Reedley firefighters memorialize 2 line of duty deaths

REEDLEY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Two firefighters who died in the line of duty since the inception of the Reedley Fire Department have been memorialized in plaques.

Firefighters report the first fireman was Firefighter Perley E. Miller who died on Oct. 5, 1917. On that day crews were called to a house fire where Miller was in charge of turning off the electricity to the city lights— a duty he had performed for two years.

After turning off the lights he joined the others in extinguishing the fire. After he was instructed by Chief Gillingham to turn the lights back on. Soaking wet, crews report he climbed the 25-foot-high pole. A witness reported seeing a flash and Miller fell to the ground, suffering deadly injuries.

The department says the second firefighter memorialized was Firefighter Elmer Madsen who died on Dec. 9, 1972, while responding to the fire station. A call around 2:30 p.m. came in regarding smoke in a residence.

After finishing their investigation, crews say they received a report of a possible vehicle fire at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. When firefighters arrived they learned Madsen was one of the drivers involved in the collision. He sustained fatal injuries as a result.

Madsen was reportedly held in high regard by the community with the then Fire Chief Stewart saying, “He was one the most dedicated men I’ve ever known.”

Reedley Firefighters say the two plaques will, “forever memorialize the lives of these courageous men who gave their lives in the pursuit of saving life and property.”

Officials say the Reedley Historical Society and the City of Reedley provided the plaques and Crutchfield Construction donated the frame and mounting.

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