KERNAN, Eugene C.
Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes...
Baltimore City Fire Department ~ Baltimore ~ Maryland
July 31, 1942
On July 28, 1942, Box no. 8242 sounded @ 3:49 p.m. for a working basement fire at 5000 Aderton Road in Roland Park. Two firefighters from Eng Co. 43, Eugene Kernan & Theodore Berry, were advancing a hosepipe into the basement when suddenly a violent explosion rocked the structure. Minutes later, as firefighters were rescuing Kernan & Berry, another violent explosion ocurred that injured 11 more fighters. Firefighter Kernan sustained skull injuries, a fractured leg, & burns. He was transported to Mercy Hospital where, sadly, he died from his injuries on July 31, 1942.
Firefighter Eugene Clinton Kernan was 50 years old & had served 18.5 years.
It was later discovered that the violent blasts came from four 50 gallon drums of gasoline that were being stored in the cellar of the residence. The owner was charged & found guilty of manslaughter & illegally storing large quanities of gasoline in his residence.
