Tag

Camden Fire Department

John Paul Gryckiewicz

Death notice for John Paul Gryckiewicz, 87, formerly of Camden, who died June 4, 2006 in New Port Richey, Florida; a retired Camden fire captain of 40 years and a WWII Navy veteran of the USS South Dakota.

June 8, 2006·1 min read

2419 Arnold Street fire, April 20, 2005

Historical Accounts

2419 Arnold Street — April 20, 2005

A reported dwelling fire with an infant trapped was dispatched at 0042 hours on April 20, 2005, at 2419 Arnold Street. Crews searched the structure with negative results and contained the fire to one unit.

April 20, 2005·1 min read

Coffman, Richard G.

Death notice for Richard G. Coffman of Cherry Hill, formerly of Westmont, a Camden firefighter of 25 years, published in the Camden Courier-Post on July 14, 2004.

July 14, 2004·1 min read

Henry J. Keating Sr.

Obituary of Henry J. Keating Sr., formerly of Cape May and Camden, age 82, a Camden City fireman for 25 years and member of the Knights of Columbus Nativity Council #2976, Lindenwold. Camden Courier-Post, November 28, 2002.

November 27, 2002·1 min read

50th Wedding Anniversary

John and Mary Gryckiewicz, formerly of Camden, marked their 50th wedding anniversary in August 1992 with a party at the Innisbrook Country Club in Tarpon Springs, Florida, hosted by their six children.

August 20, 1992·1 min read

Obituary of George W. Meriwether, Camden Courier-Post, June 5, 1992

Obituary of George W. Meriwether

Obituary of George W. Meriwether of Camden, a Camden firefighter, who died June 3, 1992 at age 66; interment at Harleigh Cemetery.

June 5, 1992·1 min read

Retirement letter from Fire Chief John J. Mogck Jr., February 28, 1990

Historical Accounts

Retirement Letter from Chief John J. Mogck Jr.

On his retirement, Chief John J. Mogck Jr. wrote a farewell letter to the Camden Fire Department, retiring alongside Captains John DiMaggio, Robert Olesiewicz and Anthony Orme and firefighters Philip MacDonald and William Stone after 39 years in the 1st Battalion.

February 28, 1990·2 min read

Seven people killed, 2 injured in Camden row house blaze — Trenton Evening Times, April 21, 1987

Seven People Killed, 2 Injured in Camden Row House Blaze

An early morning fire engulfed a rowhouse at 900 North 28th Street on April 20, 1987, killing seven people including four young children and leaving another child in critical condition. Camden County Prosecutor Samuel Asbell blamed careless smoking; city fire officials disagreed with that finding.

April 21, 1987·4 min read

Newspaper clipping: Friends will honor veteran firefighter

Friends Will Honor Veteran Firefighter

On the eve of his March 1980 retirement dinner, Camden fire captain John P. Gryckiewicz looked back on 40 years with the department — the rescues, the Garden State Race Track fire, 84-hour weeks and $60 paychecks, and a city he still loved.

February 15, 1980·4 min read

Newspaper clipping: Bar patrons mourn murdered buddies

Bar patrons mourn murdered buddies

Regulars at The Tavern, a North Sixth Street bar, mourned Benjamin Shablack and John Barrett, two retired roommates bound, gagged, and left to die in a fire set in their North Camden rowhouse on Bailey Street. Fire Marshal Harold Pike found the fire was deliberately set in four locations.

September 27, 1979·5 min read

Newspaper clipping: Cigarettes or heater sparked fire

Cigarettes or heater sparked fire

Fire Marshal Harold Pike reported that a cigarette or portable heater started the fire that killed five residents of an unlicensed elderly boarding home in Camden in November 1977; the structure lacked a fire escape, smoke alarm, and sprinklers.

November 24, 1977·2 min read

Services are planned for Sgt. Wesley Faust, The Mercury, May 24, 1977

Services Are Planned for Sgt. Wesley Faust

Funeral arrangements for Sgt. Wesley Faust of the New Hanover Township police, a Camden native, Camden High School class of 1940 and ten-year Camden fireman.

