| Name | William Gardiner |
| Agency | Lockport Volunteer Fire Department |
| Rank | Firefighter |
| Type of Firefighter | Volunteer |
| Age Range | 26 to 30 |
| Sex | Male |
| Date of Birth | 1/5/1871 |
| Date of Death | 12/17/1897 |
| Cause of Death | Stress/Overexertion |
| Nature of Death | [Unknown] |
| Attribute of Death | [not applicable] |
| Type of Duty | Firefighting operations , Hose operations |
| Incident Name | N/A |
| Incident City | Lockport |
| Incident State | IL |
| Incident Date | 12/17/1897 21:0 |
| Incident Location | Industry/ Manufacturing |
| Incident Attribute | Fires |
On December 17, 1897, Firefighter William H. Gardiner died in the line of duty while fighting a fire at a lumber business in Lockport, Illinois.
Gardiner was in downtown Lockport when the fire alarm was raised at 9 PM. Despite the cold weather, he raced on foot to his firehouse north of the city and then helped push the heavy hose cart to the fire. Shortly after arriving at the fire, Gardiner collapsed while helping to lead a hose line. He was taken to his home where he was treated by doctors, but he died a short time later.
Gardiner’s funeral was held on December 20 at St. Dennis Church in Lockport. The Joliet band led the funeral procession, followed by firefighters and members of the local Modern Woodmen fraternal organization.