Introduction
Located in what was then Camden’s Eighth Ward, Engine Company 3 was organized on June 1, 1890 and entered service on the same date at 1813 Broadway, just south of Ferry Avenue in South Camden. Approval for the purchase of land for this firehouse and for that of the new Engine Company 4 had been granted on September 4, 1889.
Tragedy struck Engine 3 on April 7, 1968 when Fire Fighter Earl Smith Sr. suffered a fatal heart attack at the station house after returning from a working fire.
After 96 years of service, the firehouse was vacated in 1986 due to serious structural defects. Engine Company 3 was shifted to the former headquarters of Ladder Company 2 at 619 Kaighn Avenue. The unit moved once again, this time to the headquarters of Ladder Company 4 at 2500 Morgan Boulevard, and was disbanded at some point after 1994.
The old firehouse at 1813 Broadway was sold to a private party, and was occupied as late as the fall of 2004.
Original Members — June 1, 1890
When first organized, Engine Company 3 consisted of a Foreman, an Engineer, a Driver, and two hosemen. The first members of Engine Company 3 are as follows.
Engine Company 3 Roster
Camden Fire Department Engine Company 3 original members
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ |
|---|---|
| Mortimer Wilson | Foreman |
| Samuel Lodge | Engineer |
| William Deno | Driver |
| Joseph Reed | Stoker |
| George W. Shields | Hoseman |
| John Ware | Hoseman |
Annual salaries for the members of the paid force in 1869 were $600 for the Engineer, $450 for the Driver and the Stoker and $50 for the extra men. All but the extra men were paid monthly. The Chief Marshall received $800, and the Assistant Marshall $200 per year as well.
Camden News Budget.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Many Candidates for Positions in the Fire Department and Patrol.
The Fire Commissioners have hundreds of applications from the various ward politicians for places in the two new fire companies which will be organized about the first of the year. The additional company up town will be known as Company No. 4, while the new one down town will be known as No. 3. There is a heated contest for foreman of No. 4 company between Amedee Middleton and Peter Gray, both of whom are at present in the service of the department, being stationed at No. 2 engine. There are several candidates for foreman of No. 3 company, with Mort Wilson in the lead. He has the backing of Commissioner Roberts.
The Fire Commissioners met last night, but did nothing toward making the appointments. A [the text is cut off at the crop edge]
Camden’s Big Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THE DYE WORKS OF JOHN J. HAYES COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Two Firemen’ [sic] Injured and an Engine Badly Damaged—Other News from Across the River.
A fire at Sixth and Mechanic streets, Camden, yesterday afternoon, destroyed the dye works of John J. Hayes. About 5 o’clock workmen were startled by the cry of “Fire!” from an outsider. The drying room, which was in the main building, was found to be in flames. The workmen rushed through the building to close down the windows to cut off the draught, but soon had to cease, owing to the rapid spread of the flames. The men had hardly got out before the whole building was enveloped in flames. The two adjoining buildings soon caught, and within fifteen minutes the whole establishment was on fire. The entire fire department was out, but only three engines could get into service. No. 3 engine, while attempting to round the corner at Sixth and Mechanic streets, got in a hole, was upset and so badly damaged that it was totally unfit for use. Driver Samuel Lodge leaped from his feat [sic] in time to escape being injured.
At 6 o’clock the front of the main building fell in. Foreman Mortimer Wilson, of No. 3; Hoseman William Bogia, of No. 1, and Ladderman Charles Robinson were at this point and had a close call. Foreman Wilson was badly burned about the face and hands and sustained a scalp wound. He was conveyed to the Cooper Hospital. Hoseman Bogia had his leg injured, Robinson escaped uninjured.
The buildings and stock were all destroyed. Mr. Hayes, who operates the dye works, places his loss at $15,000. He is unable to tell how much insurance he has, as all his papers and books were burned up. Daniel Scofield, the owner of the building, puts his loss at $10,000, making a total loss of $25,000.
Samuel Lodge Injured
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fireman Samuel Lodge, of Engine Company No. 3, while feeding a pet cat in the hay loft of the stable, fell through the hatchway and was seriously injured.
