By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mr. Yuellig

Retired Cincinnati firefighter Donald P. Yuellig died of leukemia March 22 at Mercy Franciscan Hospital-Western Hills. The Delhi Township resident was 76.

Mr. Yuellig was nationally known as an arson expert and was called on by departments throughout the country to assist in investigations. He helped write many safety codes, including the National Fire Code.

"He was well-respected in the area of arson investigation," said longtime friend Larry Schmolt, a retired Cincinnati assistant fire chief. "He was devoted to the fire department. He also served on the (original) life squad and did a good job with first aid."

Mr. Yuellig was a graduate of Roger Bacon High School. In 1949, he married Joyce Gueterman of Cincinnati.

He served as a Navy chief quartermaster in the South Pacific in World War II, and also served during the Korean War in 1950-51.

Mr. Yuellig joined the Cincinnati Fire Department in October 1948.

"Being a part of the Cincinnati Life Saving Squad and serving the needs of humanity makes me most happy," Yuellig said in a 1961 Enquirer article. "There is never a dull moment in our work, and we see life as it is."

He was elected a director of the International Association of Arson Investigators in 1969.

In 1970, Mr. Yuellig was asked by then-Gov. James A. Rhodes to serve as chairman of a special advisory committee to the governor's office on fire safety in nursing homes. He later served as chair of a committee in 1975 to write standards for the national fire protection association dealing with fire safety in high rise buildings. After his 1980 retirement, he continued to work as a consultant for insurance companies in the fields of arson and fire safety. He was a member of St. Antoninus Church and, according to Mr. Schmolt, was deeply devoted to his religion.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years; a brother, Eugene G. of Delhi; two sisters, Julia Maxson of Bardstown, Ky., and Mary Rose Flory of Owenton, Ky.

Services have been held. He was buried in Vine Street Hill Cemetery in Clifton.

Memorials: Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

E-mail: kandrew@enquirer.com