BIOGRAPHY

Born March 29, 1866

William H. Steele, "Bill," became a PFD Callman January 13, 1896, at Steam Engine Co. 4, at 155-157 Spring Street, assigned Badge #62.  He worked as a Painter.  He was reassigned Badge #64 in 1899.  He was elected as a member of the Portland Veteran Firemen’s Association in April of 1904.

He was elected 4th Assistant Engineer December 17, 1906 to a one-year term.  On May 29, 1908, he was promoted Permanent Captain of Steam Engine 5 & Chemical 1, Central Station, with Badge #135.

He was promoted May 6, 1912 to Deputy Fire Chief, in charge of District 1, which was then quartered at Ladder 3, located at 163 Brackett Street, nearly across the street from Steam Engine Co. 3.

On January 1st, 1913, Deputy Steele was covering the City while Fire Chief Patrick Flaherty was away on business in Boston.  At 8:45 AM, a still alarm was sounded for Hay’s Drug Store at the corner of Middle and Free Streets.  Deputy Chief Steele and the Chemical engine found a broken carboy of Nitric Acid in the cellar.  The noxious fumes made it difficult for the crew to neutralize the acid, as they used a hose line from Chemical 1, assisted by the Deputy.  Chief Steele ordered Engine 5 and Ladder 5 to respond to the incident for additional assistance.  Firefighters continued to return to the cellar, holding soaked sponges over their nose and mouth, then went back out to the street for air.  Another crew took their turn, including Deputy Steele.  It was under control in an hour, and the men returned to Central Station.  Shortly after, five firemen and the Deputy began feeling the effects of the acid and were taken to their homes.

That evening around 9:00 PM, Deputy Chief Steele, age 46, died as a result of the nitric acid fumes he inhaled.  The Deputy had been a widower for a year, after losing his wife Margaret in 1911.  He was survived by his two sons, William Jr. and Daniel W. Steele.

Deputy Chief Steele was buried in Forest City Cemetery, E-115 on Tour Avenue, left from Union.