Firefighter Record
Firefighter Details
| Name | William Butler |
| Agency | Chicago Fire Department |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Type of Firefighter | Career |
| Age Range | 41 to 45 |
| Sex | Male |
| Date of Birth | 0/0/0 |
| Date of Death | 6/20/1952 |
| Cause of Death | Stress/Overexertion |
| Nature of Death | Heart attack |
| Attribute of Death | Smoke inhalation |
| Type of Duty | Firefighting operations , Hose operations |
Incident Details
| Incident Name | N/A |
| Incident City | Chicago |
| Incident State | IL |
| Incident Date | 6/20/1952 |
| Incident Location | Residential |
| Incident Attribute | Attic fires , Fires |
Incident Summary
On June 20, 1952, Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant William P. Butler of Engine 112 suffered a heart attack after he was overcome by smoke while fighting a fire on Argyle Street. Butler was in relief command of Inhalator Squad 4 when he responded to the fire, and he joined firefighters in attacking an attic fire with hand pumps. Butler collapsed when he exited the structure to call for a hose line, and he was transported to Ravenswood Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Citations:
“Fireman Dies Fighting Blaze; Smoke Victim,” Chicago Daily Tribune, June 21, 1952.
“Continue Inquest in Smoke Death of Fire Lieutenant,” Chicago Daily Tribune, June 22, 1952.
Firefighter and Incident Images
