Frank Randolf - Anoka Fire Department

Frank Randolf - March 21, 1888

Frank Randolf was a Civil War vet and an Anoka firefighter that got tangled in the reins as the steamer was taking a corner on the way to a call. He got pulled off of the rig and was crushed beneath the wheels.

Here's a summary taken from the Anoka FD web site:

"In 1888, the Protection Hook and Ladder Company suffered its one and only casualty. Frank Randolph was driving the horse drawn fire steamer when he was thrown from his seat. He was then run over by a wooden wheel and died instantly. Frank was a 42 year old man living his dream as a firefighter. He was known to the township as a careful driver, a loving husband, and a great Dad to two children. In his honor, the entire fire department attended his funeral."

From the Chief Thompson, Anoka FD:

"The information that we have on the death of Frank Randolph was the 20th of March 1888. The newspaper article states in  the morning but no exact time. The call came into the engine house from box 24, located at Page Brothers Mill. The steamer came out as usual, and Frank Randolph the driver turned into the street car track. It is very icy in front of the city building and the hind wheels slid.  When the off steamer wheels struck the bare ground, the rear wheels left the ice and came within an inch of tipping over the ponderous machine."

August 2012 Update: Previous date of death was reported as March 20, 1888.