Over in Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The West Jersey Railroad carried sixty-eight carloads of Red Men to Atlantic City yesterday.
Charles McStein, a Reading Railroad engineer, had his arm broken yesterday while cleaning his engine.
The 2-year-old son of Frank Crowell, of Cramer Hill, was seriously burned while playing with matches.
Rev. Michael J. Haggerty has returned to Camden, after several years spent in Italy, where he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.
Charged with embezzling $2[?].51 from Samuel K. Hires, a South Camden butcher, William Leaming was committed to the county jail last night.
After waiting several weeks for the county to raise funds the jurors and constables who served during the last term of the Camden courts received their pay yesterday.
The police are trying to discover the origin of a fire which caused $1500 damage in an empty house at 816 Liberty street early yesterday morning. The building was well insured. Fireman John A. Dold, of Engine No. 3, was injured by falling timbers.
No. 3 Firemen’s Vacations
Camden Evening Courier —
The firemen of No. 3 Engine House will spend their vacations this summer as follows:
Samuel Lodge will go with the Camden Bay Club.
George Shields will view the sights at the City-by-the-Sea.
Louis Buzine will go awheel through various parts of New Jersey.
John Ware will regail [sic] himself at Grassy Sound, where he will satisfy his catacial [sic] proclivities.
John Dold will view the picturesque scenery among Pennsylvania’s high hills.
Albert James anticipates a trip to Atlantic City.
Foreman “Brocky” Deno will spend Inlet:
Engine Company 3 — 1896
1896 — Clapp & Jones Second Class Steamer
Suffered a Stroke Driving Team
Camden Post-Telegram —
Suffered a Stroke Driving Team
Strapped to Seat, Lewis Buzine was Helpless in Run of Many Squares
MANY CLOSE CALLS FOR NO. 3 ENGINE
Stricken with paralysis while strapped to his seat of his engine Lewis Buzine, driver of Engine Company 3, held the reins for many squares before his plight was discovered. Not until the horses were stopped by the apparatus striking the side of the engine house were fellow members of the company aware of his illness.
Answering a false alarm coming in from the new Colored High School at Eighth and Chestnut Streets, Stoker Samuel Lodge noticed that the engine was not being driven by Buzine with his usual care. On reaching Eighth and Chestnut Streets, and finding there was no fire Lodge ordered Buzine to drive near a horse trough for water to extinguish the embers under the engine. He was surprised when Buzine paid no heed to him.
As the apparatus rolled in Chestnut Street Captain Charles Robinson, of No. 2 Chemical Engine Company on Kaighn Avenue got on behind with Lodge.
As they neared Seventh street the rumble of an approaching electric train was heard. The horses were galloping and Lodge called to Buzine to drive more carefully. The gates dropped suddenly, the horses came to a quick halt and the train passed. Captain Robinson then pulled the bell and on the first clang the horses started with a jump, and unrestrained by the usually trained hand of the driver they sped along to Broadway when they turned suddenly, nearly crashing into the curb in front of Davis’ saloon.
The animals then started down Broadway at full speed, narrowly escaping hitting many wagons.
Shaken up and suffering from bruises on the hips and sides caused by being thrown against the engine as it wobbled from side to side, Stoker Lodge jumped when the horses veered into the engine house, and hurried to Buzine, supported by straps about his waist. The driver was leaning forward with his right arm hanging by his side.
Not responding to questions Buzine, who is a brother of ex-Assistant Fire Chief Samuel Buzine was unstrapped and tenderly carried to his home at 1606 Broadway and Dr. Kirk was summoned. He feared that a ruptured blood vessel caused the paralysis of the right side. His condition today is serious.
Paralysis Fatal to Fireman Buzine
Camden Post-Telegram —
PARALYSIS FATAL TO FIREMAN BUZINE
Lewis Buzine, who was stricken with paralysis while driving No. 3 Fire Engine, died at his home, 1606 Broadway, yesterday. He was 50 years of age and had been in the fire department for more than 20 years. He is survived by a widow and two daughters.
