**** Info via Halifax Fire Historical Society
On this day in 1917, Halifax suffered the largest Line of Duty death incident in Canadian firefighting history
The Halifax Explosion took over 2000 lives, including nine lives from the Halifax Fire Department. Today we remember the Fallen Nine in ceremony, but as working firefighters in today’s service, we remember their sacrifice every day.
The Nine never to be forgotten are:
• Chief Edward Condon
• Deputy Chief William Brunt
• Captain William Broderick
• Captain Michael Maltus
• Hoseman Frank Leahy
• Volunteer Hoseman Walter Hennessey
• Hoseman Frank Kileen
• Volunteer Hoseman John Duggan
• Veteran Member John Spruin Sr.
It must also be recognized that one member, the driver of the ill-fated “Patricia” motorized pumper, was the only survivor of the crew on scene that day.
Billy Wells was blown from the driver’s seat in the immediate explosion and then swept up the hill, landing in or near what is now Fort Needham Park, found wrapped in telegraph wires. Billy recovered from that terrible day, going on to work as a crossing guard in the North End of Halifax until his death in 1971.
Billy was known and well loved by the many children who made their way to and from school every day, most never knowing of Billy’s incredible story of survival.
In the attached image of the crew aboard the Patricia, Billy Wells is at the wheel.
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