News Flash Home
The original item was published from 6/8/2021 12:25:58 PM to 6/9/2022 12:00:01 AM.

News Flash

City of Malden News

Posted on: June 8, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Memorial Square Honors James Fagan, Malden’s First Firefighter Lost in Line of Duty

Firefighter Fagan Memorial Square

Fire Chief William Sullivan, Fire Commissioner Emery Haskell, and a contingent of Malden Firefighters welcomed Mayor Gary Christenson, members of the State Legislative Delegation, City Council, Fire Chiefs from neighboring departments and residents to dedicate a plaque in honor of James G. Fagan who died in the line of duty in 1868. The event took place at the corner of High and Ferry Streets the very place where a horrific fire burned that caused the death of Firefighter Fagen.

Born on April 8, 1844, to Irish Immigrants the Fagan family lived at 19 Irving Street. James joined the Malden Fire Department as a member of the Wannalancet Steam Fire Engine No. 1. The “Wannalancet” was quartered in a small wood frame, one bay fire station located on Pleasant Street, in Malden Square where the Dowling Building currently stands.

On Tuesday May 12, 1868, The Malden Messenger reported “just after 2 o’clock in the morning our citizens were awakened from their slumbers by the cry of - FIRE! accompanied by the quick and sharp peals of our village bells.” Malden fire companies responded - some apparatus being pulled by hand while others were drawn by horse - they arrived to find that the fire involved the Miner Bakery and an adjoining horse stable. Despite the exhaustive efforts of Malden Firefighters, particularly those first to arrive with the Wannalancet Steamer No. 1, the fire steadily increased in size and scope, spreading rapidly involving multiple buildings along both High and Ferry Streets.

Several Malden firefighters led by well-respected Fire Captain Thomas W. Hough, who just three years later would become Chief of the Department, advanced a hose-line into one of the involved buildings in an aggressive effort to halt the fire’s progression. As they pushed further into the burning building, they were confronted by heavy fire conditions that unbeknownst to them had already begun to compromise the structural integrity of the building. Without any warning, the front wall of the building buckled and suddenly collapsed with as the newspaper article reported “a smothering and blinding crash.”

Hose-men from the Daniel Webster Engine Co. 3 from Edgeworth immediately redirected their hose stream onto the fiercely burning ruins of the collapsed structure. Other firefighters, aided by citizen onlookers who had crowded the intersection, quickly began the enormous and dangerous task of removing the heavy structural elements of the collapsed building to uncover their trapped comrades, while endangering themselves in the process. These rescue efforts were soon rewarded when Captain Hough, who had been thrown partially through a window, was pulled from the burning debris. Firefighter George Fredericks was the next to be freed. The third and last member to be located and rescued was Firefighter James G. Fagan. As recorded in the Malden Messenger he was by far in the most perilous condition and sustained the gravest injuries. He was found lying upon his face with a heavy burning timber across his back.

Tragically, on May 21, 1868, nine days after the horrific fire - 153 years ago - Malden Firefighter James G. Fagan succumbed to his injuries. He was the first Malden Firefighter to lose his life in the performance of his duty. At the time of his death James was just 24 years old. Of his death the Malden Messenger reported:

“Very unexpectedly, and much to the sincere regret of all who ever knew him, of all who recognized his strong and earnest endeavor to act his part in life, faithfully to himself and his opportunities, James Fagan died Thursday night. He was known by the majority of our people as a young man, who had achieved for himself a measure of success, who was industrious and energetic, who was useful, and whose example was worthy of emulation by those over whom he exerted influence. By those with whom he was brought in closer contact, he was esteemed and respected, and his character commanded their admiration. He died in early vigorous life, in the discharge of duty, and sacrificed himself, rather than bate one bit of his obligations. Long an active member of the Wannalancet Steam Fire Engine Co. 1 he was always one of the first to perform every task that was entrusted to him. We feel that Malden has occasion, while feeling proud that she has reared such a man so true to himself and his profession, to lament a wise Providence should have taken him in his vigorous manhood and deprived us of his years of usefulness and his worthy example.”

“Today, as a community, we remember a young man, a son of Malden, who had his whole life ahead of him,” said Chief William Sullivan. “One who, as a fireman, placed the protection of his neighbor’s lives and the preservation of their property ahead of his own wellbeing. As a fire department we once again reaffirm our commitment to never forget. To never forget our own, those who have proceeded us in this noble firefighting profession of ours.”

