BIOGRAPHY

On June 13, 1904, Ralph became a substitute member with Ladder 4 on Woodford Street.  He became a regular Callman on May 1, 1905, assigned Badge #197.  His occupation was that of a Mason.  Ralph became a member of the Portland Veteran Firemen’s Association on July 2, 1908.

On August 17, 1911, he was appointed a Permanent Relief Man, and assigned to the firehouses at Woodfords Corner (Engine 8) and Arbor Street (Engine 9 and Ladder 4).

On September 4th, 1915, at 8:40 AM, Engine 8 and Ladder 4 responded on a still alarm for a reported shed fire on Revere Street, near 100 Beacon Street, in the Woodford section of the City, started by children playing with matches.  While responding to the alarm on Stevens Avenue, the carriage wheels of Ladder 4 got shifted into the trolley tracks near Pleasant Avenue, at Central Square.   Ladderman Smith, who was riding atop the carriage, was hurled to the ground, between the two horses’ hooves and the front wheels.  Before the Driver could stop, the front and rear wheels of the heavy ladder carriage ran over him.

He was injured so badly that several by-standers picked him up and put him in a passing automobile, and hurried him off to St. Barnabas Hospital, which was located on Woodford Street, near his home.

The newspaper reported him to be “a big chap of fine physique, and it was hoped that his strength would pull him through.”

Shortly after 6 PM that evening, Ladderman Smith, age 31, died of multiple injuries he had received that morning while answering the alarm.  Ralph was survived by his mother and father, whom he lived with at 252 Woodford Street.

Ladderman Smith was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, back section, Lot M-167, Hazel Avenue.