Last time 2 firefighters died, a man went to prison

The death of two firefighters today evoked memories of the last time two Philadelphia firefighters were killed in the line of duty back in 2004.

The deaths of Capt. John Taylor and Firefighter Rey Rubio resulted in criminal charges.

Rubio and Taylor were asphyxiated after they were trapped in a fire in the basement of a Port Richmond rowhouse on Belgrade Street in August 2004.

Fire officials said at the time Rubio may have become trapped in the haphazard wiring for lighting that was being used to grow marijuana plants and that Taylor may have died as a result of staying behind to help his fallen comrade.

Officials listed the fire's cause as combustibles that were too close to an electrical applicance.

Within days of the fire, then-District Attorney Lynne Abraham had charged Daniel Brough, a handyman who was renting the house on Belgrade, with two counts of third-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count each of causing a catastrophe, risking a catastrophe, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At trial, the prosecution contended the fire was caused by intense heat produced by 1,000-watt lamps Brough used to grow pot in a small plywood closet.

Brough was found guilty on Nov. 21, 2005 of involuntary manslaughter, causing a catastrophe and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He was acquitted of the two third-degree murder counts.

He was subsequently sentenced from 15 months to four years in state prison on Nov. 29, 2005.

He said at his sentencing he was "truly sorry" for his actions.

Meanwhile, fire officials plan to honor Rubio and Taylor at a plaque dedication ceremony at 3630 Belgrade St. on April 18 at 11:00 a.m.