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Morris McMeekin Odell was born June 24, 1915 in Camden, New Jersey, and was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on July 31, 1941. He served as Battalion Chief's Aide and Chief Engineer's Aide before retiring around 1968. He died February 4, 1980.
Arthur Cuellen Batten (1904–1972), known to his fellow firefighters as Artie, joined the Camden Fire Department on March 4, 1927 and served until his retirement on February 28, 1969, rising to captain of Rescue Company 1 and acting battalion chief. He lived for many years at 1132 North 22nd Street in Cramer Hill and invented the un-patented ring cutter used by the rescue company to remove finger jewelry.
William Van Pfefferle was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 17, 1891. William Van Pfefferle married Elsie Maxwell. Her father, Joseph Maxwell , was a career Camden Fire Department fire fighter.
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.
Differ on Closing of McKinley as 'Fire Hazard' Joseph T. Sherman , Board of Education member, today disputed a statement by Chief Engineer William Van Pfefferle the McKinley School was closed on the recommendation of the fire marshal.
Kaighn School Razed; Blazes Set in Church, Unoccupied House Police today are investigating the possibility that three fires Wednesday within a quarter-mile area inside of three hours and 46 minutes were the work of a firebug.
A Courier-Post account of a fire at the Progressive Garment Co. coat factory at 210 Mickle Street, directed by District Chief Howard Gick.
Named as Mertz Gets Leave and Prepares to Retire on Jan. 15 Camden Courier-Post - November 17, 1949 Camden has a new acting fire chief today— William Van Pfefferle .
Funeral services for veteran Camden fireman William Earl Toy, fatally injured when the car of Acting Chief William Van Pfefferle he was driving collided with a bus at Sixteenth and Federal streets, were set for Friday at his home, 607 West Street, with fellow firemen as pallbearers.
The clothing and jewelry store of S. Lester at 713 Broadway was destroyed by a two-alarm fire of undetermined origin following an explosion. Eight companies fought the fire for seven hours, and damage was estimated at $100,000.
Camden firemen and policemen gave Jack, the Airedale mascot of the Headquarters Fire Company at Fifth and Arch Streets, a hero's funeral in November 1934 after he was crushed under the wheels of his own truck. An estimated 3500 people passed his bier, and taps were sounded over his grave at sunset; Arthur Batten was among the honorary bearers.
Camden Courier-Post, April 4, 1928. John H. Lennox was promoted to deputy chief and Rollo Jones to battalion chief of the Camden Fire Department, eight men were elevated to senior and junior captain, and eleven new firemen were appointed.