Fire Fighter William Finnane

Died In The Line Of Duty on November 11th, 1959

         At 3:00 am on November 11th, 1959, a fire was discovered at the two-story Schlueter Company.  It was located at 112 Fourth Ave, which is now 112 E. Centerway. 
         While trying to stop the fire spread, four fire fighters were in an alley along the south side of the building. A parapet and upper part of a rear wall suddenly fell, pinning William Finnane and Paul Finley under the rubble.  John Shea was also partially pinned, but managed free himself and roll out to a near-by sidewalk.  The fourth man, Robert Selby, escaped injury.
         William Finnane, who was twenty six years old, died at Mercy Hospital, after being rushed there from the fire scene.  His cause of death was a basal skull fracture.  He also had a fractured wrist, chest injuries, and dislocated hip.  Fire Fighter Finnane had only been on the department for one year and seven months.  He left behind a wife and four children.
         Paul Finley and John Shea, were also transported and hospitalized with serious injuries. 

A westside view of the fatal fire
 

Fire Fighter William Finnane

Died In The Line Of Duty on November 11th, 1959

         At 3:00 am on November 11th, 1959, a fire was discovered at the two-story Schlueter Company.  It was located at 112 Fourth Ave, which is now 112 E. Centerway. 
         While trying to stop the fire spread, four fire fighters were in an alley along the south side of the building. A parapet and upper part of a rear wall suddenly fell, pinning William Finnane and Paul Finley under the rubble.  John Shea was also partially pinned, but managed free himself and roll out to a near-by sidewalk.  The fourth man, Robert Selby, escaped injury.
         William Finnane, who was twenty six years old, died at Mercy Hospital, after being rushed there from the fire scene.  His cause of death was a basal skull fracture.  He also had a fractured wrist, chest injuries, and dislocated hip.  Fire Fighter Finnane had only been on the department for one year and seven months.  He left behind a wife and four children.
         Paul Finley and John Shea, were also transported and hospitalized with serious injuries. 

A westside view of the fatal fire