Buzine was a fine specimen of physical manhood. He was more than six feet tall in height, broad of chest and shoulder, and straight as an arrow. He was fearless in the discharge of his duties, but careful of the animals placed under his charge and a loyal and true companion to all with whom he came in contact.
The funeral will take place Thursday afternoon. The body can be viewed on Wednesday evening. The members of the Eighth Ward Republican Club have been notified to assemble at the headquarters in Wednesday evening and proceed to the house as a body.
In honor of the dead member No. 3 Engine House has been draped in mourning.
Last Honors to Fireman Buzine
Camden Post-Telegram —
LAST HONORS TO FIREMAN BUZINE
Veteran Who Was Fatally Stricken on Engine Borne to Grave Today
UNIQUE OFFERING SENT BY COMRADES
Great crowds last night and today viewed the remains of Fireman Lewis Buzine who was fatally stricken with paralysis last Thursday while driving No. 3 engine. The body was exposed to view at his late home, 1606 Broadway, where services were held this afternoon.
Last night nearly one hundred members of the Eighth Ward Republican Club were in attendance and paid their last respects. This afternoon the services were conducted by Reverend William Grum, pastor of the Trinity M. E. Church.
Assistant Chief George Cox was in charge of the detail of firemen, numbering nearly fifty, every company being represented by one or more members, which acted as an escort to the body as it passed through the streets to New Camden Cemetery. The pallbearers were members of No. 3 Engine Company in charge of Captain Nicholas.
The room was filled with choice floral designs. The Eighth Ward Republican Club sent a large star and crescent. The design from the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association was a large circle with a big “5” in the center, being the number of the local lodge. Members of No. 3 Engine Company of which Mr. Buzine was driver, sent a three-foot circle of white chrysanthemums and asters designed as a clock and bearing the inscription “The Last Alarm.” The big figures “83” designated the number of the box from which the alarm came and in the center was the dial of a clock with the hands pointing to 1:32, the time the company left on what proved to be Buzine’s last run.
There were also many floral tributes from the family. The funeral arrangements were in charge of George Blake.
Dan Smith Takes Sam Lodge’s Place
Camden Post-Telegram —
After a service of twenty-seven years, Fireman Samuel Lodge, of No. 3 Engine Company, was retired last night by City Council on recommendation of the Fire Committee. The veteran fighter of the flames will go out of service on August 1.
Lodge has had many experiences in fighting the flames in the years he has been in harness, and ever since its organization he has been a member of the Centreville company. “Sam” has always been generally well liked, so that his passing into retirement has the well wishes of his host of friends, who hope he will have many years of pleasure and enjoyment. His letter of resignation also contained thanks to the Fire Committee and officials of the department for their kindnesses of the past.
Daniel Smith was appointed regular engineer to take Lodge’s place. This is a popular appointment for “Dan” is very favorably known among the younger element. He has been contected [sic] at No. 3 for nearly a decade.
Robert Whitley was made a regular stoker at No. 3, while Joseph Nevins was appointed an engineer to go from house to house to fill in on the “days off” of other engineers.
John H. Carroll was given the contract to furnish horses to the Department at $315 each.
Camden Fire Chief Retires
Philadelphia Inquirer —
After thirty-three years of service in the department, John A. Stockton yesterday retired as Camden’s Fire Chief, being succeeded by Peter B. Carter, whose place as Deputy Chief is taken by William Patterson. Battalion Chiefs Cox and Browning will be aides to Chief Carter at headquarters and Battalion Chief Nicholas assumed charge of the South Camden district, with headquarters at No. 3 Engine Company.
Auto Fire Engine Skids Into Window
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Driver of Camden Apparatus Sticks to Post Uninjured—Two Firemen Jump to Safety
Skidding in rounding the corner at Broadway and Kaighn avenue while responding to an alarm yesterday the auto fire engine attached to Company No. 3, of the Camden Fire Department, jumped the curb and crashed into a display window of a department store. The window was wrecked, one of the pillars of the store knocked out of place and the springs of the machine put out of commission. Several persons on the sidewalk narrowly escaped being hit by the apparatus.
