– Photo courtesy of LFD
Today, March 20, marks the 80th anniversary of the passing of Lebanon Fire Department Chief Charles Moore, who is the only Lebanon firefighter to have died in the line of duty, and community members and local firefighters gathered to honor his legacy.
Chief Moore served the City of Lebanon Fire Department for over 20 years before passing away while operating at the scene of a fire in 1943.
According to the department, Moore became overcome by smoke at the scene and battled illnesses and infections caused by his injuries for a year. Despite his health complications, Moore reportedly continued to work his shift and serve the community until days before he was hospitalized on March 19, 1944.
On March 20, 1944 at 11:25 a.m., Moore passed away. Today, at 11:25 a.m., members of the Lebanon Fire Department gathered at his grave in his honor as they placed flowers and a department patch on his grave to help continue his legacy.