Introduction
Clarence Hawkins – Camden Fire Department
CLARENCE HAWKINS was born in Camden, New Jersey on February 10, 1925 to John and Lessie Hawkins. His father worked as a laborer. John and Lessie Hawkins had moved to Camden shortly before Clarence’s birth with older siblings Eunice, William, and Vaudra. The 1929 Camden City Directory and 1930 Census shows the family residing at 913 South 8th Street. Two more children had come to the family by April of 1930, John W. and James Hawkins. Clarence Hawkins attended Camden public schools, but left school in the middle of his senior year.
Brother William Hawkins died of causes unrelated to combat while serving with the United States Army during World War II.
By the time the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled, Clarence Hawkins was working as a laborer and had taken up residence at 721 South 2nd Street. His parents had by then moved to 770 Division Street.
On January 31, 1961 Clarence Hawkins was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. He reported for duty the following day. Fire Department records show him living at 1126 Langham Avenue in Parkside.
Having served almost 26 years as a member of the Camden Fire Department, Clarence Hawkins retired on January 1, 1987. He passed away on June 8, 1985.
A New Class of Probies
Named: Recruit Firemen Clarence Hawkins, Joseph Arensberg, Jerise Garten Sr., Richard Brooks, Walter Williams, Commissioner Edward Garrity, and Chief of Department Edward MacDowell.
Tetrachloride Fumes Sicken 3 Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Three firemen were sickened Friday night when they inhaled fumes from a mattress fire after a carbon tetrachloride fire extinguisher was used on the blaze by police.
Examined at West Jersey Hospital and released were Clarence Hawkins, 30, of 1570 Park blvd.; Howard Ways, 40, of 909 Spruce st., and William Warren, 43, of 1546 Ormand st. All three are hosemen with Engine Company 8.
According to District Chief Daniel Jiannetto, the mattress was burning in the home of Albert Harkless, 33, of 714 Walnut st. Jiannetto said police had used a tetrachloride fire extinguisher before arrival of firemen and that the dangerous fumes sickened the men when they entered the room to put out the fire. Jiannetto said the blaze was caused by a careless smoker.
Fire Department Card
Clarence Hawkins – Camden Fire Department