May 24, 1977·2 min read

Wesley Faust obituary, Camden Courier-Post, May 24, 1977

Wesley Faust, Ex-Fireman

Camden Courier-Post obituary for A. Wesley Faust, a former Camden City fireman who died of an apparent heart attack while working a three-car accident as a New Hanover Township, Pa. police sergeant.

May 24, 1977·1 min read

Fatal Fire Truck Crash Is Blamed on Their Sirens

Fatal Fire Truck Crash Is Blamed on Their Sirens

Camden Courier-Post, August 18, 1975. Engines One and Eight collided at 6th and Pine Streets, killing Wilkins Tisdale and injuring 14, including Albert Collum, captain of Engine One. A fire official theorised the drivers could not hear each other over their own sirens.

August 17, 1975·4 min read

Fire Rips E. Camden Home, Leaving 4 Youngsters Dead - Camden Courier-Post, January 31, 1975

Fire Rips E. Camden Home, Leaving 4 Youngsters Dead

Four children of Mrs. Geraldine Binder died in a 20-minute fire at 433 Garden Avenue in East Camden; Battalion Chief Thomas Blair said all four appeared to have died of smoke inhalation and that the blaze likely started near the living room couch.

January 31, 1975·3 min read

Camden Courier-Post, April 20, 1974

Humphries

Death notice for David W. Humphries of 113 South 35th Street, a member of the Camden Fire Department for 26 years, who died April 19, 1974; interment at Arlington Cemetery.

April 20, 1974·1 min read

A. C. Batten Services Set For Friday

A. C. Batten Services Set For Friday

Obituary of Capt. Arthur C. Batten of 1132 North 22nd Street, retired Acting Battalion Chief of the Camden Fire Department and former captain of the department's Rescue Squad, who died at Cooper Hospital on April 18, 1972 after 42 years of service.

April 19, 1972·1 min read

Newspaper clipping: 5 Juveniles Arrested in Plant Blaze

5 Juveniles Arrested in Plant Blaze

Five North Camden boys aged 11 to 14 were arrested after a general-alarm fire at the vacant former John R. Evans Co. leather tanning plant at Second and Erie Streets in December 1971; Fire Marshal Harold Pike estimated the loss at up to $200,000.

December 20, 1971·1 min read

Newspaper clipping: Fire Death Of Woman Is Probed

Fire Death Of Woman Is Probed

Fire Marshal Harold Pike enlisted the Camden detective bureau to investigate the death of Mrs. Elizabeth McLeish, 37, found burned to death in her Woodland Avenue home in November 1971.

November 29, 1971·1 min read

Blaze Damages Werner Home — Camden Courier-Post, July 27, 1971

Blaze Damages Werner Home

The living room of Francis Werner's home at 822 North 30th Street was swept by fire when a television set caught fire. The blaze was reported at 8:15 a.m. and brought under control within minutes by Battalion Chief John Giuliano's crews.

July 26, 1971·1 min read

Mailahn death notice, Camden Courier-Post, February 4, 1971

Mailahn (death notice)

Paid death notice for Camden fireman Harry Mailahn, 44, of 2924 Royden Street, who died February 1, 1971, listing his survivors and funeral arrangements.

February 4, 1971·1 min read

Harry Mailahn, City Fireman, Rites Friday, Camden Courier-Post, February 3, 1971

Harry Mailahn, City Fireman, Rites Friday

Funeral services for Harry Mailahn, 44, a Camden fireman for 21 years, were set for Friday at the Harry Leonard Funeral Home, with burial in New Camden Cemetery.

February 3, 1971·1 min read

825 Fern Street Fire

825 Fern Street Fire

Camden Courier-Post, April 4, 1970. Captain Al Collum of Engine Company 1 carries the body of a child from a row house fire at 825 Fern Street that claimed two young victims.

April 3, 1970·1 min read

Six Begin Fire 'Basic', 1969 — Leon J. Johnson

Six Begin Fire 'Basic'

Six Camden men — Thomas S. Watson Jr., Lloyd W. Henshall, Lloyd G. Birdsong, Leon J. Johnson, Richard P. Williams and Curtis J. Britt — began basic training on January 3, 1969, bringing the Camden Fire Department to full complement.

January 3, 1969·1 min read

New Fire Fighters, Camden Courier-Post, November 8, 1968

New Fire Fighters

Twelve men were sworn in to implement the second phase of a 42-hour work week for Camden city firemen, administered the oath by Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak. Three followed their fathers into public service, among them William H. Huelas, son of Captain John D. Huelas.

