Astonishing career as firefighter spanned more than half-century, continuing until his retirement at 80
W. J. Phillips was born in Caledon, Ontario in 1870. He lived his childhood in rural surroundings, but at the age of 17, he moved to Toronto.
Perhaps the biggest moment of his entire career occurred when he helped fight the “Great Fire of 1904” in downtown Toronto. In 1905, Phillips left the Toronto Fire Department and moved to British Columbia, where he worked for six years as a brakeman on passenger trains and freight trains. He later worked various construction jobs and helped to build a railway in the Klamath Mountains.
There were quite a few major blazes in the Sault during Phillips' tenure as fire chief, including the Great Lakes Power Plant fire of 1918, which caused $126,137 in damages , the Marshall Motor Company fire of 1924, which caused $183,750 in damages , and the McKie & Co. fire of 1947, which caused $112,000 in damages .
In addition, he served as President of the Dominion Fire Chief’s Association in 1930. It should also be noted that at least two firefighters who worked under Chief Phillips eventually became fire chiefs in other places.A 1928 Sault Star article stated that “the list of Sault’s most pleasant people would be far from complete without the name of Fire Chief W. J. Phillips”. His successor, Fire Chief C. I. Matheson remembered him as a man who was never content to direct from the sidelines.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Prized rookie Owen Phillips gives Mooseheads glimpse into his bright future | SaltWireOwen Phillips gave the Halifax Mooseheads a glimpse into his bright future on Saturday. The rookie defenceman from Hammonds Plains scored his first QMJHL ...
Read more »
Prince George horse and rider looking to join Century Club in 2023A rare breed indeed, one local woman’s mission is to join the Century Club that sees horse and rider ages combined to reach 100 during a celebration ride.
Read more »
Spate of fires in Port Alberni may have been deliberately set, chief saysThe most substantial fire was Thursday night in Roger Creek Park — one of the greenbelts that runs through the city — and came close to the Echo Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Read more »
'Pushed to the back': First Nations women under-represented as chiefs in CanadaMore than a year after Sheila North unsuccessfully ran to lead one of Manitoba’s largest First Nations political organizations, the Cree leader and journalist…
Read more »
'Pushed to the back': First Nations women under-represented as chiefs in CanadaIndigenous Services Canada said from 2012 to 2022, the number of female chiefs has gone up to 24 per cent from 18 per cent.
Read more »
'Pushed to the back': First Nations women under-represented as chiefs in CanadaMore than a year after Sheila North unsuccessfully ran to lead one of Manitoba's largest First Nations political organizations, the Cree leader and journalist is ready to try again.
Read more »