BRITTON, Gerard A.
Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes
Riverdale Heights VFD ~ Prince George's County ~ Maryland
On May 14, 1960 Probationary Fireman Gerard A. Britton, Riverdale Heights Volunteer Fire Department, and 9 fellow firemen were overcome by smoke while participating in a fire department training/ house burning on Edmonston Road & Decatur Street Bladensburg.
"All reportedly wore gas masks when overcome by smoke more dense than firemen anticipated. The nine were overcome while they were trying to rescue Britton from a 2nd floor bedroom."
Tragically, Fireman Britton was pronounced dead on arrival to PG County Hospital. One of his fellow firemen was admitted to the hospital, the rest were treated for smoke inhalation & released.
Probationary Fireman Gerard Augustus Britton, a Veteran of the United States Army, was 27 years old. Number of years served are unknown at this time.
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Narrative written using archived information & quotes from the Sunday May 15, 1960 edition of the Baltimore Sun.
