In Memory of William Alvin Newton
In memory of William Alvin Newton
Father, Husband and Firefighter
On April 25, 1970, on this site,
Firefighter Newton made the ultimate
sacrifice to the community,
giving his life fighting the Bradley Hotel fire.
Fireman's Prayer
When am called to duty, God
wherever flames my rage,
give me strength to save some life
whatever be its age,
help me embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me,
to guard my every neighbor and
protect his property
and if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1970.
Location. 34° 57.161′ N, 120° 26.122′ W. Marker is in Santa Maria, California, in Santa Barbara County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street and South Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historical Site of the First Masonic Temple in the County of Santa Barbara (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Maria's Oldest Building (about 400 feet away); IOOF Temple (about 600 feet away); Santa Maria Libraries (approx. Ό mile away); Reuben Hart Residence (approx. Ό mile away); Original Masonic Cornerstone of Carnegie Library (approx. Ό mile away); Santa Maria Valley World War II Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); The American Woman Veteran (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in
More about this marker. The marker is mounted to a cement monument in the small plaza at the corner of Cook and Broadway. It would be difficult to see it from the street.
Also see . . . Firefighter Alvin Newton Memorial... (City of Santa Maria press release, June 6, 2013). "Alvin Newton was a 35-year-old father of three and a seven-year veteran of the SMFD, known for being at the center of the action at the fire calls in which he participated. At the Bradley Hotel fire, a large wooden structure which was vacant and scheduled to be demolished, Firefighter Newton was on the top of a retaining wall adjacent to the structure, directing water down on the flames, when the building imploded and he was pulled into the fire. Mr. Newton was also a reserve Santa Maria Police Officer, and was employed by the Citys Water Division." (Submitted on December 8, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 946 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
