Jesse Wilson

• Sergeant
• Louisville Fire Department
• Kentucky
• Year of Death: 1960

Sergeant Jesse Wilson, along with Captain Joseph Buren and Firefighter Riley Pryor were killed at a structure fire in a recreation center. The center contained a 40-lane bowling alley, restaurant, coffee shop, bar and night club. Steaks being grilled in the center’s coffee shop burst into flames. The firefighters were caught in a backdraft explosion and were caught in the collapse of the building. Six other firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and other non-life-threatening injuries.

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.