Sixty years ago, a volunteer firefighter from Linn lost his life as he was trying to help fight a fire near the Jefferson City business he managed.
Monday evening, Fred Otto's three sons, Tom Dick and Harry Otto, received recognition for their father's efforts and the sacrifice he made during a special ceremony at the Jefferson City Fire Department Fire Museum on East Miller Street, the site of the city's main fire station for many years. The Otto family has donated some mementos from their father's service that will be on display at the museum.
According to fire department records, on Dec. 18, 1957, Otto was at work at the J. Johnson Fruit and Produce Store in the 200 block of East High Street when he began assisting with firefighting efforts at the nearby Newberry's 5 & 10 Store. While assisting with fire suppression efforts, Otto collapsed outside the structure. Fire personnel attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. Fred Otto was just 37 years old.
Among the speakers was current Linn Fire Protection District Fire Chief Ron Hoffman who told the Otto family that those gathered understood the sorrow of the loss of a loved one doesn't go away.
"Today we call them first-responders, but just as it was 60 years ago, it was someone who ran toward an emergency while others fled," Hoffman said. "I didn't know Fred, but I grew up around his wife, Martha, and his daughter. We dedicated a memorial honor wall in 2012 with Fred's name on it at our station in Linn. Our memorial will let future generations never forget, even if they didn't know them. Families are equal partners in an emergency responders career. Without family, a person can't give 100 percent to their mission."
A bell was given to each of the sons to honor their father's memory. Fire officials noted the bell is special in the fire service because when it was rung it could mean going out on a call or it could signify the last call of a fellow fire fighter who had given the ultimate sacrifice.
The ceremony touched the Otto family.
"We want to thank our fire fighters who risk their lives every day to save our property and lives," Harry Otto said. "I just want to remind you that the most important trip you make, is the one that you make to your home at the end of your shift."
"In 60 years, I don't ever remember us being referred to as Fred's boys, but rather Martha's boys," Dick Otto said. "I think it's very important to recognize that our mother was a widow for 53 years. What happens when a man dies when he is only 37 years old - he misses the opportunity to see one son-in-law, three daughter-in-laws, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. I'm very, very proud to be not only one of Martha's boys, but today I can say I'm very very proud to be Fred Otto's son."