President Biden’s Philadelphia Visit and Repetition of Exaggerated Fire Story
President Joe Biden revisited a controversial story about a 2004 fire at his Delaware home during a visit to a reopened Philadelphia fire station, thanks to a $22.4 million federal grant.
This marked another instance of the president retelling the dramatic incident.
Acknowledgment and Disclosure
Beginning his appearance, Biden credited his local fire company in Wilmington, Delaware, for assisting him during a snowstorm and transporting him to the hospital in 1988 when he suffered a cranial aneurysm.
In a moment of disclosure, he expressed gratitude, stating that firefighters not only saved his life but also rescued his wife, pets, and home.
Questionable Details and Fact-Checking
President Biden recounted how lightning struck his Wilmington home, causing a fire that firefighters successfully contained.
However, fact-checkers have raised concerns, citing news accounts from the 2004 fire reporting ‘no injuries’ and containment to one room.
Repetition of Controversial Anecdote
The president has told this house fire story multiple times during his presidency, drawing attention from media outlets. In August, The Washington Post reported at least six instances of Biden sharing this story, including to victims of Maui wildfires.
Additional Claims and Presidential Recollections
During Monday’s event, Biden also claimed that former President Ronald Reagan was set to loan him Marine One during his aneurysm scare, but a blizzard prevented it. Serving in the U.S. Senate at the time, Biden detailed how local firefighters facilitated his transportation.
Commendation and Humor at Firefighters’ Expense
President Biden commended the firefighters in attendance, playfully calling them ‘crazy’ and expressing appreciation for their dedication.
Reflecting on personal connections to firefighting, he humorously stated that many of his friends became cops, firefighters, or priests.
Recollection of January 2022 Blaze and Promise Fulfillment
The president shifted to the tragic January 2022 blaze in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood, where a Christmas tree fire claimed 12 lives.
Biden highlighted the reopened Ladder One’s role and fulfilled promise, marking the neighborhood’s first ladder company on-call in nearly 15 years.
Future Reopenings and SAFER Grant
In addition to Ladder One, two more Philadelphia stations, Engine 6 and Ladder 11, will reopen using the SAFER Grant award dollars, further enhancing community safety.
President’s Perspective on Firefighters’ Bravery
Concluding his speech, President Biden acknowledged the bravery of firefighters, emphasizing that running into a fire is among the most courageous acts. He shared a personal perspective that almost anything else is less consequential compared to such daring endeavors.
