Lieutenant Robert J. McCarthy

Syracuse Fire Department

Date of Death: July 12, 1959

Lieutenant Robert McCarthy was killed in the line of duty while serving as the officer of Engine Company 7 during a response to a structure fire at 608 South Townsend Street. As Engine 7 entered the blind intersection at South Townsend and East Jefferson Streets, it was struck midship on the driver’s side by Engine 6. The collision locked both apparatuses together, sending them into a nearby gas station and damaging structural supports and a fuel‑pump island.Rescue efforts were delayed as crews worked to separate the vehicles amid hazardous conditions created by spilled gasoline and the risk of fire.