Riding on the back of the machine Engineer Daniel Smith and Stoker Arthur Wingate saved themselves by jumping. Driver Michael Brown stuck to his post and escaped injury. In aiding the firemen to back the engine off the sidewalk, Andrew Fritz, aged 50, of 1425 Broadway, crushed one of his fingers so badly that it was amputated at Cooper Hospital. The fire was at Locust street and Kaighn avenue, where a load of hay on a wagon was destroyed.
Red Cross Kits for Engine House No. 3
Philadelphia Inquirer —
On behalf of the Red Cross Dr. Daniel Strock, the president, yesterday presented Mayor Ellis for the city two complete Red Cross kits. One will be located at the City Hall and the other at No. 3 engine house.
South Camden
Camden Courier —
Fire damaged a bedroom on the second floor at the home of Hyne Miller 972 Ferry Avenue, yesterday afternoon. The fire was caused, it is said, by a child playing with matches, which set fire to a bed covering. Firemen from No. 3 Engine and No. 2 Truck Company extinguished the blaze.
Eli Hunt, of No. 3 Engine Company, Broadway and Ferry Avenue, lost his glasses at the fire on Ferry Avenue.
Veteran Fire Captain Honored At Retirement Ceremonies
Camden Courier-Post —
Eli Hunt Bids Farewell to Fellow Members of City Force
Officials Laud Term of Service
Quits Chasing Fires
Capt. Eli Hunt
The sound of a fire alarm means nothing except fond memories to Junior Capt. Eli Hunt, now, as he sits in his chair at home and lives over the many experiences he has gone through while a fireman with Engine Company No. 3, 1813 Broadway.
Captain Hunt took formal leave Saturday from his comrades, the smoke-eaters of one of the busiest fire houses in the city. The 55-year-old veteran was retired March 1 for disability, and the lads he led in many a fierce battle with flames, decided to show their old skipper that their hearts were with him now that he would respond to no more alarms.
Captain Hunt, his face seamed and lined with years of activity as a fire-fighter, sat silent while Battalion Chief Charles Erickson [sic] told the old smoke-eater that he was only retired, but that in spirit he was still a member of the Camden fire department.
The captain smiled with satisfaction as Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, told Captain Hunt that he was a gallant old fire-fighter, and had fought along the traditions that had made the Camden department one of the best.
Flowers Presented
Satisfaction and smiles still rode the captain’s face as Acting Capt. Edward MacDowell presented him with a bouquet of flowers. He was still grinning in glee when Acting Captain Rich gave him another gift. He still retained that smiling face as Commissioner Kobus presented him with a beautiful smoking set, the gift of his old comrades.
Then, as he sat silently in his chair, the fact that he was no longer a fire-fighter of Camden save in memory and spirit, rolled down upon him and the pent emotion gave way, it could not longer be dammed.
Tears ran like rivulets down the grizzled face of the retired captain, and he didn’t attempt to stop them either, as one handkerchief against that torrent of weeping would have been as effective as trying to stop a hole in a levee with a toothpick.
Standing in formation, too, were his old boys, and everyone of them had a suspicious moisture in his eye, as they gazed upon the old skipper, now ready to retire to a merited if not entirely welcome retirement.
It was 8 a. m. when the ceremonies started down in the ancient camp of the firefighters on Broadway. Battalion Chief Erickson [sic] made a neat and effective speech.
Remains In Spirit
“You are not retiring from the department,” he said, “you are still a member though no longer active. Don’t figure that you are done as a fireman because you are not.
“You’ve earned your rest and you can feel assured now that you have retired that you owe the city of Camden nothing, you have given her the best that was in you, the finest ability you commanded and the loyalty which you know.
“Your boys are sorry to see you depart, but when you go they know that you go to a rest you have merited and an ease that rightfully belongs to you.”
Commissioner Kobus followed in like strain, expressing her delight as being able to have a part in the ceremonies.
“We have to hurry this up,” said the commissioner laughingly, “for I never come down to this firehouse that an alarm does not sound.”
“You are not retiring from the department,” said the director, “you have come up from the ranks and will remain an inspiration to these young firemen, even if you be away from them.
