Another sad event in the City of Camden, the result of the delusion that perceived grievances and a sense of victimization are more important to the common good of a society than maintaining and when necessary enforcing standards of behavior and a sense of gratitude for the opportunity which this country gives and an obligation to serve one's community in time of peace or war, without thought of "what's in it for me".

Perhaps the only bright spot of note in this event was the exemplary conduct of the City of Camden's Fire Department and its police officers on the street. To quote now-retired Dennis Dowhy, then a Captain with the Camden Fire Department back in October of 1981: "There is a sense of pride that comes with this job, and no one can can rip it apart. A lot of us were born here in Camden. We think protecting the people is worthwhile."

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Arnold Webster, James Mathes, and Ali Sloan-El
were all later convicted and sentenced on corruption charges.

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WAITING: A weary Camden firefighter waits for water to emerge from his hose as flames engulf a residence at Third and Cherry Streets on Wednesday night.

Grim aftermath: A troubled Camden Mayor Aaron Thompson (above, right), answers a question at a press conference on the city's ordeal of fire as Gov. Jim Florio listens. Chung H. Lee (above, left), owner of the Krazy Discount store, which was destroyed by fire Wednesday night, talks with city fire investigator Herb Leary who is probing the blaze.