Folder: S.F. Police-Policemen-Kirby, Wayne
Newscopy: "HERO COPS - Policemen Frank Gannon and Wayne Kirby hold towels used to cover their faces while rousing tenants in apartment house filled with fumes from a broken refrigeration unit. Two veteran policemen were credited with saving the lives of 55 residents of a five-story apartment house at 345 Jones-st early today after the building became flooded with deadly sulphur dioxide fumes from a broken refrigeration unit. Patrolmen Frank Gannon and Wayne Kirby, cruising past at 3a.m. saw a small group of pajama-clad persons huddled outside the entrance. Roused Occupants - Investigation revealed the people had been forced from their first floor apartments by strong fumes from the refrigeration machinery in the cellar. The policemen called for the Fire Department and then began a floor-to-floor search of the building to awaken all occupants. By the time they reached the third floor, the fumes became so dense they had to wrap water-soaked towels around their faces. They were forced to take to the fire escape and managed to awaken the occupants on the fourth and fifth floors by pounding on the windows. Broken Valve - By the time firemen arrived, the two policemen had brought all the residents out of the building safely. Firemen wearing gas masks, reached the refrigeration machinery in the cellar and shut off a broken valve. Gannon and Kirby were treated at Harbor Emergency Hospital for inhalation of the fumes and sent home."
Negative #10685
