Rankin, Hero of Equitable Fire, Dead
Charles W. Rankin, Acting Deputy Chief of the New York Fire Department, and widely known for his rescue attempts at the fire in the Equitable Building, New York City, in 1912, died at his home in Brooklyn, at the age of sixty-four. He had been on sick leave for two weeks. Chief Rankin was in charge of the Marine Division.
He was appointed fireman on March 8, 1901. When Chief Kenlon succ e e d e d Chief Croker as department head in 1911. he was driver for Chief Kenlon. At the $18,000,000 Equitable Building fire he risked his life many times trying to save three firemen who were trapped on the roof. He was awarded a Class 1 Medal, and was promoted to Lieutenant for his work at this historical fire.
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