Camden Fire Fighter - Edward F. Murtaugh

EDWARD F. MURTAUGH was born in Camden on January 27, 1947 to John J. Murtaugh Jr. and his wife, the former Saimi Perala. He was named after his late uncle, Private Edward F. Murtaugh, who was killed in action in Italy in 1944. He is family lived at 1169 Bergen Avenue in Camden's Cramer Hill neighborhood.

Tragedy struck in March of 1963 when Ed Murtaugh and nine other teenagers from the neighborhood piled into a convertible driven by 21 year-old William Hummell for a ride through South Jersey. Near Atco the car went through guardrail near a railroad bridge, plunged 50 feet to the tracks, hitting high-powered electric lines on the way down. Four of the young people were killed, Robert E. Shelley, Ellen Marren, Judith Sviben, Dorothy Fitzpatrick. William Hummel, the driver, was seriously injured.

David Murtaugh and four others, Carol McKee, John Latko, David McBride, and Joseph Rotchford escaped with cuts and bruises. Interestingly enough, both Edward Murtaugh and Joseph Rotchford later became Camden fire fighters.

Edward F. Murtaugh was drafted in 1966. After his entrance into the United States Army he completed basic training after which he was sent to Vietnam. He served from 1967 to 1968 with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, 9th Infantry Division, at Bearcat, Bien Hoa province, Vietnam.

Shortly after returning from Vietnam and receiving his honorable discharge from the military, Edward F. Murtaugh became a member of the Camden City Fire Department. He served for many years with Engine Company 6. He rose through the ranks to the rank of Captain. His last command was at Engine Company 10. Captain Murtaugh served with distinction until his retirement in January of 2000.

In 1991 Edward Murtaugh joined the South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Association. He served for several years as Sergeant of Arms, and for one year as President. He was well known in veteran's organization circles for his dedication to aiding fellow servicemen. He was awarded the Camden County Veterans Special Recognition Award in October 2005 by the Camden County Department of Veterans Affairs.

Last a resident of Westmont, New jersey, Edward Murtaugh passed away suddenly on November 22, 2006.

	Camden Courier-Post March 19, 1963 James A. Garfield School

	Dorothy Fitzpatrick Ellen Marren Robert Shelly Judith Ann Sviben William Hummell Edward Murtaugh David McBride Joseph Rotchford Carol McKee John Latko

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North 20th Street - North 25th Street - North 28th Street - North 30th Street North 32nd Street - Bergen Avenue - Harrison Avenue - River Avenue

*Camden Courier-Post December 2, 1980**

	Firefighters wind up their battle yesterday against a morning blaze that killed four children in their home on Erie Street in North Camden. Second floor: Edward Murtaugh - Robert "Sonny" Frett Ground: Joseph Marini - Richard Brooks - William Colucci

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Harold H. Pike - Anthony Dowidowicz - LeRoy Adams - Hallie Adams - Merel Hall - Robert Hall

Camden Courier-Post - NOVEMBER 26, 2006

MURTAUGH, EDWARD F.
age 59, died suddenly on November 22, 2006. Born in Camden, NJ on January 27, 1947, Ed was a resident of Westmont, NJ where he lived with his wife Colleen, and his stepson Thomas, for the past eight years.
Beloved son of the late John J. and Saimi E. (nee Perala) Murtaugh. Devoted brother of Susan DiFrank and her husband Robert, John Murtaugh and his wife Rebecca, Thomas Murtaugh and the late Mary Hall and Eileen Wise. Dear brother-in-law of David Wise. Also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
Ed dedicated his life to serving and helping others. In 1966 he was inducted into the US Army where he served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, the 9th Infantry Division, Bearcat, South Vietnam. After his service in Vietnam, Ed became a member of the Camden City Fire Dept. until his retirement in January, 2000, when he retired as Captain.
For the past 15 years Ed was a proud and dedicated member of the South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Assoc. where he served several years as Sgt. of Arms, and one year as President. His commitment to his fellow veterans was a source of inspiration to all who knew him in the veteran community. In October, 2005, Ed's service to the veteran community was recognized by the Camden County Dept. Of Veterans Affairs by receiving the Camden County Veterans Special Recognition Award.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 9 to 11am Wednesday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Memorial Service 11am at the funeral home. Interment private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Assoc., 1868 Greentree Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to

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Trenton Times - March 19, 1963

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David McBride - Edward Murtaugh - John M. Latko - Joseph Rotchford Jr. - Carol McKee William Hummell - Robert E. Shelley - Ellen Marren - Judith Sviben - Dorothy Fitzpatrick Click on Images to Enlarge