Age:  64
Served 24 years
June 19, 1886, to January 22, 1911

Samuel Corbin came from California, Kentucky between 1875 and 1880.  He became a patrolman in 1886 and rose to the status of Night Chief.  As a patrolman he was known for his effectiveness, efficiency, and bravery.  During December 1887, Chief Phillip Deitsch was so impressed that he named him acting sergeant even before the rank of Sergeant had been introduced.  On February 3, 1892, he was promoted with the first sergeants of the Department.  As a sergeant, he continued his work in running down criminals and was quickly promoted to Lieutenant on April 17, 1895.  On May 1, 1901, he was named “Lieutenant-in-Charge”, commonly referred to as “Night Chief.” 

As Night Chief on January 11, 1911, Lieutenant Corbin, already stricken with a heavy cold, was one of the first responders on the scene at the Chamber of Commerce fire that killed six other people.  He stood at the door assisting the orderly exit of panic-stricken crowds and ran into the burning building a number of times.  On one of these times, he tripped over a fire hose, injuring his knee, but continued his efforts.  Eventually, from the mist and the steam and the water, he was wet to the skin and his waterlogged uniform iced over.  He tried to work the next day, but had to return home at midnight.  Dr. J. T. McKibben responded and administered oxygen, but pneumonia had irreversibly set in.  On Sunday, January 15, Lieutenant Corbin took a turn for the worse.  Eleven days after the fire, he succumbed on January 22, 1911.  He had served as Night Chief for seven years, since 1904.

Lieutenant Corbin was survived by his wife of 41 years, Martha W. (58), of whom he once told the Mayor, “I have the best wife on earth.”  He was also survived by two children, B. Maude (35) and Samuel D. (30).  He was buried in the Corbin Family Graveyard in California, Kentucky.  As a member of the Price Hill Blue Lodge of Masons, he was buried with Masonic honors.  He was also a member of the Hanselmann Commandery, Knights Templar.  Martha joined him eight years later during May 1919.  His son, Samuel, died in April 1919.  The last of the family, Maude, joined them all in January 1941.

If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.