IFLODD: Firefighter Memorial


Firefighter Record

Firefighter Details

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 Details

Incident Name N/A
Incident City Lockport
Incident State IL
Incident Date 12/17/1897 21:0
Incident Location Industry/ Manufacturing
Incident Attribute Fires

Incident Summary

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.


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Firefighter and Incident Audio

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