Source: Los Angeles Fire Department Illustrated 1900
Appointed Callman, June 1, 1889
Promoted Foreman, July 1, 1892
Promoted Permanent Fireman, January 1, 1893
Promoted Captain September 1, 1893
Appointed Assistant Chief, April 14, 1900
Retired November 15, 1902
Died November 25, 1906 |
Assistant
Chief Charles Fuselehr
In June of 1901
the department was plagued with a series of false alarms. At
11:45 p.m., June 1 the fourth alarm of the evening came in from
box No. 54, at Belmont avenue and Temple street. Assistant
Chief Fuselehr responded from headquarters, then located at Engine
Co. 3., 346 South Hill street. He turned west on
Temple street from Bunker Hill avenue, and on reaching the base of
the hill his cart collided with a Temple-street car, which had
come to a standstill. His rig was overturned, partially
wrecked, and both the traces broken.
Chief Fuselehr fell heavily to the ground, but
he clung to the lines and was dragged about a block, bumping along
over the ground by the side of his cart before he succeeded in
stopping the frightened horse. Although badly shaken and
treated for a bruised and skinned left hand, Fuselehr said
he had sustained no injuries of consequence.
Chief Fuselehr continued duty although in great pain.
Not long after this Fuselehr became gravely ill and nearly
died. He recovered somewhat but could not return to full
duty. He was given an "easy" position as telephone
operator at the new headquarters station at Engine Co. 3 located
at 217 South Hill street. In January of 1902 it was reported
that Fuselehr had suffered a stroke of paralysis which affected
his left side and left him without the power of
speech. Chief Fuselehr never fully recovered from his
injures and spent many weeks in bed ill. Fuselehr was
retired on November 15, 1902 and eventually awarded the first
disability pension. Chief Fuselehr died November 25, 1906
Photo source: Captain T. F. Schneider, LACOFD, Retired
Assistant Chief Fuselehr
Circa 1900
Photo source: Los Angeles Fire Department Illustrated
December 1900
Chief Engineer Strohm with driver and Chief Fuselehr in their Buggies at
Headquarters.
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