November 7, 1968·2 min read

Newspaper clipping: Family of Six Escapes Fire

Family of Six Escapes Fire

Mrs. Girlene Garrett and her six children escaped a two-alarm fire that gutted their home at 832 North 3rd Street in August 1968; Acting Battalion Chief John Gryckiewicz and Hoseman Edmund Gorczynski were treated at Cooper Hospital for burns.

August 27, 1968·1 min read

Fireman at 917 North 30th Street fire — Camden Courier-Post, August 16, 1968

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.

August 15, 1968·1 min read

Camden Courier-Post article, June 28, 1968, Police Fire Tests Take Heavy Toll

Police, Fire Tests Take Heavy Toll

Camden Courier-Post coverage of the June 1968 Civil Service results for the Camden fire captain and patrolman examinations, listing every candidate who passed — including Anthony D. Moffa of 23 Leonard Avenue, who scored 73.3 on the fire captain's test.

June 28, 1968·3 min read

Probe Set In Blaze; Two Hurt

Probe Set In Blaze; Two Hurt

Acting Battalion Chief Arthur Batten requested an arson investigation after two fires damaged bedrooms at 223 Milton Street in North Camden and injured firemen Richard Francesconi and Truman Maples.

August 26, 1967·1 min read

Firemen climb ladder at Ray's Tavern fire, 5th and Mickle Streets

4 Trapped in Blaze Saved by Firemen

A rash of overnight fires in Camden during a February 1967 snowstorm destroyed Ray's Tavern at 5th and Mickle Streets and damaged four buildings; police and firemen rescued four elderly residents, and Acting Battalion Chief Arthur Batten's crew answered the second call for aid after fighting two North Camden blazes.

February 10, 1967·4 min read

Newspaper clipping: Camden Fireman Cited by Buffs

Camden Fireman Cited by Buffs

The Delaware Valley Fire Buffs Association gave Camden fire captain John Gryckiewicz a special citation and a $25 savings bond in September 1966 for his rescue of Mrs. Emily Burns from a burning North Camden bedroom, his second honor that year.

September 22, 1966·2 min read

Camden Fire Department promotions, February 1966, newspaper clipping

New Captain Named

Robert Olesiewicz, 47, was promoted from fireman to captain and assigned to Ladder Company 1 as Public Safety Director Keith Kauffman swore in seven new Camden firemen.

February 1, 1966·1 min read

Edwin S. Wirtz with Edward V. Michalak and others, Camden Courier-Post, October 30, 1965

Fireman Honored On His Retirement

Fireman Edwin Wirtz of 2010 River Avenue was feted at a buffet luncheon at Camden fire headquarters on his retirement after 22 years of service; his last assignment was as an inspector in the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

October 30, 1965·1 min read

Newspaper clipping: MS Victim — Fireman Rescues Woman

MS Victim: Fireman Rescues Woman

Fire Capt. John Gryckiewicz of Engine Company 6 carried Mrs. Emily Burns, a 40-year-old multiple sclerosis patient, from her burning second-floor apartment at 602 North 2nd Street in February 1965, after two civilian rescue attempts failed.

February 8, 1965·1 min read

6 City Firemen Take Oaths

6 City Firemen Take Oaths

Camden Courier-Post, November 24, 1964. Six new members of the Camden Fire Department were sworn in, among them Albert E. Collum Jr., 28, of 2409 Howell Street. Department rolls then totalled 176.

November 23, 1964·1 min read

Camden Courier-Post, July 10, 1964

3 Firemen Grads Given Assignments

Three graduates of the Camden City Fire Training School received their company assignments in July 1964 — Truman Maples of 1024 North 35th Street, Ernest A. Fagan of 105 South 35th Street, and Spencer Smith 3d of 1523 Collings Road.

July 10, 1964·1 min read

Newspaper clipping: Fire Captain Is Promoted

Fire Captain Is Promoted

Camden Fire Captain Harold H. Pike was promoted to district fire chief on April 30, 1964, sworn in at City Hall by City Clerk Odorisio before Public Safety Director Kauffman, Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell, and acting Deputy Chief Edward Michalak.

