“Tell Mother I Simply Did My Duty”

“Tell Mother I Simply Did My Duty”

“Tell mother I simply did my duty and that I am not afraid to go before my Maker,” murmured James O’Brien, of Engine Company 8, Buffalo, N. Y., to an attendant at the Emergency Hospital, September 18, just before his death. He died as the result of burns received while fighting the fire at the Atlas Oil Works, September 14. Warned by his comrades not to go near the blazing oil. O’Brien declared he had to perform his duty and took up his perilous position near the great blaze. An oil pipe burst and in a second O'Brien was covered with burning oil. He had inhaled the deadly flames before his companions succeeded in rescuing him. Even then, semi-conscious, he wanted to continue the fight. He was known as a daring fireman. At an oil fire two years ago he was scalded by hot oil, his feet being horribly burned. He was unmarried. He was one of the most popular and youngest members in the department.

“Tell mother I simply did my duty and that I am not afraid to go before my Maker,” murmured James O’Brien, of Engine Company 8, Buffalo, N. Y., to an attendant at the Emergency Hospital, September 18, just before his death. He died as the result of burns received while fighting the fire at the Atlas Oil Works, September 14. Warned by his comrades not to go near the blazing oil. O’Brien declared he had to perform his duty and took up his perilous position near the great blaze. An oil pipe burst and in a second O'Brien was covered with burning oil. He had inhaled the deadly flames before his companions succeeded in rescuing him. Even then, semi-conscious, he wanted to continue the fight. He was known as a daring fireman. At an oil fire two years ago he was scalded by hot oil, his feet being horribly burned. He was unmarried. He was one of the most popular and youngest members in the department.