On June 3, 1940, FF Ernest Bills, Engine 4, was overcome by
smoke at a fire in a furniture factory kiln on Macadam Ave.
Capt. Markstrom entered the building wearing the filter mask
that was standard in those days. He located Bills, his close
friend and subordinate, and carried him toward safety.
But he, too, was overcome before reaching the exit and
they both succumbed in the dense smoke.