Rochester Fire Department To Mark Anniversary of Silver Lake Tragedy

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Tuesday will be the 71st anniversary of one of the most tragic events in Rochester’s history. 

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The Rochester Fire Department is commending the anniversary by holding an annual ceremony. It begins at 9 a.m. at Silver Lake Park. 

Tuesday will also be the 21st anniversary of the dedication of the memorial that honors the heroes who lost their lives on that day.

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Rochester Fire Department to Hold Annual Memorial Ceremony for Firefighters & Child Who Drowned in Frigid Silver Lake on Christmas Eve, 1953

On Dec. 24, 1953, Rochester Fire Fighters Ambrose Riley and Stanley O’Brien were dispatched to Silver Lake on the report of a young boy, 9-year-old John Stephenson, falling through the ice. 

Riley and O’Brien stopped wrapping Christmas presents for the city’s children in need, grabbed their gear and departed the downtown fire station. Once at Silver Lake they spotted the young boy struggling in the icy water and began rescue efforts using a ladder and pike pole. 

O’Brien and Riley reached young John and were able to briefly slide him onto a floating piece of wood, but the child soon slipped beneath the surface. Both firefighters dove to find the boy, but all three disappeared.

Their bodies were recovered a short while later but efforts to revive them failed. 

Sunday’s ceremony, which is happening for its 21st straight year, will take place at the Silver Lake Firefighters Memorial, which is near where the three drowned. 

The public is invited to attend the Christmas Eve ceremony.