Assistant Chief Thomas Finley

On February 1, 1893, the fire department committee of the General Council recommended adding a third assistant chief to the department. While there was much disagreement among the Council members, the following day on February 2nd at the regular meeting of the City Council, the ordinance was once again heard and passed. Thomas Finley was appointed Third Assistant Chief on February 10, 1893. His office was headquarted at Hook and Ladder 4. Three months later on May 2, 1893, a fire destroyed the six-story Power House building located at 521-527 South Third Street. The loss was placed at $350,000. More than 15 businesses, homes and stables were either destroyed or damaged. Several firemen received severe injuries during the fire. One of the men was Assistant Chief Thomas Finley who became gravely ill and died June 9, 1893, only four months after his appointment.