Fireman Benedict T. Witkus

Fireman Benedict T. Witkus, badge #210, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was appointed on 10/1/1940 and was assigned to Engine 8. He transferred on 11/15/1941 to Engine 20. On 11/20/1948, he died from serious burns received on 11/13/1948 when Engine 20 was struck by a car as it responded to an alarm. Both vehicles caught fire. 3 out of the 4 civilians in the vehicle died as the result of burns sustained in the incident. F/M Witkus was 34 years old at the time of his death. F/M William Manger was also seriously burned in the incident and did not survive.