Introduction
Charles M. Davis – Camden Fire Department
CHARLES M. DAVIS was born on January 17, 1924 in Warrenton, North Carolina. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II.
Charles M. Davis was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on December 30, 1950. Assigned to Engine Company 1, he reported for duty the following day. By 1956 Charles Davis had married and was living at 2817 Thompson Street in East Camden. On August 6, 1965 Charles Davis was transferred to Engine Company 9, based at North 27th and Federal Street, a short walk from his home.
Charles M. Davis retired after serving as a Camden Fire Fighter for over 28 years on August 1, 1979. He worked in Atlantic City as a casino security guard for seven years. He also spent a great deal of time recruiting high school basketball players for various colleges.
Charles M. Davis eventually moved to Spring Hill, Florida. He died on October 3, 2004. He was brought home to New Jersey and was buried at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson. He was survived by his wife Beulah, daughter Judith, and son Charles L. Davis, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a Camden fire fighter, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Seven Children Rescued from Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
7 Children Saved in Blaze; City Fireman Overcome
ONE OF SEVEN CHILDREN RESCUED from a burning house at 444 S. 5th st., Friday, is shown being carried to safety in the arms of a fireman. Three of the children and a fireman were overcome by smoke. Two civilians rescued four of the children before firemen arrived.
Pine st. company and 5th and Arch sts. station arrived and removed the other three children on a ladder placed at the front of the house.
Charles Cook was overcome by smoke after he had searched the house to make certain no one remained. He collapsed at the front door.
According to Winfield Leviseur, district fire chief, a crowd of 400 spectators attracted to the scene, cheered as firemen and neighbors carried the children from the house.
Cimini told reporters he recently passed fireman and police civil service examinations, placing, he reported, first on the fireman list, and fifth on the police.
Firemen reported the fire was caused by an oil stove in the kitchen of the home. Damage was confined to furniture, walls, ceiling and floor.
Six Firemen Cited Here for Heroism
Camden Courier-Post —
Six Firemen Cited Here for Heroism
Six Camden firemen have been cited for outstanding service by the Fire Department Merit Board for rescuing three Puerto Rican children from a blazing second floor apartment at 444 N. 5th st. last Dec. 26.
Receiving special mention, according to Fire Chief Pfefferle, were District Chief Winfield LeViseur, Capt. Thomas Winstanley, Acting Capt. Eugene Alston, Firemen Frank Deal, Charles Davis and Howard Lewis.
The Merit Board, composed of chiefs in the Camden Fire Department, also pointed out the heroic work of Michael Cimini, a bartender, of 925 N. 22nd st., who rescued four other children before arrival of firemen.
Engine Company 1 Photos
1953–1954
Named: 1953, Engine Company 1 with Hose Wagon at front of quarters, and From left: Fireman Jesthroe Hunt, Fireman Charles Davis, Fireman Eugene Alston, Captain Jesse Jones, Fireman Charles Cook.
September 1954 – Roll Call at the housewatch desk of Engine Company 1’s old quarters, South 4th & Pine Streets, on the occasion of Fireman Charlie Cook’s retirement – From left: Firemen Andrew Robinson, Eugene Alston, Theodore Primas, Charles Davis, Captain Jesse Jones presenting wrist watch, Firemen Jesthroe Hunt, Samuel Fisher, Charles Cook, Orville Goldsboro, Captain Raymond Amos, Fireman Alfred Green
Fire Department Card
Charles M. Davis – Camden Fire Department
Davis, Charles 'Spike'
Camden Courier-Post —
DAVIS, CHARLES ‘SPIKE’
Age 80, of Spring Hill, Florida, formerly of Camden, N.J. On Sunday, October 3, 2004, at his home after a brief illness.
He was a veteran of WWII were he served honorably as a Staff Sergeant in the Army. He was a Camden City Fire Fighter where he faithfully served for 28 years when he retired. He became a Security Guard to the stars at Bally’s Park Place Casino in Atlantic City for 7 years. He recruited high school basketball players, both girls and boys to play for various colleges around the country, many times helping them to secure scholarships.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Beulah, a daughter, Judith Kee (Rev. Dr. Jerome A. Kee, Sr.), a son, Charles L. Davis (Ivy Pinckney-Davis), sister-in law, Gretchen Holland, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, cousins, Beatrice Harris-Waldon, Portia Harris-Hawes, John Hawkins, III, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Funeral service 6:00 p.m. Sunday Oct. 10, 2004, at Chestnut Street U.A.M.E. Church, 7th & Chestnut St., Camden, N.J. Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, N.J. Arrangements by BAGWELL FUNERAL HOME, Penns Grove, N.J.