While responding to a call for a house on fire, Lt. Kopplin was killed when his engine (Engine No. 7) collided with Fire Chief William Bishop’s car at the intersection of E. Commerce and Alamo. Lt. Kopplin was riding on the rear tailboard of the engine when the accident occurred. The impact hurled the veteran firefighter over the top of the apparatus and his body struck the pavement. He was pronounced dead at the scene. SAFD Fire Chief William Bishop and his chauffer, Claude A. Ratterree, were also killed in this City’s worst emergency vehicle accident. Lt. Kopplin was survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, and one sister. His remains lie in the “Fireman’s Grave” at City Cemetery #4.

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