James H. Rimmer rescued Chester O. Simon from suffocation, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 8, 1933. While working in a four-foot water-main that was under construction, Simon, 40, laborer, was burned and lay helpless in an explosion of gas that had seeped into the main. Rimmer, 32, public works inspector, was knocked down by the explosion while standing at the surface near a manhole of the main. He went to another manhole, where he heard calls for help from the main. Smoke was issuing from the manhole. City firemen could not pass through the opening into the main while wearing gas masks, and they were not permitted to enter without masks. Rimmer noted the precautions taken by the firemen and feared gas was in the main. With a rope tied to him and carrying another rope, both of which were held by men at the surface, Rimmer entered the manhole, walked 30 feet to a turn in the main, and then walked backward in a stooping position down a steep slope 350 feet to Simon. He tied the rope to him, and they took hold of each other. While others pulled on the ropes, Rimmer dragged Simon slowly toward the manhole. He became weak and fell when 105 feet from it. Clinging to one of the ropes, a fireman went to them, aided Rimmer to his feet, and supported Simon as they were pulled by the ropes to the manhole and lifted out. Rimmer was weak and nauseated. Simon was unconscious, and he died five days later from shock and burns. 33181-2763
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