A plaque for fallen fireman

Firefighters are well-regarded as public servants who give their all in fighting fires and protecting life and property.

So no one thought it odd that Firefighter Carl Hiller pushed himself beyond exertion and injury in fighting a towering residential fire on North 6th Street on Nov. 5, 1964.

But Hiller's injuries would take their toll on the veteran member of Engine 8, and he died eight years later from several injuries he received while fighting that blaze.

Yesterday, Hiller's family, Fire Department brass, city officials and politicians, including representatives of City Councilman Frank Rizzo's office, honored Hiller's life and memory with a plaque dedicated in his honor where he was injured, 620 N. 6th St.

The ceremony also included a touching moment of silence for the seven firefighters who perished in the recent fire in South Carolina, and the more than 100 firefighters who fought last week's warehouse blaze in Kensington.

"Firefighters really are the front line; they are the first responders," said Managing Director Loree D. Jones. "And they sacrifice their lives in ways that many of us are not able to do or not willing to do.

"In remembering Firefighter Hiller, even decades later, we still are appreciative of his enduring sacrifice."

Little is known about Hiller. He was a member of Engine 8 and led the fight against the inferno. Many folks talked of his courage, including his grandson, Timothy Gallagher, 28, a member of Ladder 4.

"I didn't know my grandfather, but the stories I heard about him, he was a regular guy," said Gallagher, who brought the ceremony a touching memento: his grandfather's helmet from 1964.

"You feel a sense of pride, especially since he gave his life for this job," he said. "And hopefully, I can live up to the expectations and give my everything and make him proud."

Hiller was survived by his wife, Lilian, daughter, Susan, and sons Carl and Mark.

For information on the Hero Plaque Program or to become a citizen sponsor, contact attorney James Binns at 215-275-3000. *