STAINBACK, William R.
Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes
.Hyattsville VFD ~ Prince George's County~ Maryland
October 21,1953
Hyattsville VFD's Truck 1 had cleared a reported trash fire and was returning to Station 1 on Farragout St.
Suddenly, a produce-laden truck from Philadelphia, side-swiped the ladder truck causing Firefighter John T. Streets and Firefighter William R. Stainback to be hurled through the air and into the street, fatally injuring both firefighters.
Two Hyattsville policemen were eye witnesses to the tragic hit & run and went in pursuit of the produce truck ,stopping it just before the Maryland /DC line, and apprehending the driver & his helper, both of whom were alleged to be drunk.
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Firefighter John T. Streets was 40 years old and had served for 2 years. Firefighter William R. Stainback was 35 years old ,number of years served are unknown at this time.
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After a half mile chase, the driver of the produce truck was arrested & charged with 2 counts of manslaughter, driving on the wrong side of the road, hit & run, no permit, reckless driving ,and drunk driving.
One month later, as reported in "The News" November 24,1953 edition, the driver was sentenced to 2 years in jail for 2 counts of manslaughter and an additional 120 days in jail for drunk driving, hit & run, & driving without a permit.
