George H. Giles

• Assistant Foreman
• District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department
• District Of Columbia
• Age: 40
• Year of Death: 1896

Assistant Foreman George H. Giles, age 40, of the District of Columbia Fire Department died on May 18, 1896, from injuries sustained in a collapse during the Commission House fire.

He was not on duty the day the fire occurred, but hearing that there was a big fire rushed to join his company to extinguish the fire.

George was buried with honors by the George C. Whiting Lodge of the Masons, of which he was a member.

His memorial stone records that he was the only son of Alexander and Margaret A. Giles. He was survived by his wife, Rebecca A. Giles, and three children.

This firefighter line of duty fatality occurred before the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was built in Emmitsburg, Maryland. While this firefighter has not been officially honored at the Memorial site, there are plans to do so when resources are available.