Winecoff Firefighters Reunite

Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran welcomes Winecoff firefighters R.B. Sprayberry, Rick Roberts and Jim Smith

The sixty-fifth anniversary of the Winecoff Hotel fire was marked by the return of three heroes to the scene of the fire.

Winecoff fire firefighters R.B. Sprayberry, Rick Roberts and James Smith were the honored by Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran at a special luncheon hosted by Winecoff Fire co-authors Sam Heys and Allen B. Goodwin at the Ellis Hotel.

Also on hand to express their gratitude to the firefighters were three of the fire's survivors: Margaret Foster, Connie Foster Broom and Richard Hamil as well as eyewitness George Goodwin.

Margaret Foster and daughter Connie Foster Broom greet Rick Roberts, the firefighter who in 1946 rescued them by ladder from their fifth floor room. Photo by Donna Bowman

The three former Atlanta firefighters signed autographs for an impressive turnout of well wishers and gave interviews to local media outlets.

The fourth living Winecoff firefighter was unable to attend for health reasons. Raymond McGill, 94, explained, "I'm in no shape to go up there." He sent his best wishes.

WSB-TV & WAGA-TV's coverage of the event is here