Wilmington remembers firefighter killed in line of duty during 1893 warehouse fire

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Wilmington officials are remembering firefighter Joe Willard, who was killed in the line of duty during a warehouse fire more than a century ago.

According to information shared by the Wilmington Fire Department, Willard died on June 17, 1893, while responding to a fire at the Calder Brothers Warehouse on South Water Street near Ann Street.

The fire broke out during the early morning hours, prompting an alarm that brought firefighters to the scene. During firefighting operations, the roof of the warehouse collapsed, causing part of a wall to bulge outward and fall.

Officials said Willard, a member of the Wilmington Hook & Ladder Company, was unable to avoid the falling bricks and suffered fatal injuries. Several other firefighters were injured, but none as seriously.

Willard died at the scene.

According to the department, Willard had spent the previous evening with family and friends before responding to the fire. When the alarm sounded, he reportedly remarked that he did not want to go to the fire but responded anyway.

Willard was later buried in Oakdale Cemetery.

The Wilmington Fire Department also noted that a framed photograph of Willard was donated several years ago by one of his great-nephews. State officials believe it may be the oldest known photograph of a Wilmington firefighter.

The photograph is displayed at the department’s headquarters as part of its efforts to preserve the history and legacy of firefighters who served the city.