April 30, 1964·1 min read

Edwin S. Wirtz, Camden Courier-Post, November 28, 1963

Dinner Set For Retired Fire Capt.

A testimonial dinner for retired Camden City Fire Marshal Maurice F. O'Brien was set for Kenney's in Camden; Edwin Wirtz, John Moore and John Gaffney assisted with arrangements.

November 28, 1963·1 min read

Edwin S. Wirtz, Camden Courier-Post, November 19, 1963

County Jail Fire Drill Successful

A November 1963 fire drill at the Camden County jail evacuated nineteen of 142 inmates in 45 seconds; fire inspectors John Gaffney and Edwin Wirtz found all equipment in perfect working order.

November 19, 1963·1 min read

9 Firemen Graduate In City Test

Nine of Camden's newest firemen, including Wayne Kraft of 1052 North 35th Street, graduated at fire headquarters at 3rd and Arch Streets and received their company assignments.

July 25, 1962·1 min read

Firemen Visit Fireman's Home To Battle Fire, Camden Courier-Post, February 8, 1962

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.

February 8, 1962·1 min read

Camden Courier-Post, December 22, 1961

Flames Rake Warehouse in East Camden

A two-alarm fire tore through the Cartun Hardware Store warehouse at 14 South 35th Street on the night of December 21, 1961, fed by an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 gallons of paint. One Engine Company 11 hoseman was hurt, and the alarm was sounded by a teenager who spotted the smoke while listening to Christmas carols outdoors.

December 22, 1961·3 min read

Wm. E. Jaeckel Dies

Wm. E. Jaeckel Dies; Retired City Fireman

William E. Jaeckel, 73, of 7829 Osler Avenue, Pennsauken, a retired Camden city fireman, died Tuesday in a nursing home in Hainesport.

November 29, 1961·1 min read

Thomas Carr Heads Police, Fire Group

Thomas Carr Heads Police, Fire Group

Thomas J. Carr Sr. was re-elected president of the Camden Police and Firemen's Association for 1958; Arthur C. Batten was elected recording secretary and Winfield Leviseur chairman of the board of managers.

March 3, 1958·1 min read

Firemen Here Get Advanced First Aid Course

More than 40 members of the Camden Fire Department — Rescue Squad, Headquarters, Truck and Engine company men housed at fire headquarters — completed the Red Cross advanced first aid course. Robert Olesiewicz was among the graduates.

August 19, 1957·2 min read

August 20, 1954 Courier-Post article about monkey rescue

Monkey Is Trapped by Banana

A fire truck, an aerial ladder, three firemen and an SPCA task force were needed to bring a monkey down from the rooftop of 333 Mickle Street, across from the Walt Whitman House, after five days at large. Acting Capt. James Jones and Firemen Wesley Faust and George Hennessy made the capture.

August 20, 1954·4 min read

Headline: 5 Children Die in South Jersey Waters, Camden Courier-Post August 12, 1954

5 Children Die in South Jersey Waters

Three Drummond children of 912 Chestnut Street drowned in the Cooper River at Camden County Park while fishing; two more children died at Sea Isle City the same day. Camden firemen including Wesley Faust worked the recovery.

August 12, 1954·4 min read

Newspaper clipping: Fire Captain in Pearl St. Blaze, October 26, 1953

Fire Captain in Pearl St. Blaze

A Courier-Post account of a Pearl Street fire in which Capt. John Gryckiewicz carried a resident to safety; District Chief Howard Gick described the blaze.

October 26, 1953·3 min read

Camden Courier-Post, February 16, 1952 — Woman Gas Victim Saved by Camden Rescue Squad

Woman Gas Victim Saved by Camden Rescue Squad

The hour-long effort of a fire department rescue squad saved Mrs. Florence Marshall, 46, of 330 North Tenth street, who had locked herself in the bathroom and turned on a gas jet.

February 16, 1952·1 min read

Edwin S. Wirtz, Camden Courier-Post, February 5, 1952

Camden Firemen Meet Gimbel's

The newly organized Camden Fire Department basketball club, managed by Edwin Wirtz, met Gimbel's of Philadelphia in a return game at Hatch Junior High School, having won the opener 69-64.

February 5, 1952·1 min read