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Fallen Hero

James Robbins
Little Rock Fire Department - December 16, 1895

On Sunday December 15, 1895, a janitor's careless use of kerosene to start the stove fires, caused a fire at the First United Methodist Church, located at 8th and Center Streets.  About 7:30 am, Fire Chief Robert McKay and his men were battling the blazing church.  Just inside the structure, Captain James Robbins and firefighter George Wunderlinch were valiantly fighting the fire, when the slate roof fell in, causing several ceiling joists to fall in a cascade of debris.  Captain Robbins and firefighter Wunderlich were burned and pinned under heavy timbers, until they were rescued.  Captain Robbins was taken to his home at 705 West 10th.  Robbins was severely burned and suffered numerous internal injuries causing his death on December 16, 1985.

He was the first paid Little Rock Firefighter to die in the line of Duty.

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