Merit awards

Merit awards Outgoing city fire chief Theodore Primas presented awards Thursday to two citizens and fire personnel for outstanding service. The following day, John J. Mgock Jr. was sworn in as the new fire chief by Mayor Angelo J. Errichetti. Mgock replaces Primas, who retires today. Joseph Timmons, a Voorhees cabbie, received a community service award for saving two children whose 28 Stewart St. home was on fire Jan. 20. Agnes Shad, director of the Riverview Towers at 2nd and Mickle streets, was cited for maintaining a fire-safe building in full compliance wih the fire code and training staff and tenants in fire safety. Firemen honored included Capt. William Ayres, Capt. Joseph Gfrorer, Ernest Newkirk and Adelbert Kirk Jr. for risking their own safety in fighting a fire at 2930 Cramer St. Firefighter Francis P. Stibi was honored for attendance. In his 25 years of service, he took only two sick days.