Set Good Example
“You have given them a splendid example to follow by your own loyal, splendid service to Camden. You are something of an ideal for these men to follow, and so long as they stand by the ideals of yourself and the gallant old firefighters of the department, Camden will still have the best department of any city in the United States.
“You are getting a rest period and you earned it. You don’t want to feel that you have retired, you just want to remember that the boys in the department will be with you as you take the rest that you have earned.
“You retire with the respect of everybody in the department, and no higher honor could be paid to any member of the fire department than to merit and hold such respect.”
Captain Hunt was compelled to retire as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident on Oct. 20, 1935. He had been to National Park where he has a kennel of hounds, the captain having been an ardent hunter when physically sound.
Hurt Severely
It was his usual 24-hours off day and as he drove through Woodbury on the way to Camden his car was struck by another at Thorofare. Captain Hunt was injured so badly that he was in the hospital for two months, with concussion of the brain, his injuries leaving a lesion that has made locomotion a mite difficult, although Captain Hunt is able to stand without the aid of his cane.
“I’m going to take life easy,” he said, after he had gathered his presents and been photographed numerous times.” [sic] I have many relatives living around whom I haven’t seen for some time, so I guess I spend a good bit of leisure going around and getting acquainted with them.
“But don’t forget, retired or not, I’m still a fireman and will probably jump out of bed as usual when I hear the alarm.”
Junior Captain Hunt joined the department on August 1, 1918, as a hoseman in Engine 3, where he was honored today. He was promoted to junior captain and assigned to Engine 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets in April, 1928. He returned to his old company, however, as a junior captain in March, 1932, and retired on a pension last Monday.
Captain Hunt battled against some of the worst fires in Camden’s history.
For five and one-half hours he was on duty when flames attacked the plant of the Eavenson Soap Works on Delaware avenue and Penn street on Jan. 21, 1919. He worked straight through for 28 hours when Sitley & Sons’ grain and feed plant, burned at Chelten avenue and the Pennsylvania railroad.
In connection with the latter fire it started on Hunt’s day off, and he was compelled to forego his leisure, as the department had but a single platoon in those days. He was in the fight against the fire at the U. S. Naval aircraft factory in Gloucester, June 8, 1920, the Baker-Flick blaze on Dec. 21, 1921 and another fire in the Eavenson Soap Works on Oct. 20, 1922.
Early Donor in Aluminum Drive Hopes ‘Gift’ Will Be Sent to Hitler
Camden Courier-Post —
Campaign Opens Here with Distribution of Pamphlets on Details; Metal Collection Listed for Thursday at Nine City Centers
Editorial: “Pans and Patriots” appears on page eight.
Hitler’s anti-Semitic nation may receive a “gift” in the near future from a South Camden Jewish resident, but the Fuehrer will not send back a “thank you” note.
The gift may attain the form of aluminum bomber parts.
Last night the city opened its drive for old aluminum from homes for use in national defense work. Only pamphlets giving details about the canvass were distributed with the old pots, discarded pans and other outmoded aluminum utensils to be collected Thursday.
However, not to be late in handing in his donation, the South Camden Jew of German birth, who remains unidentified, walked into headquarters of Engine Company No. 8 at Sixth street and Kaighn avenue, his arms laden with old aluminum.
“Here, I want to give this aluminum to you now and not wait until Thursday,” the donor told firemen. “These pots and pans came from Germany with me many years ago, and now I want the United States to make something out of them to send back to that (several words censored) Hitler.”
Seized Cooker in Gifts
A Boy Scout’s pint-size cooking pan was taken into police headquarters by Norwood Greene, a Secret Service Agent, who said the utensil was confiscated in a counterfeit raid a short time ago at Wilmington, Del.
Greene was instructed by a superior to turn the pan over to the Camden aluminum drive. In doing so the agent had to request a receipt signed in triplicate from police headquarters since that is the required procedure in disposing of any seized articles by the Secret Service.
Beginning at 7 p. m. approximately 300 Boy Scouts, veterans and volunteers, began their systematic house-to-house canvass delivering the pamphlets explaining the drive and requesting contributions. The same workers will return Thursday to pick up whatever aluminum the householders care to give.
