Line of Duty Deaths

Memory is the priceless heritage of the ages. It is the echoing voice of happy days, experiences, sad emotions, fond recollections, friendships and the comradeship of those whose heart were true.
We dedicate this page in Memory of our departed brothers, who are on the wings of Angels, in that perfect peace where Almighty God bestows on them the gift of immortality and thus, when we too respond to our last alarm, we shall find our departed brothers waiting with the light of love in their eyes to lead us to the Eternal Father, who rewards those who love truth, practice charity, honor chastity, and stand in justice.
With deepest reverence, we bow our heads for the repose of the souls of our departed comrades.



George Major
October 31, 1874. George Major, an Asst. Fire Chief and Chief Burgess was shot and killed while responding to a false alarm in Mahanoy City. This event occurred during a period of ethnic tension in the Borough.

Michael Sommers
September 19, 1890. Michael Sommers was killed in a train collision/derailment when their passenger train collided with a coal train in the village of Shoemakersville in Berks County. Mr. Sommers was part of a group returning home from the State Firemen's Convention in Chester, PA.


Frank Hoffman
September 19, 1890. Frank Hoffman was killed in a train collision/derailment when their passenger train collided with a coal train in the village of Shoemakersville in Berks County. Mr. Hoffman was part of a group returning home from the State Firemen's Convention in Chester, PA.


James Becker
September 19, 1890. James Becker was killed in a train collision/derailment when their passenger train collided with a coal train in the village of Shoemakersville in Berks County. Mr. Becker was part of a group returning home from the State Firemen's Convention in Chester, PA.


David Anstock
September 19, 1890. David Anstock was killed in a train collision/derailment when their passenger train collided with a coal train in the village of Shoemakersville in Berks County. Mr. Anstock was part of a group returning home from the State Firemen's Convention in Chester, PA.


Joseph N. King
July 11, 1948. Joseph King died at a fire in the Janowitz Building at the corner of Main and Market Streets. He suffered a fatal heart attack.


William Pritz
November 6, 1984. William Pritz, a firepoliceman, died of a massive heart attack while directing traffic during a fire on West Maple Street.


The following individuals, although not members of the Citizens
Fire Company, deserve this Company's proper respect and
recognition on this page...

William Pangonis
December 25, 1946. Mr. Pangonis, a member of the West End Fire & Rescue Co was struck by a car and killed while running to the fire station for an incoming box alarm. The alarm was a holiday prank.


Harold Rogers
August 15, 1965. Mr. Rogers, a member of the Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. of Shenandoah died of a heart attack while marching in company uniform for the 50th Anniversary parade of the Polish-American Fire Company of Shenandoah. Harold was the father of John "Bucky" Rogers - a member of the Citizens
Fire Co. #2.

Members of FDNY Ladder 15 / Engine 4 killed on Sept. 11, 2001

Captain Joseph D. Farelly
Lieutenant Joseph G. Leavey
Firefighter Richard D. Allen
Firefighter Calixto Anaya, Jr.
Firefighter Arthur T. Barry
Firefighter Thomas W. Kelly
Firefighter Scott Kopytko
Firefighter Scott Larsen
Firefighter Eric T. Olsen
Firefighter Douglas E. Oeischlager
Firefighter James C. Riches
Firefighter Thomas G. Schoales
Firefighter Paul Tegtmeier
Firefighter Sergio Villanueva