"Firefighters Never Die, They Just Burn Forever in the Hearts of the People Whose Lives They Saved"
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February 14, 1979 - The Ultimate Sacrifice - Firefighter Irving "Billy" Soules Jr
In it's history, the Butler Fire Department has kept the safetly of its membership, as well as the community a top priority. While safety is paramount, firefighting is an extremely dangerous activity. The men and women of Departments all over the globe put themselves in harms way to help others.
On February 14, 1979 the Butler Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 0845 for a reported structure fire at 210 Main Street. A fire had begun in an upstairs apartment of the building, which had been built in the late 1800s.
Upon arrival of responders, there were two apartments that were engulfed in flames. One of the apartments was the residence of Irving "Billy" Soules Jr's parents and family. Billy and his mother, Shirley, were able to make their way out of the residence. Irving Sr had not gotten out at this time, so Billy went back inside to get his father out. With the help of other department members, a ladder was used from the Whittle Hardware store. Billy accomplished the task of saving his father's life from the fire.
Sadly, this would be Firefighter Irving W "Billy" Soules Jr's final call. Billy lost his life in this fire, while saving the lives of others.
The Soules family has a long tradition of actively volunteering in our community. Irving Sr was a 20+ year member of the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, Billy was a member of the Butler Fire Department's Kinney Hose Company and worked with the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad.
Billy died in the line of duty and will always be remembered by the Butler Volunteer Fire Department as well as the community for his heroic actions on that day.
On February 14, 1979 the Butler Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 0845 for a reported structure fire at 210 Main Street. A fire had begun in an upstairs apartment of the building, which had been built in the late 1800s.
Upon arrival of responders, there were two apartments that were engulfed in flames. One of the apartments was the residence of Irving "Billy" Soules Jr's parents and family. Billy and his mother, Shirley, were able to make their way out of the residence. Irving Sr had not gotten out at this time, so Billy went back inside to get his father out. With the help of other department members, a ladder was used from the Whittle Hardware store. Billy accomplished the task of saving his father's life from the fire.
Sadly, this would be Firefighter Irving W "Billy" Soules Jr's final call. Billy lost his life in this fire, while saving the lives of others.
The Soules family has a long tradition of actively volunteering in our community. Irving Sr was a 20+ year member of the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, Billy was a member of the Butler Fire Department's Kinney Hose Company and worked with the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad.
Billy died in the line of duty and will always be remembered by the Butler Volunteer Fire Department as well as the community for his heroic actions on that day.
