Foster Dockstader, 56, oil company fire chief, rescued Donald G. Kopecky, 36, fire captain, and Leon M. Zuech, 23, fire engineer, from burning, Bakersfield, California, February 19, 1951. Kopecky, Zuech, and other firemen while fighting flames at an oil company installation applied a layer of fire-foam at ground-level to an open tank-pit six and a half feet in diameter and eight feet deep, which contained burning waste oils and also some gasoline and kerosene. Kopecky and Zuech in attempting to spray water on a burning truck fell into the pit obscured by the foam and were submerged briefly in hot oil seven feet deep opposite a plank which extended across the pit. The seal of foam was broken, and both men were enveloped in flames three feet high. Kopecky clung to the edge of the pit two feet from Zuech, who held to the plank which was oil-soaked and slippery. Dockstader, who was present at the fire as an observer and only in an advisory capacity, ran 15 feet to the pit and extended a hand to Kopecky; and the latter, whose clothing was aflame, grasped it. Heat was intense. Dockstader pulled upward and drew Kopecky to ground-level. Kopecky ran a short distance but was halted by firemen, who extinguished the flames on his clothing. Dockstader stepped onto the plank opposite Zuech, who immediately grasped Dockstader’s ankle. Wrenching his foot free, Dockstader squatted and took hold of Zuech at the shoulder. He pulled Zuech two feet to the edge of the pit and shifting his hold to Zuech’s waist stood erect. Dockstader’s shirt was ignited, and he experienced a sharp pain in his abdomen. Pulling upward violently on Zuech, who was 30 pounds heavier than he, Dockstader drew him from the pit. Zuech, his clothing aflame, ran from the pit but was tripped and thrust to the ground by Dockstader. Firemen reached them and put out the flames. Kopecky and Zuech were burned severely and were hospitalized several months. Dockstader suffered burns of the hands, neck, face, and leg but recovered. 42227-3714
42227 – 3714
42227-3714