During Chief Sullivan’s research into the life and career of James G. Fagan he was unable to determine with any degree of certainty what badge number Firefighter Fagan had been given upon his appointment to the department or whether in those early years of the Fire Department badges were issued at all. As a result, Badge Number 1 in the Malden Fire Department has been officially assigned to Firefighter James G. Fagan as the first Malden Firefighter to lose his life in the performance of his duty.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City of Malden News

Memorial Day

Memorial Day in Malden 2023

Posted on: May 11, 2023
Triangle Clients

Triangle, Inc. Visits City Hall

Posted on: April 24, 2023
Arab American Heritage month

Arab American Heritage Month

Posted on: April 20, 2023
Chief Sullivan Retirement

Fire Chief Bill Sullivan Retires

Posted on: March 30, 2023
Black Earth Compost

Malden Announces Composting Program

Posted on: April 4, 2023
GREEN MALDEN FAIR Banner

Malden to Hold Green Malden Fair

Posted on: April 4, 2023
MTEC field trip

MTEC Camping Trip

Posted on: March 22, 2023
103 Birthday

Celebrating a 103rd Birthday!

Posted on: March 22, 2023
ARPA - YMCA

City Awards ARPA Funds to YMCA

Posted on: February 21, 2023
rock spot

Grand Opening of Rock Spot Climbing

Posted on: January 12, 2023
City of Malden Trash Holiday (2)

“Trash Holiday”

Posted on: December 13, 2022
Butch Lessard

Longtime City Employee Celebrates 25 Years

Posted on: December 14, 2022
Trash Tag 2023 Greenpng

2023 Trash Tags Now Available!

Posted on: December 13, 2022
Rosene Wine

Malden Artist Brightens City Hall

Posted on: December 1, 2022
Maureen McGaffigan 80th

Maureen McGaffigan Celebrates 80 Years

Posted on: November 30, 2022
Afnaan - 2

Malden Student Recognized for Advocacy

Posted on: November 22, 2022
Enoch Woodhouse

Celebrating a True American Hero

Posted on: November 17, 2022
Carmella and Bill Nelson

Celebrating a Platinum Anniversary!

Posted on: November 17, 2022
Lincoln Commons

Improved Lighting on Lincoln Commons

Posted on: November 15, 2022
News from the City of Malden

City Awarded Grant for Kierstead Park

Posted on: November 8, 2022
Malden Alerts Flyer (1)

Malden’s Alert System is Being Updated

Posted on: November 8, 2022
Blue Bike Photo

Bluebikes in Malden!

Posted on: October 20, 2022
axon battery camera 3

Malden Police Body-Worn Camera Program

Posted on: October 20, 2022
Floramos

Grand Opening of Floramo’s Restaurant

Posted on: October 11, 2022
Blue Ocean Nails Bar

Grand Opening of Blue Ocean Nails Bar

Posted on: October 11, 2022
ARPA

City Awards ARPA Funds to Local Non-Profits

Posted on: September 26, 2022
Procopio Family

Celebrating a Diamond Anniversary

Posted on: September 15, 2022
Public Safety Day flyer (2)

Malden’s 4th Annual Public Safety Day

Posted on: September 13, 2022
08 - Sylvain Counseling Services

Sylvain Counseling Services Grand Opening

Posted on: September 13, 2022
Ryan Dos Santos

Mayor Thanks Local Hero for Stepping In

Posted on: September 13, 2022
Green Malden

City Announces New Green Malden Initiative

Posted on: September 7, 2022
Riverrendering

City awarded Grant for Malden River Works

Posted on: September 1, 2022
Green Communities

Malden Plugs Away at Energy Conservation

Posted on: September 1, 2022
Top Cars

Top Cars Motor Group Grand Opening

Posted on: August 25, 2022
Mystic Valley Salon

Grand Opening of Mystic Valley Salon

Posted on: August 23, 2022
Malden Climate Action Logo

Malden Announces Climate Action Plan

Posted on: August 11, 2022
Challenger Day

Malden to Host Challenger Day Games

Posted on: August 10, 2022
NNO photo

2022 National Night Out

Posted on: August 4, 2022
Converse Family Reunion at Fellsmere Park

City Hosts Converse Family Reunion

Posted on: July 5, 2022
Art at city hall

Malden Artists Collaborate

Posted on: June 23, 2022
Food link

Mayor Tours Food Link in Arlington

Posted on: June 9, 2022