On the night of October 27, 1938, the Newark Fire Department responded to a fire at a butcher shop located at 88 Mount Vernon Place. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in the basement.

Acting Battalion Chief George A. Jacques led his crew into the basement, wearing protective masks as they battled the blaze. After emerging for air, Jacques reentered the basement without his mask and was quickly overcome by the smoke and gas filling the basement. He managed to reach the street but collapsed. Despite the crew’s valiant efforts to revive him for more than two hours, they were unsuccessful.

Firefighter Frederick W. Herrmann, who was at the top of the basement steps, was also overcome by the toxic gas and collapsed. Tragically, all attempts to save him failed as well.

Both men succumbed to the effects of the smoke and gas exposure on October 28, 1938.

An investigation later revealed that the gas meter connection in the basement had burned away, allowing gas to flood the space during the fire.

While the fire itself caused less than $10 in damage, its consequences were immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on two families, the department, and the community.