ROBERT L. HUTCHINSONRobert L. Hutchinson - May 22, 1970 (#131)
Truck Co. No. 10 - 655 Presidio Avenue

FELL FROM AERIAL LADDER - SCHOOL DRILL

S. F. FIREMAN DIES IN FALL FROM LADDER

A 34-year-old San Francisco fireman fell 40 feet to his death yesterday whole participating in a demonstration of fire fighting equipment before 200 students at Argonne Elementary School, 680 18th Avenue.

The accident victim was Robert L. Hutchinson, of 1676 Toledo court, Pacifica. Married to Joyce Hutchinson and the father of three children. Hutchinson had been with the Fire Department since 1963 and had won high commendation for rescuing a mother and daughter trapped by a serious blaze.

The demonstration that cost Hutchinson his life was part of the community program initiated by the department a year ago to acquaint school children with the various types of equipment used.

AERIAL

According to Assistant Fire Chief Clarence Rosenstock, Hutchinson was near the top of an aerial ladder as it was raised to show how firemen are lifted to windows far above street level.

“Apparently just as the ground operator working the cable suspected a malfunction in the ladder and stopped it suddenly, Hutchinson was adjusting his safety belt,” Rosenstock said.

“The ladder began to whip back and forth and Hutchinson fell.”

SHAKEN

Almost too shaken to talk, Rosenstock said the accident involved no negligence.

For the past two years Hutchinson had been attached to No. 10 truck company at Presidio Avenue opposite Bush street.

Informed of Hutchinson’s death, Mayor Joseph Alioto issued a statement which said, in part:

All San Francisco is saddened by the tragic death of Fireman Robert L. Hutchinson who was killed in the line of duty.

“The courage and dedication of San Francisco firemen in risking their lives to save others is legendary, but Mr. Hutchinson’s death is a sober reminder that the fireman is also dedicated to helping people understand fire prevention and fire safety. Through the years, thousands of school children have learned their fire safety lessons from men like fireman Hutchinson.

“On behalf of the children of Argonne School, and as a memorial tribute from the people of San Francisco, I am directing that flags on the public buildings of the city and county be flown at half-staff until completion final services of fireman Hutchinson.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 2:30 p.m., at Gantner-Felder-Kenney Chapel, 1965 Market street. Burial will be in Skylawn Cemetery. The family prefers contributions Heart Fund.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, May 23, 1970

Extracted from original sources with grammar and spelling as published.