Anyone may take his contributed articles to any one of the collection centers. From the nine centers the aluminum will be taken to Fifth and Arch streets where a large wire enclosed bin has been constructed.
Mayor Heads Group
Mayor George E. Brunner heads the campaign as honorary chairman and William C. Schriver is general chairman. Heading a group of World War veterans engaged in the effort is Edward J. Quinlan. The veterans laid out the nine districts of the city for the collections. The Scouts are directed in the drive by Scout Commissioner Thomas Norris.
Schriver reported last night when the workers called at many homes the housewives had already collected the old utensils and had them ready for collection piled in boxes. The workers told the residents, however, the donations would not be collected until Thursday.
The nationwide appeal for gifts of aluminum will end July 29. Similar drive plans have been made in every community in the county. In many municipalities, property owners have donated the use of vacant buildings as collection centers.
The Camden city districts, and those in charge of collection, are:
First district, firehouse, Fourth and Pine streets, Leo G. Stephans.
Second district, fire headquarters, Fifth and Arch, Sgt. Ray Smith and Fred Vogel.
Third district, Engine Company No. 3, 1800 Broadway, Eugene Conlin.
Fourth district, Engine Company No. 6, Front and Linden, Samuel Shapiro.
Fifth district, Engine Company No. 7, 1115 Kaighn, James H. O’Brien.
Sixth district, Engine Company No. 8, Sixth and Kaighn, Albert C. Becker.
Seventh district, Engine Company No. 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal, Roy C. Adams.
Eighth district, Engine Company No. 10, Ninth and Morgan, Burnell S. Hartman.
Ninth district, Engine Company No. 11, Twenty-seventh and Hayes, Michael Mungioli.
Mrs. Carrie R. Bean, past department president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary, and Mrs. Anne D. Spooner, president-elect of the Camden County American Legion auxiliaries, have appealed to members of all county auxiliary posts of both organizations to assist in collections.
Storeroom Blazes at N. Y. Ship Plant
Camden Courier-Post —
3 Fire Companies Work 25 Minutes as Short Circuit Burns Supplies
Two engine companies and a hook and ladder company of the Camden Fire Department was summoned to the New York Shipbuilding yard at 12.45 a. m. today to extinguish a blaze in a storeroom. The fire, which burned maintenance equiqment [sic] such as mops, buckets and small machinery and electric light bulbs, was brought under control within 25 minutes, firemen said.
The firemen said the blaze, apparently due to a short circuit, was in a storeroom immediately in back of the boiler room in the main yard near Newton Creek. No ways, on which naval ships are being built, were near. No estimate of damage was made. Responding companies were Engine Companies No. 10, of Ninth and Morgan streets, and No. 3, of Broadway and Ferry avenue, and Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, of Sixth and Kaighn avenue. The Second District patrol crew also responded.
Apparatus
January 3, 1915 — Photo taken at the Kaighn Avenue Ferry Fire. Left: Engineer Daniel Smith Sr. Right: Stoker Robert Whitley.
January 3, 1915 — Photo taken at the Kaighn Avenue Ferry Fire.
June 15, 1952 — 1928 American LaFrance Combination #6306
June 15, 1952 — 1950 American LaFrance Pumper 1000 gpm L-4136
About 1952 — 1950 Plymouth Coupe used by the District Chief. Photo taken after July 1, 1951—probably June 15, 1952.
1953 — American LaFrance Pumper 1000 gpm
1953 — American LaFrance Pumper 1000 gpm
1953 — Dodge Hose Wagon Pumper 200 gpm
1953 — Dodge Hose Wagon Pumper 200 gpm
1960 — 1953 Dodge Model B4T-154 Hose & Booster Wagon. Hale Pump — 200 gpm, 160 gallon Tank.
April 3, 1957 — American LaFrance Pumper 1000 gpm
1958 — Battalion Chief’s 1958 Plymouth Station Wagon. Parked outside 1817 & 1819 Broadway.
