CFDHISTORY ---›Line of Duty Deaths ---› 84Oscar Armstrong III

Oscar Armstrong III

Killed in the Line of Duty March 21, 2003

Fire Company Engine 9
Cause of Death Severe Burns/Flashover
At Fire Box Number 2553
Incident Type Structure Fire
Incident Location 1131 Laidlaw Avenue

Firefighter Oscar Armstrong was the victim of a flashover while fighting a fire in a residence on Laidlaw Avenue in Bond Hill. He leaves two children and his fiance, who is pregnant with his third child.

Photos From the Funeral Services On March 27

The quarters of Engine 9 awaiting the arrival of the funeral procession for Oscar Armstrong III.
Photo By Steve Hagy
The procession approaches Engine 9's house.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Engine 9 arrives at quarters serving as the caisson for Firefighter Armstrong.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Firefighters stand at attention as the procession arrives.
Photo By David J. Jones
Oscar's friends, classmates and crew gather behind the engine. In the doorway of the station are several Columbus, Ohio firefighters who graciously served the City of Cincinnati during the funeral.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Here the procession turns on to Sycamore Street where over 1000 firefighters are waiting to pay their respects to Oscar.
Photo By Steve Hagy
After a few minutes of remembrance, the procession moves on to St. Xavier church.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Hundreds of Cincinnati Firefighters march to the church.
Photo By David J. Jones
A memorial arch is formed by two aerials at 7th & Sycamore Streets.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Cincinnati's bravest march to the church.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Color guards were in attendance from many organizations.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Bagpipers play one of their tributes to Firefighter Armstrong.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Passing under the arch at 7th & Sycamore, Engine 9 approaches St. Xavier Church.
Photo By Bill Strite
Oscar Armstrong III and his crew arrive at the church.
Photo By Bill Strite
Preparing to enter the Memorial Service.
Photo By Bill Strite
Oscar's brother firefighters at attention.
Photo By Bill Strite
The procession into St. Xavier Church begins.
Photo By Bill Strite
All hands salute the fallen hero.
Photo By Bill Strite
Family and friends of Oscar Armstrong III enter the church.
Photo By Bill Strite
The casket is returned to Engine 9.
Photo By David J. Jones
After the Memorial Service, Firefighter Armstrong is returned to Engine 9.
Photo By Steve Hagy
The procession prepares to leave for Spring Grove Cemetary.
Photo By Steve Hagy
The wreath on the front of Engine 9 bearing Oscar's badge number 61.
Photo By Gregg Yeary
The public gathers to watch as Firefighter Armstrong is carried along 6th Street.
Photo By Bill Strite
Cincinnati Police and officers from many surrounding communities assisted with the procession.
Photo By Gregg Yeary
Trucks 19 and 20 form a memorial arch at the entrance to Spring Grove Cemetary.
Photo By Gregg Yeary
Many citizens of Cincinnati wait at the cemetary entrance to pay their respects.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Engine 9 on Spring Grove Avenue.
Photo By David J. Jones
Police officers and firefighters observe as the procession enters Spring Grove Cemetary.
Photo By Steve Hagy
Entering Spring Grove Cemetery.
Photo By David J. Jones
Mourners gather around the grave site.
Photo By Steve Hagy
The bagpipers assemble at the cemetary preparing a final salute for Firefighter Armstrong.
Photo By Steve Hagy
The caisson, drawn by a lone horse, is at the grave site.
Photo By Steve Hagy
The honor guard standing by.
Photo By Steve Hagy