Fire department
honors a long-lost hero

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Philadelphia firefighter Alfred Balkie was just 49 when he collapsed at a fire scene across the street from the Feltonville School on Feb. 27, 1965.
It was the second fire that night for Engine 61. Balkie was driving the engine back to the station, having responded to a fire at 536 E. Geneva Ave., when the crew got the call that a two-story building at 4902-06 Rising Sun Ave., which housed Sonny’s Cleaners, was on fire. Ladder 22 and Battalion 3 also had been dispatched to the scene.
According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, members of Rescue 2 and two city park guards had been directing traffic when they saw Balkie, a 21-year veteran, collapse and hurriedly went to his side to administer oxygen, to no avail.
Joseph Farley, a 59-year volunteer with the Second Alarmers, an organization that provides support to the fire department, remembers that fire well.
"The night it happened, it was very hectic. You couldn’t see Rising Sun Avenue for all the smoke. I was around back," recalled Farley, a Fox Chase resident. "You didn’t know what you were fighting. When he went down, it was very somber."
Last week, Philadelphia firefighters dedicated a plaque at the site — a plaque embedded in the sidewalk in front of what is now the Dollar Plus store — to honor the late Burholme firefighter’s sacrifice.
The plaque is the 36th memorial in an ongoing program to honor the 286 members of the Philadelphia Fire Department who have given their lives in service since 1871.
"When the alarm hits, when that bell goes off, (the fire) community goes off to the service of the citizens — selflessly, carefully, to make sure that a life is saved," said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers.
The Philadelphia Fire Department color guard, members of Engine 61 and Philadelphia police officers also were in attendance at last week’s ceremony, as were City Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez (D-7th dist.) and a representative on behalf of Councilwoman Marian Tasco (D-9th dist.).
Jimmy Binns, an attorney and civic activist who created the plaque program, told attendees at the ceremony that they were on hallowed ground "where a hero gave his life."
"The reason it is important is to not only honor his memory but to honor these men and women you see around you. They are our heroes," he said.
The Balkie family also was presented with a citation from state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) that hailed the late firefighter and his devotion.
Balkie’s 91-year-old widow and the couple’s son, Alfred, were moved by the outpouring of appreciation from firefighters, police and the community.
"I am truly humbled by this tremendous outpouring of time and talent," Johanna Balkie told the crowd. "Words are not in the dictionary to adequately thank you for all you’ve done."
Last week’s ceremony brought back memories for Alfred Balkie, who was just 19 and preparing for active duty with the military when his father died.
"That was put off a year. It was a big adjustment for mom and me," he said.
Burholme resident Mary Kamp remembered Alfred Balkie as a friendly man loved by neighborhood children.
"He was our fireman. The little kids would run to him and say, ‘Here comes Mr. Balkie,’" Kamp said.
She also recalled her disbelief upon hearing of her neighbor’s death 43 years ago, and that she hadn’t seen anything in the media about it. Kamp was heartened to see last week’s tribute.
Alfred Balkie’s father, Alfred Sr., also was a fireman. He was assigned to Engine 50.
After the Rev. Msgr. Michael T. McCulken, rector of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, offered a prayer for Balkie’s family and friends, the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drum played Amazing Grace.
Brian McBride, president of Local 22 of the International Association of Firefighters, presented the plaque to the community.
"The plaque is yours now. Watch over it, take care of it," McBride said. ••
If you are interested in sponsoring a plaque, call 215-275-3000 or send e-mail to james@jamesbinns.net
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com