Motorized Danger
In 1930, the adoption of motorized firetrucks brought both progress and peril to the streets of Akron. These powerful vehicles, racing through busy intersections to respond to emergencies, often encountered inattentive drivers and chaotic urban traffic. This volatile combination created a constant risk of collisions and injuries—and tragically, in at least one instance, claimed the life of a young firefighter.
The Tragic Loss of William Edward “Eddie” Wolfe
At 7:15 a.m. on November 25, 1930, tragedy struck as 25-year-old firefighter William Edward “Eddie” Wolfe lost his life while serving at Akron’s Station No. 5. Wolfe, alongside his fellow firefighters—Francis O. Flood, Clearance A. Tarr, William H. Hamilton, William P. Myers, Captain Oliver F. Philips, and driver Harold V. Brannan—was responding to a fire at 307 North Howard Street. The fire had been caused by an explosion from an illegal still at the address.
While en route to the scene, Wolfe was riding on the rear running board of Akron No. 2, the firetruck assigned to the call. As the vehicle approached the intersection of East Market Street and Summit Street, a heavy dump truck driven by Hollis Snyder collided with the rear of the firetruck. Despite Snyder’s efforts to avoid the accident—applying his brakes and steering sharply—the firetruck slid unexpectedly into the path of the dump truck.
The impact violently threw Wolfe from his position on the running board. He was rushed to City Hospital by Deputy Sheriff Rex Hess, but despite medical efforts, Wolfe succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
Although Hollis Snyder was initially arrested, an investigation and witness testimony exonerated him of wrongdoing. It was determined that Snyder had done everything possible to avoid the collision, but the unpredictable movement of the firetruck made the crash unavoidable.
Genealogy of William Edward “Eddie” Wolfe
William Edward “Eddie” Wolfe was a devoted husband and father who lived with his family in a modest home at 1048 Johnston Street in Akron. His untimely death left behind a grieving wife and young son. Below is a record of Eddie Wolfe’s immediate family.
| Name | Birth | Death | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Edward Wolfe | 05/31/1905 | 11/25/1930 | |
| Violet Kathryn Manton | ~1904 | 12/12/1968 | Wife |
| James Manton Wolfe | 09/16/1924 | 11/17/1994 | Son |
| Benjamin Wolfe | 04/17/1907 | 06/20/1967 | Brother |
| Paul Herford Wolfe | 05/18/1909 | 12/22/1961 | Brother, Akron Firefighter Engine Co. 4 |
Remembering the Hero
Remembering Edward Wolfe: A Legacy Marred by Errors
William Edward “Eddie” Wolfe’s bravery and ultimate sacrifice have earned him a place on Akron’s Firefighters Memorial, a tribute to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. However, the memorial contains two significant errors in honoring his memory.
Firstly, Eddie’s last name is misspelled as “Wolf” rather than the correct spelling, “Wolfe.” Secondly, the date of his death is inaccurately recorded as 1936 instead of the actual year, 1930. These mistakes, though unintentional, serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical accuracy when commemorating our heroes.
Despite these errors, Eddie Wolfe’s legacy endures in the hearts of those who honor Akron’s firefighting history and the sacrifices made to protect the city. Efforts to correct these inaccuracies would ensure his memory is properly respected for future generations.