BIOGRAPHY

Born on April 25, 1912 in Portland, Maine.

On August 4, 1941, John was appointed to the fire department with Badge #88.  He worked on all five of fire companies at Central Fire Station at one time or another.  He was also at Ladder 6 on Park Avenue.

On September 26, 1947, Private Rafferty was promoted to Lieutenant with Badge #12 and assigned to Engine 4 on Spring Street, also the quarters of District 1.  His badge was changed in 1950 to Badge #27.

Lieutenant Rafferty was promoted to Captain February 25, 1960 with Badge #5, and remained at Engine 4 for three more years.  He was then transferred to Engine 2 on Munjoy Hill in 1963.  Engine 2 was decommissioned in 1964 and Captain Rafferty was reassigned to Engine 1, which was relocated in its place at the Munjoy Hill firehouse.  Captain Rafferty returned to Central Station in 1968 on Rescue 1, and was appointed House Captain. 

On January 29, 1972, at 11:43 PM, the Captain and his Driver responded to 31 Kellogg Street for an Emergency Call, and transported a teenage girl to the Maine Medical Center.  While returning to quarters, the Captain was talking with his Driver near Congress and Oak Streets, when he paused, then fell from his seat to the floor, inside Rescue 1.  The Driver immediately took the Captain to Maine Medical Center.

On January 30th, shortly after 12 AM, Captain Rafferty, age 59, died, when he arrived at the hospital.

A member of the Department for over 30 years, he was planning to retire in the spring.  He was survived by his wife Mary, daughters Gail, Johanne, and Christine, and ten grandchildren.

Captain Rafferty was buried in Calvary Cemetery, A-170a, St. James Street (Rafferty/Nappi stone).