Captain Carrigan Dies of Hurts in Kaighn Ave. Fire
Fatally Injured While Leading Men at Economy Store Blaze
Noted for His Bravery
Elaborate Public Tribute to Dead Hero To Be Paid at Rites Monday
Captain Martin B. Carrigan, of Fire Engine Company No. 2, died at 6:25 o'clock this morning at Cooper Hospital. Death was caused by a fractured skull, aggravated by severe burns.
Carrigan was injured while fighting the fire that destroyed the Economy Store at 427–429 Kaighn Avenue early yesterday.
He had led his company to the roof of a building adjoining the burning structure. The collapse of a wall carried the six firemen into the cellar of the structure.
Responding to their calls several policemen, firemen and volunteers extricated the men from the burning debris. Carrigan was the last to be carried out and he was rushed to the hospital unconscious.
The funeral of the fire hero will take place on Monday morning at ten o'clock, from his late residence at 618 West Street. Burial will be private in Arlington Cemetery, in charge of F. Roedel & Son, undertakers. An elaborate tribute to the late fire captain is being arranged by the fire committee of city council. The body may be viewed after three o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Followed Hose to Safety
Captain Carrigan was born in Camden, July, 1872, and has resided at 618 West Street for many years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Hannah Carrigan, a stepson, Walter Hall, and his brother, Lewis Carrigan.
He was appointed to the fire department December 3, 1904, and first reported for duty on January 1, 1905, assigned to Engine Company No. 5. He distinguished himself by heroic conduct at the fire which consumed the old Sixth Regiment Armory, West and Mickle Streets, March 16, 1906.
Carrigan was one of a half dozen men who were trapped in the blazing armory. With the dense smoke making immediate escape imperative, the firemen dropped to their hands and knees, and made their way to the street safely by following a line of hose. Three firemen lost their lives in this fire.
Made Captain Last Year
As a result of his exemplary conduct and unflinching devotion to duty, Carrigan was appointed lieutenant in May 1915. He was attached to Engine Company No. 2, at Fifth and Arch Street. He was driver of the fire chief's car for years prior to his promotion to lieutenant.
His bravery at the Baker-Flick fire, two months ago, stood out against the many exploits of Camden's fire fighters. Carrigan, who was raised to the rank of Captain in May, 1921, led his men into the smoke-filled annex of the store and was forced to retire when he was partly overcome by smoke. Returning within a few minutes, he was in the thick of the fire again, so close that his eyelashes were singed.
He was finally pulled away from the blaze and led to the street. The smoke had almost blinded him and he was obliged to go to Cooper Hospital for treatment.
Captain Carrigan always made it a point to personally lead his men into every fire, remaining with them until the order was given to return to headquarters. He had the respect and confidence of every man under his command, and endeared himself with his generous acts of kindness. Unassuming and reluctant to speak of his work, he would dismiss complimentary remarks with the assurance “it's all in a day's work.”
Chief Peter B. Carter, in commenting today on the death of Captain Carrigan said: “No better was ever known to wear the uniform of a fireman. Captain Carrigan would never back from any danger, and was zealous in the performance of his duties.”
“He was a real leader, inspiring his men by the force of his own fearlessness. His comrades in the department will miss Captain Carrigan, the leader and man.”
Captain Schregler of the Detective Bureau designated several of his men to aid the underwriter's agents in the investigation as to the origin of the fire.
Mayor Ellis ordered the investigation.
Lions Praise Firemen
Work of firemen in fighting the tremendous blaze at 427 Kaighn Avenue was highly commended by the Camden Lions Club yesterday at a meeting in Y.M.C.A.
A resolution commending Chief Carter and his men was prepared by Charles Sullivan, a member of the club.