Ralph Unger
Little Rock Fire Department - July 24, 1937
On July 24, 1937, firefighter Unger was asked to work for a few hours on Engine 9. No sooner had Unger reported to Station 9, when firefighters from several Little Rock Stations were in the midst of a raging fire that engulfed three houses, a church, and a grocery store at 6th and Harrington. After the long battle with the hot fire, overhaul operations began. Unger was working in the rear area of the charred remains, when he came into contact with electrical wires and was electrocuted. A Southwestern Bell lineman wrapped his belt around Unger, pulling him away from the wires and began efforts to revive him. The firefighters then took up the futile attempt to save their coworkers life all first aid was in vain. Ralph Unger died at 5:30 pm. Chief Joe Carmichael was quoted in the Arkansas Gazette as saying "Ralph was very dedicated and unselfish with his time. He came in, off duty, to many alarms."