Leonard E. Oshushek
Leonard Edward Oshushek was born April 1, 1918 in Carney's Point, New Jersey, to Clara and Samuel Oshushek.
The family moved to Camden in the early 1920s. By 1924 Samuel Oshushek had joined the Fire Department. He and his family, which included sons Leonard and Edwin, lived at 1639 Pulaski Street.
Samuel and Clara Oshushek experienced some marital difficulties in the late 1920s but had reconciled by April of 1930, as the Census records of that year show the family intact and living at 1639 Pulaski Street. Selective Service records show that Samuel Oshushek was still with the Fire Department in the spring of 1942. Son Leonard Oshushek had joined the Fire Department on November 13, 1941.
During 1941, while anticipating the possibility of an enemy attack, air raid sirens were installed on the roofs of local industries, businesses and public buildings as well as firehouses.
The sense of increased urgency was evident in a municipal directive issued by Public Safety Commissioner Mary W. Kobus in 1942 stating:
If an Emergency signal is received from the United States Arms Information Center advising local defense officials that an air raid is imminent, all fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles will be placed on the apron in front of their respective quarters and their sirens, exhaust whistles or other audio devices shall be sounded as an air raid warning.
A number of Federal Decrees were also enacted regulating public conduct in the event of air raid warnings. With the sounding of alarms, all civilian traffic must stop and everyone must seek shelter. One new Federal Regulation prohibited fire apparatus from using sirens in response to alarms. Under war-time regulations, sirens would be reserved exclusively for air raid warnings.
The use of audible warning devices by fire apparatus was restricted to bells only. The burden to both fire fighters and the public safety was formidable. On March 1, 1942, the inevitable happened.
Engine Company 8, while responding to an alarm, was involved in a collision with a ten-ton truck at Third Street and Kaighn Avenue. Upon impact all of the firemen were thrown into the street. The truck driver declared that he failed to hear the bells of the approaching apparatus. The mishap resulted in injuries to six members and total destruction of the apparatus. Captain Alvin Thompson was listed in critical condition, while Firemen Mitchell Wojtkowiak, Philip Farrow, Leonard Oshushek, Lawrence Boulton and Edwin Robbins were admitted for lesser injuries. Battalion Chief Newton stated that he believed the accident might have been avoided if fire companies were not prohibited from using sirens.
On the same day another mishap occurred at Ninth Street and Ferry Avenue when Engine 3 was struck by an automobile, the motorist stating that he heard the bell but thought the apparatus was somewhere behind him. A week later Ladder Company 2 was involved in yet another crash at Tenth Street and Kaighn Avenue when the motorist said he did not hear the apparatus coming.
The war-time regulations would continue to hamper the Department for the next three years. Deputy Chief Charles Erickson registered a complaint with Commissioner Rhone to see what could be done about lifting the ban.
By 1969 Leonard Oshushek was living at 1352 Sheridan Street. He retired from the Camden Fire Department on December 1, 1971. He was still living on Sheridan Street as late as 1980. A resident of Franklinville, New Jersey in his later years, he passed away on March 17, 2006.
Tag: leonard-oshushek
Leonard E. Oshushek (Obituary)
The March 2006 Camden Courier-Post obituary of Leonard Edward Oshushek (1918–2006), a retired acting Chief of the Camden Fire Department after 32 years of service, who died at age 87 in Franklinville.
Fire at 917 North 30th Street
A fire broke out in the first-floor living room of 917 North 30th Street, Camden, causing extensive damage. Acting Battalion Chief Leonard Oshushek said the blaze appeared to have been caused by careless smoking. Owner Matthew Mengle arrived home to find firemen fighting the fire.
Firemen Rescue Woman
A June 1967 Camden Courier-Post account of an East Camden apartment fire at 367 Marlton Avenue, in which firemen — led past an overcome policeman by Acting Fire Capt. John Brzozowski and Fireman Spencer Smith Jr. — rescued Mrs. Frances Brooks. Acting Battalion Chief Leonard Oshushek directed the response.
Firemen ‘Visit’ Fireman’s Home To Battle Fire
Engine Co. 9 — the company Camden fireman Harry Mailahn was assigned to — was called to his own home at 2924 Royden Street while he was out on an errand, to put out a fire that began in a kitchen chair.
Trash Fire
A February 1962 Camden Courier-Post report on a trash fire in the basement of a vacant frame house at 59 South 24th Street, Camden. District Chief Leonard Oshushek said the blaze was confined to the basement.
Whitman Park Loop Will Open Tonight
A January 1938 Camden Courier-Post report on the opening of the Whitman Park Basketball League, sponsored by the Polish-American Citizens' Club and playing at Bonsall School.