For nearly 61 years, the Owensboro Fire Department had never experienced the loss of a firefighter in the line of duty. However, on March 22, 1927, that streak came to a heart-wrenching end. John Thornberry, fondly known as Uncle John, tragically lost his life as a result of burns sustained in a tobacco factory fire the day before.
At 63 years old, Thornberry had served as a hoseman on the fire department for almost 12 years. His dedication and bravery were highly esteemed by his comrades, with Fire Chief Ed Cureton describing him as the gamest man ever on the fire department. Notably, Thornberry’s brother, Russell, held the position of the city’s police chief, exemplifying their commitment to public service.
The devastating incident occurred on March 21, 1927, when Thornberry found himself inside the R.E. O’Flynn Tobacco Factory, located at Seventh and Triplett streets. Positioned about 40 feet deep within the building, a sudden burst of flame struck him directly in the face. But the situation grew exponentially worse as the factory housed an astonishing 200,000 pounds of tobacco.
Tragically, a rafter near the top of the building gave way, triggering an avalanche of tobacco that came crashing down. In the midst of the chaos, Thornberry found himself momentarily buried beneath the weight of the tobacco. Discovering the severity of the situation, Capt. Church Guthrie and Assistant Chief Gabe Taylor began withdrawing a hose from the building, only to find what they initially believed to be a pile of tobacco at its end. To their shock, it turned out to be Thornberry, engulfed in flames and desperately fighting for his life.
Guthrie and Taylor fearlessly used their hands to beat out the flames consuming Thornberry’s clothes. Recognizing the severity of his injuries, Chief Cureton rapidly transported Thornberry to the nearest hospital just a few blocks away. Despite Thornberry’s valiant fight, his injuries proved fatal, and he tragically became the first firefighter in Owensboro’s history to have lost his life in the line of duty.
A somber atmosphere enveloped the city as news of Thornberry’s passing spread. On the following day, the bell atop the main fire station in downtown Owensboro tolled for a solemn 10 minutes as Thornberry’s funeral procession made its way through the city, ultimately reaching Bethlehem Church near Yelvington. In a poignant display of respect, a black-draped white fire truck led the procession to the city limits before returning to the station.
The Owensboro Fire Department, established on August 1, 1866, marked the hiring of its first fire chief, Horace Miller. Before the department’s inception, volunteer bucket brigades valiantly fought fires throughout the city. Thornberry’s tragic sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the risks firefighters face daily in order to protect their communities.
The devastating loss of Uncle John Thornberry highlights the dedication and bravery of firefighters who selflessly put their lives on the line to keep others safe. His memory will forever be cherished within the Owensboro Fire Department, serving as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who choose this noble profession.
