At 9:16 pm Thursday, December 7, 1905 Engine 27 was called to respond to an alarm from Box 46.

Lt. Michael J. Sheahan leapt towards the firehouse pole at Engine 27’s quarters (located at Junction and Rogers) to slide from the 2^nd floor dormitory to the apparatus bay. Losing his grip Sheahan fell through the pole hole and plunged 15 feet to the floor below. He landed on his head fracturing his skull. Lt. Sheahan was taken to Red Cross Hospital in very serious condition.

At 6 am on the morning of December 8, 1905 Michael died from his injuries. His wife and son were by his side. Out of respect for Lt. Sheahan all the flags on Detroit’s firehouses were placed at half-staff.

Michael joined the fire department on October 1, 1889. He was promoted to Lieutenant November 11 1897. Lt. Sheahan had been transferred to Engine 27 just 2 months before his death.

Michael James Sheahan was 49 years old. He left behind his wife of 14 years Alice, his 9 year old daughter Violet and 7 year old son Stephen.

On December 11, 1905 Lt. Michael J. Sheahan was buried by the department at Mt. Elliott Cemetery in Detroit.