The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-22
FIRE CAPTAIN H. A. SMITH KILLED BY AUTO HOSE WAGON Body Crushed While Max ing Run to a Fire
 Last Night
HE TRIED TO MOUNT
 THE MOVING WAGON
Only Recently Made Foreman of Sta tion No. 3-Accident Occurred at Twelfth Avenue and
 St. Charles Street

While attempting to board a moy- ing auto fire hose wagon last night about o'clock at Twelfth avenue and St. Charles street, Capt. Howard A Smith of fire station Go. was run over and died of his injuries few hours later at the South Highlands infrmary at 11:27 o'cieck.
 fire alarm was received at o'clock from 1912 St. Charles street and the equipment at station No. at Five Points answered the alarm. They reach ed Twelfth avenue and St. Charles street, where a crowd was congregated Captain Smith jumped rom the hose wagon, thinking the fire was at that point. He was informed by man in the crowd that 1t was several doors up the street.
 Orders to Go Ahead Captain Smith then gave Fireman Stanfield, who was driving, orders to go ahead, and as the machine started he caught at 1t as 1t passed him. He stepped directly in front of the left side of the machine and attempted to place his foot on the step from the
  slipped, falling to the ground. He was pushed backward by the machine, and it passed over the right side of his body from the feet up. His right leg was broken his chest and heart crushed and the base of his skull fractured. He was taken to the South Highlands infrmary nearby in an automobile which was standing near. He died at the infirmary about two hours later.
 Captain Smith was 26 years of age and was unmarried. He came here sev- epal years ago from Hartselle where his parents now reside. He began in the fire department, aS GO all others, as a substitute.
 Chief Bennett said last night:
 T knew Howard Smith to be one of the best men l had. The accident is one of those which. it seems is unavoidable. The driver of the wagon is not to blame, as he had proceeded under Captain Smith'> orders Smith had the entire confidence of his su- periors and l think that he was one of the best men in sse department. deeply regret the secident tonight more than 1 can now say"
 Recently Made Captain
 Captain Smith was recently made foreman at station No. to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation Of Capt. J. A. Browning.
 On the hose wagon at the time of the accident were Bremen Patterson, Vaughn, Lott, Dobbs and Stanfeld Captain Smith had been riding in the seat with Fireman Stanfield, who was driving. He was member of the Bir- mingham Firemens Relief association and was also a Mason. When the ac- cident became known Secretary AL bertson, Assistant Chef Walton. Capt. K. R. Johnson of station No. ', Firema T Reeder of station No. 1 and Hydrant Inspector Thornton were sent to the hospital by Chief Bennett to look after Captain Smiths interests. They re- mained at his side until he eXpirea. Captain Smith was unconscIous from the time the accident happened until his death.
 The body was turned over to the Johns Undertaking company last night to be prepared for burial. | will be sent today to his home al Hartselle, wnere interment will be made
 Captain smith was quite popular among the fremen of the city as well as among others, and profound grief fills the ranks of theF>re department. Especially is his death felt. at his own charge, and last night the boys could not speak of the accident and keep the tears from yelling in their eyes.
 An honorary escort Of firemen, to be with the body to Hartselle today.