1976 — Pierce Pumper 1000 gpm
Engine Company 3 — 1986 Hahn Pumper
1990s — Engine Company 3 Apparatus
1990s — Engine Company 3 apparatus at 2500 Morgan Boulevard
Engine Company 3 — 1956
Engine Company 3 and the 3rd Battalion in quarters, Broadway & Ferry Avenue, South Camden. 1956.
Left to right, standing: Chief Joseph Guarino, Fireman John Chudzinski, Captain Edward Tyszko, Fireman Ernest Tartaglia, Fireman Santo DiMaggio; Kneeling: Fireman Adelbert Kirk, Fireman Angelo Borghero.
Engine Company 3 and the 3rd Battalion in quarters, Broadway & Ferry Avenue, South Camden. 1956.
Left to right, standing: Chief Edgar Ellender, Fireman George Wade, Fireman Howard Lewis, Captain Edward Michalak; Kneeling: Fireman George Torgun, Fireman Dominick Dalanni, Fireman Henry Keubler.
Engine 3 Hose Wagon — Gloucester City
March 10, 1960 — Engine 3 hose wagon rendering mutual aid assistance in Gloucester City.
New Pumper Assigned to Engine Co. 3
Camden Courier-Post — 1965
—Courier-Post Photo by Sam Kushner
CAMDEN FIRE CHIEF Michalak and Public Safety Director Kauffman inspect $23,000 pumper which has been asigned [sic] to Engine Co. 3, Broadway and Viola st. The pumper is capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water a minute. It replaces a 15-year-old pumper which will be renovated and used as a spare.
Engine Company 3 — 1994
Credits
Many of the above photographs are from the limited edition book “Fire Department Camden NJ 125 Anniversary 1869–1994” and were taken by Bob Bartosz. Others are courtesy of Joel Bain of the Camden Fire Department.
4 Cops, 4 Firemen, Widow of One Win City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
Johnson, Garrity, Crawford, Stahl Retire Aug. 31
Four police officers and four firemen applied for pensions under the mandatory 65-year-old retirement law today.
The applications, all approved by the police-firemen pension board, are in line with Commissioner Aaron’s order in December, 1948, advising chiefs of the respective services that state law requires retirement of all personnel who have reached 65.
Police officers to be pensioned are Detective Capt. Samuel E. Johnson, 71, Capt. John T. Garrity, 65, Detective Frank Crawford, 69, and Patrolman Harry Stahl, 68.
Fire department members include Deputy Chief Clarence Madden, 67, and Firemen John Prucella, 75; Spencer Smith Sr., 68, and Frank L’Esperance, 66.
The eight men will retire Aug. 31, with each receiving one-half of the average annual salary of the last three years.
Also approved today was an application for a widow’s pension by Mrs. Carrie Bean, 1103 North Twenty-sixth street. Her husband, Patrolman Howard Bean, died June 8, eight days after being pensioned. She will receive $1000 annually.
Captain Johnson, of 211 Elm street, is considered the dean of the police department, having served 40 years.
Johnson, who will receive $2019 annually, was appointed in April, 1910, and was made a detective 10 years later. He was elevated to sergeant in November, 1928, and to lieutenant in 1930. One year after he was cited in 1942 by former Public Safety Director Mary Kobus, Johnson was raised to captain. He served as acting police chief from December, 1947, to December, 1949.
Captain Garrity will receive $1601 annually. He served as commander in each of the three city districts. Garrity was appointed in January, 1920; made sergeant July, 1930; lieutenant in 1940, and captain on June 30, 1944. He lives at 2515 Morgan boulevard.
Following a “pep” meeting with city detectives Thursday, Aaron announced he had transferred Captain Garrity to his office for “special assignments.” Sgt. William Schultz was named acting captain to head the third police district to replace Garrity.
Crawford, of 578 Chestnut street, will draw $1501. He was named to the force in 1912 and resigned eight years later. In 1931 he was reinstated and received a promotion to detective status in 1942. He was cited by former Chief John Golden.
Stahl Appointed in 1917
Stahl lives at 1513 Baird avenue. After his appointment in 1917, he saw service in most departments of the bureau. He will receive an annual pension of $1401.
