Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-07-11
CHIEFS DRIVER
BADLY HURT IN
AUTO SMASH
Louis Pfirrmann Thrown
Through Windshield as Ma
chine Hits Curb.

Louis Pfirrmann, forty years old, of
AZ Chadwick avenue. driver of the
automobile of Chief Paul j. Moore, of
the Newark fire department, was dan
gerously hurt today when an auto
mobile in which he was riding
crashed into the curbstone at Spring
field avenue and Smith street. Irving
ton.
Pfirrmann was hurled through the
windshield of the machine to the side
walk. He received several severe
cuts on the body from broken glass
One fragment of glass two inches long
and quarter of an inch wide pene-
trated the right side of his abdomi
nal wall
Pfirrmann, with George Schmiedle
of 1858 Avon avenue chauffeur of the
fire commissioners automobile. left in
a small machine owned by himself to
visit a friend, Thomas Doyle, a for
mer Newarker, who has farm near
Hackettstown. 1t was regular leave
of absence day for both Pfirrmann and
Schmiedle: that is, the one day off
in six allowed firemen under the de-
partment rules.
Made an Early Start.
Both finished their work in COM
pany quarters in Mulberry street
early this morning so as TO get an
early start on their long journey. The
car that they were to make the trip
in is small Maxwell, having accom-
modations for but two passengers.
Schmiedle purchased it several years
ago for his personal use on just such
L.. l. 4 Il g..
day.
Schmiedle was driving the car at
fair rate of speed through Spring
field avenue when a pin which held
the shaft of the steering gear
snapped. The steering wheel twisted
about in Schmiedle's hands and the
automobile shot into the curbstone.
Pfirrmann was hurled from his seat
through the Windshield, landing on
the sidewalk. Schmiedle was bruised
slightly on the chest as he pitched
forward into the steering wheel, but
he was otherwise uninjured
The Irvington police ambulance
took Pfirrmann to the Newark City
Hospital. where 1t was found that
wound two inches deep had been
caused by the splintered glass. An
operation was at once advised. Mrs.
EIFIfIldiln Was sent lOT anu Il ire bt-
partment Surgeon Hugh Hart and
Chief Moore went with her to the hos
pital The operation was performed
shortly before noon. 1t was found
that the intestines had been punc-
tured. The hospital surgeons say,
however, that the cuts Phrrmann re-
ceived are not 50 serious in them
selves. although complications may
develop from them They examined
Phrrmann closely for internal in
juries.
A Roll OF Honor Man.
The front wheels of the automo-
bile were smashed, but II was not
damaged otherwise
Pfrrmann is one of the most popu-
lar men in the Newark fire depart
ment. He is exceedingly good-na
tured, physically powerful and only
last week the fire commissioners or
dered his name placed upon the roll
of honor for meritorious work in life
saving at the fire in the Aldine apart
ments. He has been Chief Moores
driver ever since the time Moore be-
came battalion chief some Years
ago. having been selected by the
chief to go with him as ne advanced.
The two had been closely associated
in company work for eighteen years,
Pfirrmann having been driver Of No
rs wagon when the chief drove ths
engine team.