"The Chief", Fire Chief Andrew Lipsett

Andrew Lipsett was Chief Engineer of the Fredericton Fire Department for almost 30 years. Simply known to the citizens as "The Chief", he was well known and respected in the community.

On March 5, 1905, a fire broke out at R. T. Mack's residence and a general alarm was sent in from Box No 17 at the corner of Northumberland and King Streets. The fire was caused by a bad flue and the house filled with smoke. To properly superintend the work of the Firemen, Chief Lipsett had to go into the building, and while there experienced a suffocating sensation. The feeling became so strong that he had to leave the building.

On getting out into the open air once more, Chief Lipsett said that he felt better and he remained with Assistant chief Rutter and some other firemen at the house for some time after the all out signal was sent in, as the flue had been in such condition that one could not tell when the fire would break out once more.

When the fire fighting apparatus started for the Central Fire Station, Chief Lipsett went down as far as Mr R T Mack's drug store to get something to strengthen him. Later, he went down to the station house and sat there talking with Assistant Chief Rutter. He said he felt much better and a few minutes before 1 o'clock he started for home.

Chief Lipsett walked up King Street to Westmorland Street and had just turned the corner when he met Mr Frank VanWart. He told Mr VanWart that he felt unwell and asked him if he would kindly help him the rest of the way home. Mr VanWart had only taken a few steps with the chief when he said "I am falling" and sank to the sidewalk.

It was soon realized that Mr Lipsett's condition was most serious. In an unconscious state he was carried to the York Hotel while Dr McNally was sent for. He died within ten minutes after falling, never regaining consciousness.

With Mr Lipsett's death, the city looses a highly efficient and hard working official, a good citizen and gentleman who was highly esteemed by all and loved by many.

Chief Lipsett was well known for his bellowing voice at fires. Even in the darkness of smoke, the firemen always knew where he was. He was also a member of the Fredericton Brass Band.

The Funeral
Flags at stations throughout the city flew at half mast until after the funeral. He was buried in his uniform of chief engineer.

Instead of a hearse, a hose truck was artistically draped under the supervision of Captain Woods of the Salvage Corps and drawn by the department's two horses led by their drivers, Stephen Doucet and William Wilson.

The casket rested on a base that had been built up on the hose cart and over it was a canopy that rested on supports from the four corners. The whole was draped in black and purple and presented a most handsome appearance with the Canadian Flag draped on one side and the Union Jack on the other. On the top of the canopy was a stand on which rested an immense floral bell, the floral tribute of the Fire Department and on which was the emblem, "Our Chief". Along the sides of the casket were the floral tributes, which were beautiful beyond description.

Funeral was at the residence of the late chief. It was estimated that over 1000 people called at the home to pay their respects, leave wreaths or to view the remains. These included Laborers, Mechanics, clerks, tradesmen, firemen, soldiers, war veterans and members of City Council. From every rank and trade came men and women who respected and loved "The Chief" as he was known to all. The streets were lined with sympathetic and sorrowing people. The Brass bad accompanied played "Abide With Me" at the funeral, the citizens standing about with uncovered heads. The funeral procession moved from the house going down Brunswick Street to Westmorland, out Westmorland to King street and thence to the Rural Cemetery, the band playing "Websters Funeral March".

Letter from MP Oswald S. Crockett March, 1905 Mr Harry Lipsett - Fredericton, NB Dear Harry, I was shocked last night to an extent that I have not realized for some time when I received a telegram from my brother Jas announcing your father's startling death, and I can well understand what a terrible blow it must have been to you and your family. I assure you of my deepest sympathy in your trying bereavement. I always had a warm feeling for your father. I can remember him from my earliest school days. There were few more familiar figures in Fredericton than he and he will be greatly missed in the community. I recall his having congratulated me after my election and saying that he was very glad of my success, though he frankly stated that he had not been able to vote for me. I fully appreciated his position and assure you I thought none the less of him for not having given me his vote under the circumstances. I indeed thought the more of him for his frankness. Again assuring you of my sincere sympathy, I remain, Yours very truly, Oswald S Crockett.