Street Renamed to Honor Fallen St. Louis Firefighter

Jan. 16, 2023
One year after St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson was killed in a house fire, the street outside Engine House 13 was named in his memory.

St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson died in a house fire a year ago, and he was remembered Saturday as the street outside the fire station was named in his honor.  

A sign outside Engine House 13 now reads "Benjamin Polson Place."

“That sign is going to be watching over as the kids continue to play in the street,” former Capt. Larry Conley  told KMOV.com. “Hopefully the legacy continues.”

“It’s hard to believe it’s been a year," retired Fire Chief Kenneth Smith said. “It’s been a very difficult year for the St. Louis fire department and especially for the Polson family.”

Polson, who was 32 at the time, responded from Engine House 13 to a Jan. 12, 2022 house fire.

As firefighters were exiting the vacant building, it collapsed and trapped Polson. He was removed but later died and another firefighter was seriously injured. 

“To never forget his courage,” St. Louis Fire Captain Garon Mosby said. “Never forget his sacrifice. To never forget his service. To never forget his love, his zest, his zeal for life, his friends, those he loved.”

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