The philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was adamant that those who perform
heroic acts in saving others, whether still living or dead, be
recognized both in terms of honor and with financial assistance.
Scholarships and attendant benefits are available to those who have
risked their lives, and sometimes given them, to save others and prevent
catastrophes. The inspiration for the Fund was two heroes who gave
their lives, Selwyn Taylor and Daniel Lyle, in the Harwick Mine disaster
in Pennsylvania. Over 181 people lost their lives in the explosion,
and within months Carnegie established the Deed of Trust for his Hero
Fund. George Spillmann is now one of the few recognized by the Carnegie
Hero Fund Commission as worthy of this highest of honors.
Carnegie encouraged his Commission to allow the public to honor its heroes, both living and fallen, through its own generosities, and to offer to match these monies where it seemed appropriate, and to extend its generosities to include those injured in acts requiring heroism, as well as those volunteering expertise and service in the prevention of disease, injury, and defense. Carnegie provided for the protection of members of his Commission from liability, and gave his Commission powers to invest funds, employ assistants and agents, reimburse expenses incurred in executing the business of the Commission, and provide honoraria to its leaders. Lastly, Carnegie wished for the Commission to establish its own office from which to execute the business of the fund, and to prominently display and promote its roll of honorees there. George Spillmann’s name rests on that honored roll.
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| George Spillmann |
Carnegie encouraged his Commission to allow the public to honor its heroes, both living and fallen, through its own generosities, and to offer to match these monies where it seemed appropriate, and to extend its generosities to include those injured in acts requiring heroism, as well as those volunteering expertise and service in the prevention of disease, injury, and defense. Carnegie provided for the protection of members of his Commission from liability, and gave his Commission powers to invest funds, employ assistants and agents, reimburse expenses incurred in executing the business of the Commission, and provide honoraria to its leaders. Lastly, Carnegie wished for the Commission to establish its own office from which to execute the business of the fund, and to prominently display and promote its roll of honorees there. George Spillmann’s name rests on that honored roll.
