Robert W. Fortune

August 7, 1950

Private assigned to Engine 10, was one of several firefighters injured while fighting a fire at the Cudahy Packing Company at 23 West Calhoun Avenue at 11:21 a.m. on August 7, 1950. Firefighters were operating hose lines on a loading platform when a section of roof collapsed, trapping fifteen underneath. Fortune was pinned beneath heavy wooden timbers and was not breathing when he was removed. He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where he died. He had been with the department for six years. Robert W. Fortune was married and the father of three children.