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William W. McFadden
Appointed: December 4, 1901
Died: August 10, 1939
Badge #: 99
Badge Retired: Ocrtober 8, 2011
William McFadden was appointed to the Dayton Fire Department on December 4, 1901. His first promotion was to the rank of Captain on January 2, 1908. He was elevated to the rank of Assistant Chief on June 1, 1915. He held that post until becoming Chief of the department on January 1, 1935 succeeding Chief Frank Ramby who served as Chief for 27 years. Chief McFadden became only the third man to hold the position in 58 years.
On August 10, 1939, Chief McFadden suffered a heart attack while directing crews at the Neal Cafeteria fire at 26 W. Third Street. He was treated at the scene but refused to leave his post. Once all crews had been released he drove himself back to the Fire Alarm and Signal building three blocks away. There he suffered a fatal heart attack.
Chief McFadden was very active in many civic organizations. He also served as Vice President of the Ohio Firefighters Association and was a member of the Firemen’s Retirement Board.
City Manager Eichelberger issued the following statement in appreciation of the Chief’s services:
"In the tragic death of Fire Chief W.W. McFadden, Dayton has lost a faithful and efficient public servant. That he died in action, refusing to give up after the first warning of a heart attack, is the most eloquent expression of the kind of fighting spirit he possessed. We shall miss him sorely from our counsels where his years of experience lent invaluable aid to our deliberations.”
In honor of his service the city named a street after the Chief. McFadden Avenue is home to the Dayton Fire Department Training Center.
He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery.
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