FDNY Line of Duty Death
February 3, 1925 - LODD
LT William R. Fletcher, 38
Rescue 1
FDNY. Manhattan, New York
On arrival, firemen found very heavy smoke showing from the cellar of a six-story brick loft building. The stubborn fire went to three alarms as firemen attempted to get to the seat of the blaze. At the height of the fire, holes were cut in the first floor, and a dozen men, led by LT Fletcher of Rescue 1 and a Battalion Chief, entered the smoke-filled basement. All of the men had to be carried out. LT Fletcher could not be revived at the scene and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead of smoke inhalation.
Box 857- 618 – 620 5th Avenue, Manhattan.
Lt Fletcher lost his life when he was overcome by smoke while fighting a 3 alarm fire in a building containing hats & frocks worth over a million dollars. In command of Rescue 1, he led his men into the smokey basement. He was brought out of the basement a few minutes later unconscious. Dr Harry Archer treated him for smoke inhalation. He regained consciousness & wanted to get back to work but Dr Archer ordered him to the hospital by Department ambualance. He died less than an hour later. Lt Fletcher lived in Woodside with his wife & 3 young children
RIP. Never forget.
