Capt. Thomas Purtell
Killed in the Line of Duty
January 19,1932
| Fire Company |
Engine 51
|
|
| Cause of Death |
Heart Attack
|
|
| At Fire Box Number |
|
|
| Incident Type |
Cellar Fire
|
|
| Incident Location |
1550 Teakwood Ave
|
|
Purtell was attempting to kick in the cellar widows of a house on fire when he staggered backwards and collapsed. The Life Saving Sqad was summoned. Members of the squad along with Dr Edward Dulle, a volunteer member, and Marshal Harry Gasselbracht worked on Purtell for a half an hour with a pulmotor, but were unable to revive him. Purtell was 61.