

Members of the 1917-1918 monument committee later instituted the Corsicana Firemen’s Memorial that stands near the current courthouse. The white marble statue of a fireman holding a fire hose bears the letters C.F.D. serving as a memorial of the creation of the Corsicana Fire Department. The base of the monument is inscribed with the names of those who were part of various companies during the evolution of the department. The fourth side of the six-sided base commemorates the year 1926 when the Hook and ladder Companies were disbanded and the present system started. Very little exists conscerning information on the monument itself.

by Donna Berny

Moore County Fire Memorial

Dumas, Texas

Sept/Oct 04 issue

Disaster Creates Memories of Honor
by Donna Berny

Citizens of Moore County, TX recently honored the memory of the 19 lives lost in a disaster that struck the county 48 years ago.
The morning of July 29, 1956 was not what anyone expected. At 7 a.m., an explosion rocked the Shamrock Oil and Gas Company’s McKee plant and sent volunteer firemen from Sunray and Dumas running to the scene.

The actual cause of the explosion was difficult to pinpoint. After investigations, it was determined that a fire broke out at the base of tank number 199, a 15,000 barrel Horton Sphere Tank, containing pentane and hexane. The heat from the flames caused the safety release valve at the top of the tank to open. Officials said it had blown off twice before and was in the process of being repaired. A flame impingement on the vapor space above the contents of the tank caused a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE).

photo courtesy of Window on the Plains Museum, Dumas, Texas

At the time, there was a theory that foam would help to control fires such Equipment used to apply the foam was on its way when a second explosion sounded. The initial explosion was caused when a vapor cloud ignited from a leak from the sphere.
At the time of the BLEVE, firefighters were sill working on controlling the fire. Ten firemen and nine plant employees were killed. The fireball could be seen in Amarillo,TX located more than 50 miles away.

photo courtesy of Window on the Plains Museum, Dumas, Texas

The heat from the explosion was so intense that the list of 32 injured included spectators. Photographer and reporter, Bob Hamilton dictated news stories from his hospital bed where he sustained burns from his coverage of the event which later took his life.
The bodies of the dead were brought to the National Guard Armory for identification. Many were burned beyond recognition and had to be identified by jewelry or other personal items.

Those who lost loved ones consoled one another. The diaster touched the lives of most everyone living in Moore County. Those who fought the fire together were friends and neighbors. To this day it is difficult for residents who experienced the event to talk about it. Described by the Moore County News Press as “not unlike the aftermath of a terrible battle fought close to home,” the disaster will be forever ingrained in the hearts and minds of the residents of Moore County.

Today, a monument stands at the southwest corner of the courthouse in Dumas, TX as a reminder of the courage and honor of those who lost their lives in such a tragic manner. Those killed include: Virgil Wayne Thomas, 39; Gayle D. Weir, 27; James L. Rivers, 28; Alvin Freeman, 35; O.W. Cleveland, 38; Charley Lummus, 46; Joe West, 45; Rupert S. Weir, 37; D.C. Lilly, 39; Ray Biles, 40; Lewis A. Broxson, 42; Claude Emmitt, 46; Gilford Corse, 40; Donald Thompson, 27; Sam Gibson, 37; Paschel Pool, 31; Oliver Milligan, 32; M.W. Slagle, 33; and Billy Joe Dunn, 25.

Each name is included on the monument along with the inscription:
“But whether on the Plains so high,
Or on the Battles Van,
The fittest place a man can die,
Is where he dies for man.
Dedicated to those who gave their lives in the Moore County Disaster, July 29, 1956.”

photo courtesy of Window on the Plains Museum, Dumas, Texas

Information sources include: Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, Texas A&M University and

Window on the Plains Museum, Dumas, TX

Firefighter's Memorial and Fire Bell, Bryan, Texas

Nov/Dec 04 issue

photos by Donna Berny

In 1871, the Bryan Fire Department began as Protection Company Number One. It remains an inspiration to current members and acts as a model for what the deparment will become in the future. In appreciation for the founding effort of Protection Company Number One, a monument now stands on the south side of the Bryan Public Library. The granite statue, in the shape of the Washington Monument, bears the names of firefighters who have died in the line of duty, of other causes, or after retirement. It was first created in 1907 and was originally placed in the city cemetery. City officials decided to move it because they felt it could be better appreciated near the public library. Plans began for the new home of the monument in October of 1993, and it was unveiled in 1996. Next to the granite statue, is a bell which is called the “fire bell.” The lettering on it reads “City of Bryan, 1905.” Its place was originally on top of the municipal building which housed the fire department and is now the children’s museum. At any time of the day near the library, one can hear the exhilarating “bong” of the bell, rung by a passerby, particularly children visiting the library.

