BIOGRAPHY

Born in September 5, 1916 in Portland, Maine.

Thomas had served his Country during World War-Two in the Army.  

In September, 1944, he joined the fire department, assigned Badge #53, and first assigned to Engine 1, then Engine 5, both at Central Fire Station.  He received his Permanent appointment on May 21, 1945.

Tom belonged to numerous civic organizations, including the local Boy Scout Troop, as Scoutmaster.  After working on Ladder 5 at Central, Private O’Connor was reassigned to Ladder 6 at 295 Park Avenue in 1948, then he was transferred to Ladder 3 at 163 Brackett Street in the West End in 1953.

On July 11th, 1960, at 6:03 PM, a citizen entered the Spring Street firehouse of Engine 4 and reported smoke in the area of 14 Orchard Street.  The Fire Alarm dispatcher was notified and they responded to the Still Alarm.  Ladder 3 was phoned to respond.  Without seeing each other, Ladder 3 and Engine 4 collided at the intersection of Brackett and Spring Streets, then struck a large tree on Spring Street.  Seven firemen were injured, including Private O’Connor, who was pinned underneath the heavy ladder truck.  That evening, he was freed from the wreckage with multiple injuries and taken to Maine Medical Center for extensive surgery in an effort to save his life. 

The next day, July 12th, Private O'Connor, age 43, died from the injuries he received.

Tom was predeceased by his 6-year old son, John.  He was survived by his wife Anita and 3 daughters, Elizabeth, Patricia and Margaret, a son, Thomas P. and one Grandson.

Private O’Connor was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, St. Andrew Section, 133, St. Peter Avenue.