BRICE, Harry R.
Volunteer Fire Co.#1 of Chesapeake City ~ Cecil County ~ Maryland
Betterton Volunteer Fire Company ~ Kent County ~ Maryland
May 18,1956
On Friday morning, May 18, 1956 , a working fire with multiple explosions occurred at the Kent Oil Company's tank farm , located in the middle of the town of Galena ,Md. An urgent mutual aide request was made. Fire equipment and firefighters from throughout the Delmarva Peninsula responded to Galena that morning; including, Firefighter Harry R. Brice, from the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company and Firefighter Richard L. Loller from the Volunteer Fire Company #1 of Chesapeake City .
As firefighters battled the dangerous blaze, several explosions occurred that rocked the tank farm. At approx 08:30, a 6,000 gallon tank filled with gasoline exploded sending the huge vessel soaring through the air,ripping through everything in it's path, and causing dangerous flying debris as it broke apart. The fireball from the explosion burned a dozen or more people close to the scene and the flying debris from the 6,000 gallon tank, struck and fatally injured 2 firefighters.
Firefighter Harry R. "Bobby" Brice was 24 years old and had served 9 years.
Firefighter Richard L. Loller was 37 years old.
Number of years served are unknown at this time.
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