The unmistakable camaraderie and bond that holds members of the Bryan Fire Department together began with Protection Company Number One. Today’s members work to continue an honorable career in public service that was first demonstrated when the fire department was established. The monument and bell are constant reminders of how the founding members of the fire department laid the foundation upon which the present fire department rests and becomes a stronger service for the future.

By Donna Berny

Firemen's Park, McAllen, Texas

Jan/Feb 05 issue

photo by Donna Berny

The McAllen Firemen’s Park was founded by the McAllen Volunteer Fire Department on May 15, 1953. It was constructed by members of the department under the direction and supervision of Chief Alfred S. Meyers. Meyers served as chief from 1937 to 1964 and became McAllen’s first paid, full-time fire chief in 1944 when the department became classified as full-time.

After its construction, the park was maintained by the fire department until it was turned over to the city in 1969. It is currently managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. The park remains a popular site for events from birthday parties to wedding receptions. It features a pavilion that holds 150 people, a sand volleyball court, a playscape, an enclosed barbeque house, and restrooms. Rentals for the park exceed 200 each year.

At the front entrance of the park stands a red fire bell and plaque bearing the names of those who helped make the park what it is today. It serves as a reminder to the thousands of guests who visit the park each year of the reason behind its creation.

By Donna Berny

A special thanks to the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department and the McAllen Memorial Library.

Ray Landry Firemen's Park

Mission, Texas

Mar/April 05 issue

The Ray Landry Firemen’s Park began through a joint program between the water district and the volunteer fire department in Mission, Texas. The Fire Department paid one dollar with the stipulation to maintain the area as long as it existed. The park was originally used for training purposes but is now used mostly for fundraising and recreation.

It features a parking area with a pavilion, playground, restrooms and barbeque pits. It is meant for use by members of the fire department and their families but can be rented for a fee by the public.

The Park was named after Ray Landry, father of former Dallas Cowboys coach, Tom Landry. Ray Landry was chief of the fire department for about 30 years when it was volunteer. The park’s dedication was meant to thank him for his many years of service to the department and the community.

By Donna Berny

Firefighter Memorial, Houston Station 76

May/June 05 issue

Houston Fire Department Remembers Two of Their Own

On the morning of February 14, 2000, members of Engine and Ladder Company 76 in Houston, Texas responded to a fire at a nearby McDonald’s Restaurant. Upon arrival, among the firefighters from their company, Kimberly Smith and Lewis Mayo entered the building but became trapped when the ceiling collapsed on them. Efforts made to escape failed.

The Houston Fire Department had not experienced the death of a firefighter on the scene prior to this incident since 1977. Both Smith and Mayo are remembered as being extremely dedicated to their careers in the fire industry. They worked hard and truly loved their profession.

photo courtesy Scott Mellott

It was later determined that the fire started when three teens tried to break into the restaurant safe using a cutting torch. After their efforts were unsuccessful, the suspects began tearing up the office, setting the cabinets on fire. The teens were later found guilty of arson and murder and received prison sentences ranging from 17 to 35 years.

Today a memorial stands outside Houston Fire Station 76 in memory of Kimberly Ann Smith and Lewis E. Mayo III, who lost their lives while responding to the call of duty. Smith’s boots are also in a display called Texans: Footprints and Imprints of Famous Texans at the Institute of Texas Cultures in San Antonio.

photo courtesy Scott Mellott

By Donna Berny

For More information on this and other Houston Fire Memorials, visit http://www.houstonfirememorial.org

If you have a Fire Memorial in your town, we want to know about it!

Contact Donna Berny at:

donna@fireworld.com

or

Phone: 979-690-7560

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