Gadsden Fire Department to Mark 50th Anniversary of 1976 Explosion With Memorial

Gadsden Fire Department memorial marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 explosion at Central Station

GADSDEN– The Gadsden Fire Department will hold a memorial Aug. 31 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 explosion that killed three firefighters and injured many others.

The service will begin at 10 a.m. at Central Station, located at 322 Walnut St. in Gadsden.

The Aug. 31, 1976, explosion claimed the lives of Fire Chief James Ralph Speer, Fire Medic Michael Patrick, and Fire Medic Michael Thornton.

During the memorial, the department will honor the three firefighters and remember their sacrifice. The ceremony will also recognize those who suffered injuries or lasting effects from the explosion.

Fifty years later, the Gadsden Fire Department continues to honor those lost and preserve their memory.

“We remember. We honor. We will never forget.”

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