WALTER D. GRIFFINWalter D. Griffin, Captain - January 11, 1930 (#81)
Engine Co. No. 21 - 1152 Oak Street

CARBON DIOXIDE GAS

Appointed August 1, 1913

Assigned to Engine Co. No. 12

Appointed Lieutenant December 28, 1921

Appointed Captain February 1, 1923

Assigned to Engine Co. No. 18, 1923
Assigned to Engine Co. No. 21. 1924

FIREMAN OVERCOME BY $15,000 BLAZE

A three alarm fire broke out and the Splendid Café, 2695 Mission street, late yesterday afternoon, and spreading to two adjacent buildings, cause damage set at $15,000.

One fireman, Peter Farrell Truck No. 7, was overcome by sulfur fumes when the restaurants refrigeration system burned

Slight damage was suffered by Knudsen Art Store, 2689 Mission sreeet, and Hotel Norman.
Source:  San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 5 November 1929, Tuesday, Page 2.

FUMES FATAL TO HEROIC S. F. FIRE CAPTAIN

Victim of noxious fumes to which he exposed himself while fighting a third alarm fire two months ago. Griffin, 41, of Engine No. 21, died yesterday at his home, 3161 Market street. He is survived by a widow.

Griffin leaves behind him, according to Fire Chief Charles J. Brennan, a record of which the San Francisco Fire Department is particularly proud.

Captain Griffin, was one of the six firemen who were overcome by carbon dioxide gas released from the ruptured refrigerating system in the Splendid Café, Twenty-second and Mission streets, when that place was damaged by fire on November 4 last.

Griffin, and Peter Farrell, 3848 21st St., a member of Truck No. 7, were the most seriously affected by the gas. Farrell went to the Emergency Hospital, recovered and is now on duty.

Griffin refused to go to a hospital although urged to do so by Chief Brennan. Two days later he was stricken with pneumonia and went to Saint Joseph’s Hospital. About two weeks ago he was returned to his home. He took a turn for the worst Friday and died yesterday morning
Source: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 12 January 1930, Sunday, Page 7.

DEATHS

GRIFFIN (SMITH) – in this city, January 11, 1930, Walter D., idolized husband of Margaret Smith Griffin and brother of Mrs. A. L. Remus, Mrs. K. Ingram of Sacramento, Sister Mary Agatha of Grass Valley, Mrs. Archie McBride, Frank C. and the late Dr. J. J. Griffin, a native of San Francisco. A member of the S.F.F.D., Court S. F. Lodge No. 10, I. O. S. Mutual Aid, S.F.F.D., David Scannell Club and S F Lodge No. 3, B. F. O. E., Veterans Fireman Association and South of Market Boys.

The funeral will take place, Monday from McAvoy & O’Hara Co., 2051 Market street, thence to the Church the Most Holy Redeemer, where a solemn requiem mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul at 10:30 a.m., Internment: Holy Cross Cemetery.

SOUTH OF MARKET BOYS, INC.- Officers and members are respectfully requested to attend the funeral of our late brother, Walter D. Griffin.
                        Thomas A. Maloney, President Peter R. Maloney, Secretary
Source: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, 12 January 1930, Sunday, Page 18.

Extracted from original sources with grammar and spelling as published.

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