On May 28, 1897 at 21:38, HFD responded to a building fire at the Gartshore and Thompson Foundry on Hess St. N.. Crews found the building heavily charged with smoke. Deputy Chief Thomas Wilson made entry and became disoriented. He fell into an empty molding pit fracturing hi scull. Deputy Wilson was the 3rd Hamilton Firefighter to die in the line of duty since formation of the paid department in 1879.