In Memoriam: Charles R. Dodge, 1928

Tragedy would hit the department again on September 26, 1928.  Responding to what later turned out to be a false alarm, Franklin’s ladder truck arrived at Box 27 at East Bow Street and Central Street.  Several firemen were waiting at the box.  It was decided to respond to Box 26 at Power and Light Company, thinking that it might have been that box that had sounded.  The arriving firemen, including Fireman Dodge, jumped to the running board and proceeded to Box 26.

The driver of the truck stated that an approaching car caused him to make a wide turn (too wide) and the rear of the truck crashed against a large elm tree on Central Street.

Fireman Dodge was thrown from the vehicle and struck his head, causing his skull to be fractured.  He was rushed to Franklin Hospital, where he received treatment, but to no avail.

Three other firemen were injured but not seriously.