Our chapter will always remember those who came before us and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Every year on the anniversary date of their death we go out to their grave site, clean the stone, leave an American flag and a single rose in honor of their sacrifice.

R.F.B.

Remember Fallen Brothers

Patrick J. Ryan

Hoseman of Engine #4

Died January 17th, 1945
Lafayette Fires LODD
K.I.A. in Europe with the US Army during WWII
Joined Lafayette Fire Department in December of 1934
Served on Engine 1(1934) and Engine 4(1935) both as a Hoseman

He died while serving his country in WWII in Europe, Ryan was listed M.I.A. and found later killed in a tank

John C. Butler

Sergeant of Quint #5

Died February 28th, 2018
Lafayette Fires LODD
From Occupational Cancer from his years of service
Joined Lafayette Fire in May of 1988
Served on Squad 7 as a Backend Fireman(1998), promoted to Sergeant(2003) of Quint 5.

His death was caused by years of occupational exposure to toxins while serving the City as a fireman, causing cancer.

John William Mitchell

Captain of Hose Company #4

Died April 10th, 1914
Lafayette Fires LODD
Died in the Dryfus Theater Fire
Joined Lafayette Fire in January of 1908
Served on Hose Company #4 as a Hoseman(1908) and Captain(1908)

John was standing in a doorway leading the efforts for the blaze when an overhead stone marquis fell on him. Transported to St. Elizabeth’s with severe injuries and later died.

John was supposed to be off but was awaiting his relief to show up. Had the fire come in a couple hours later his fate would have been entirely different.

John G. Robinson

Sergeant of Engine #9 (c-shift)

Died April 14th, 2025
Lafayette Fires LODD
Had a medical emergency while on duty, found in bed by the oncoming crew
Joined Lafayette Fire in October of 1995
Served as a Backend Fireman(1995) on Engine 1, promoted to Sergeant(2022) of Engine 9.

While on duty at Station 9, Robinson suffered a medical emergency while in bed and died. The oncoming crew (A-shift) found him in his bunk.

Donald P. Thelen

Sergeant of Ladder #3

Died July 31st, 2020
Lafayette Fires LODD
From Occupational Cancer from his years of service
Joined Lafayette Fire in May of 1981
Served as a Backend Firefighter for 7 years(1981), promoted to Sergeant(1988) of Ladder 3.

His death was caused by 36 years of occupational exposure to toxins while serving the City as a fireman, causing cancer.

Clarence R. “Bud” Anderson

Acting Assistant Chief

Died November 20th, 1953
Lafayette Fires LODD
Died in the Wonder Bread Fire
Joined Lafayette Fire in January of 1936
Served on Engine 1 as a Hoseman(1936), Lieutenant(1952), and Captain(1953). Assigned Acting Assistant Chief November of 1953

The Fire Department responded to the Wonder Bread Bakery garage fire for a truck that damaged a gasoline pump hose causing a spill. It is believed that a pilot light from a water heater ignited the fumes, causing it to explode, covering the men inside with fuel and flames

Walter J. Leaman, Jr

Probationary Hoseman of Engine #1

Died November 20th, 1953
Lafayette Fires LODD
Died in the Wonder Bread Fire
Joined Lafayette Fire in February of 1953
Served on Engine 1 as a Hoseman(1953)

The Fire Department responded to the Wonder Bread Bakery garage fire for a truck that damaged a gasoline pump hose causing a spill. It is believed that a pilot light from a water heater ignited the fumes, causing it to explode, covering the men inside with fuel and flames

Marshall J. Leaman

Captain of Engine #3

Died November 22nd, 1953
Lafayette Fires LODD
Died in the Wonder Bread Fire
Joined Lafayette Fire in September of 1931
Served on Engine 1(1931), Engine 3(1932), and Engine 2(1934) as a Hoseman. Promoted to Lieutenant(1941) and later Captain(1951) of Engine 3.

Leaman later died of his injuries from the fire in the hospital

The Fire Department responded to the Wonder Bread Bakery garage fire for a truck that damaged a gasoline pump hose causing a spill. It is believed that a pilot light from a water heater ignited the fumes, causing it to explode, covering the men inside with fuel and flames

Lewis E. Wiesler

Inspector (previously a Firefighter on the Department)

Died November 25th, 1979
From Occupational Cancer from his years of service
Joined Lafayette Fire in March of 1962
Served as a Backend Firefighter for 10 years. Promoted to Inspector (1972)

His death was caused by years of occupational exposure to toxins while serving the City as a fireman, causing cancer. Died within two months of being diagnosed.

Quick LODD Date Reference

Patrick J. Ryan - 1/17/1945

John C. Butler - 2/28/2018

John William Mitchell - 4/10/1914

john Robinson - 4/14/2025

Donald P. Thelen - 7/31/2020

Clarence R. Anderson - 11/20/1953

Walter J. Leaman, Jr - 11/20/1953

Marshall J. Leaman - 11/22/1953

Lewis E. Wielser - 11/25/1979

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