Fallen Canadian Fire Captain Honored -- After 83 Years
Source Hamilton Spectator (Ontario, Canada)
More than 80 years since John Hilliard Walsh suffered a fatal heart attack at work inside the John Street fire station, the captain is finally being recognized for dying in the line of duty.
On Sunday, Walsh will officially be added to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation list of line of duty deaths, his name inscribed on a new monument being unveiled in Ottawa. The move is thanks to assistant chief fire prevention officer John Verbeek, who will be in Ottawa for the event this weekend.
Verbeek has been interested in the history of his city's fire department for 20 years.
But it was after being asked to write a speech about the department's history and a having conversation with a local historian that he felt the push to write a book.
Hamilton Fire Department: A Historical Look Back chronicles the fire department's history going back to 1832, recounting big fires and the deaths of firefighters.
During his research, Verbeek said, he came across a March 11, 1929 story in The Hamilton Spectator about Walsh's death.
It recounts the firefighter's life from his birth on Sept. 11, 1861 in Deerbrook, Ont., to joining the Hamilton Fire Department in 1888 and his promotion to captain in 1902.
When he started, he operated a two-horse hose wagon out of the Hughson Street North central station.
"Captain Walsh left home in his good health and was talking with other members of the brigade when he collapsed about 10:30 o'clock. His comrades rushed to his assistance and arranged for medical aid, but he had expired when it arrived," the story reads.
It goes on to describe Walsh as a gentleman with many friends.
Verbeek said he believes that Walsh not being listed as a line-of-duty death was an "oversight." So he decided to correct it.
He wrote to the foundation requesting Walsh's name be added and in late September received a confirmation letter. Walsh's name will be read out at the ceremony Sunday.
"He died while one duty. It's important to recognize that," Verbeek said.
In 1899, Walsh responded to a fire at the rear of the Model Dining and Lunch Rooms on MacNab Street North, records show. The fast-moving blaze spread to a nearby barn and caused the building to collapse, trapping 13 firefighters, including Walsh, under the debris.
Walsh suffered leg injuries and cuts and bruises to his face.
He had one daughter, listed in The Spectator story as a Mrs. Gordon McNeilly. Verbeek said she is buried, like her father, at the Hamilton Cemetery.
He was unable to find any later descendants or living relatives, but would love to hear from anyone who may be related to the fallen firefighter.
A copy of Verbeek's book has been ordered for the Hamilton Public Library archives department or can be ordered through www.lulu.com.
905-526-3199 | @NicoleatTheSpec
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