Chief Philip Eckel

Syracuse Fire Department

Date of Death: June 1, 1886

Chief Philip Eckel died in the line of duty after being thrown from a horse‑drawn fire engine while responding to a fire on East Washington Street. As the apparatus approached the New York Central Railroad tracks, the driver attempted to clear the crossing ahead of an oncoming freight train. The engine struck the tracks, ejecting Chief Eckel. He suffered fatal injuries and passed away as a result of the accident.