THE  LAST  ALARM

FIREMAN JAMES STIVERS

ENGINE CO. 2

BADGE #13

MARCH 31, 1894

While responding to a small fire in a tool shop on Commerce St., Engine 2 was traveling slowly over badly rutted New Jersey Railroad Avenue, when a lantern hanging from the side of the steamer broke, spewing flaming oil over the suction hose. Fireman James Stivers, 52, who was riding in the seat with the company engineer, jumped down from the seat and ran alongside the engine in an attempt to unhook the lantern and put out the fire.

As the company reached the front of Skinner & Leary’s machine shop, he managed to unhook the lantern, but then he stumbled and fell under the rear wheel of the heavy steamer, which passed over his body. Still clutching the lantern, the 28-year veteran was carried into a nearby saloon, and then taken to his home at 198 Mulberry Street, where a doctor was summoned. The doctor helped him as best as he was able, but Stivers lay in great pain until his death a short time later.

He was one of the oldest members of the department, being born in 1842 and joining Engine 1 in 1866. He then transferred to Engine 9, and then to Supply 1, where he worked for many years. When the Board of Fire Commissioners was established on May 2, 1885, he was transferred to Engine 2.