Chief Madden, 2760 Mickle street, is serving as fire commander for the second fire district at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He was appointed July 1, 1910 and assigned to Engine Co. 5, Fifth and Arch streets.
In 1922 he was raised to lieutenant, and six years later became senior captain. Madden was named battalion chief Nov. 21, 1944 and deputy chief on Dec. 16, 1949.
Madden will receive about $2000, with the others drawing approximately $1358 annually.
Prucella, 919 Penn street, was sworn in on Nov. 1, 1911 and joined Engine Co. 5. Since 1933 he has been serving at No. 6 Engine Co., Front and Linden streets.
Smith was appointed May 1, 1914 and assigned to No. 1 Engine Co., Fourth and Pine streets. He has been attached to No. 10 Engine Co., Ninth street and Morgan boulevard, since 1920.
Frank L’Esperance, 604 Clinton street, is also a member of No. 10 Engine Co., where he has been attached since 1938. He was appointed June 6, 1918 and served with No. 5 and No. 3 engine companies.
Shipyards Call Policeman and Three Firemen
Camden Post-Telegram —
The call of the shipyards has again appealed to South Camden public servants, a policeman and three firemen forsaking their positions in the city departments to take up their new duties as shipbuilders.
Appointed last April, Policeman Clarence Wescott, of the Fourth ward, has tendered his resignation to Mayor Ellis. Wescott is going to work at the New York Shipyard.
Frank De Haven, a fireman connected with Engine Company No. 8, has resigned to work at the same yard.
Julius Hubert, appointed seven weeks ago to No. 3 Engine Company, resigned this morning and his place at that house has been filled by the appointment of Anthony Paradise, of 658 South Second street. Hubert also goes to the New York Ship Corporation.
George Pursglove, of No. 7 Engine Company, also resigned this morning. His place has been filled temporarily by the transfer of Harry Chambers, from No. 2 Truck Company. Pursglove will also tackle shipbuilding.
Cleaner Plant Blast Injures Fire Captain
Camden Courier-Post —
(Reprinted from Monday’s Late Edition)
Fire Capt. Leonard Garbrecht, 49, of 1621 Olympia rd., was admitted to West Jersey Hospital with head injuries Monday after a blast during a fire in a dry cleaning plant at 2201 S. 8th st.
Garbrecht, of Engine Company 3, Broadway and Emerald st., was struck by the door of a dry cleaning tumbler which blew off as he entered the Mechanics Overall Service, Inc., plant with other firemen. They confined the blaze to the machine.
Acting District Chief Edward Michalak said the fire apparently was caused by static electricity. Pressure in the tumbler caused the blast, he said. Garbrecht, struck on the right side of the head, was thrown against steam radiators and was semiconscious when police took him to the hospital, Michalak said.
Thomas Clark and Chief Nicholas on Vacation; Chief Carter Returns
Camden Post-Telegram —
Battalion Fire Chief Nicholas began his vacation this morning. Thomas Clark, chief driver at No. 3 engine house, also went off duty for his regular summer relaxation. Fire Chief Peter Carter returned from his vsit [sic] to Toronto, Canada, where he attended the international convention of fire chiefs.
Reading Supplies Burned.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Their Camden Storehouse Destroyed and Three Men Injured.
A relic of the Centennial Exposition was wiped out of existence by flames yesterday. It was a large wooden building that in 1876 served as an annex to Horticultural Hall. Later it was sold to the old Atlantic City Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and was removed to Camden and used as their depot at the foot of Bulson street. After the road was purchased by the Reading Company the old depot was used as a storehouse for supplies.
Two car loads of supplies for the Reading’s South Jersey lines had just been received in the building and it contained the books and accounts of the supply department.
The fire started shortly after 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, and in spite of a general alarm which brought all the Camden engines to the scene, the building and its contents were entirely destroyed. The loss is at least $10,000 with but little insurance.
H. A. Wallington, the store-keeper, was badly burned about the arms while trying to save some of the account books.
William Deno, foreman of Engine Company No. 3, was overcome by the heat, and was removed to the engine house. His condition is rather serious.
Edward Weston, a hook-and-ladder man, had his leg injured while working at the fire.