Edward MacDowell
Chief Edward R. MacDowell
EDWARD RUDISSER MACDOWELL served as a member of the Camden Fire Department for many years. He succeeded William Van Pfefferle as permanent Chief of Department, after Harry Wagner had served as interim Chief in the fall of 1958.
Edward MacDowell was born on June 16, 1900. The 1910 Census shows that he was being raised by his grandparents, Richard and Kate Allen, of 814 South 5th Street. When he registered for the draft Edward MacDowell was living at 517 Taylor Avenue in Camden and working as a mechanic’s helper at the Pusey & Jones shipyard in Gloucester City, New Jersey. At some point after January of 1920, Edward MacDowell married Matilda Gerke. Her father, Henry Gerke, was a member of the Camden Fire Department.
On April 3, 1926 Edward R. MacDowell was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. It gives his address as 1813 Broadway, which was the location of Engine Company 3. Fire Department records from 1931 show him living at 1507 Springfield Avenue, which is in Pennsauken. By the time the 1940 City Directory was compiled, he had been promoted to captain and was living at 1308 South Merrimac Road in Fairview.
Edward MacDowell retired at the mandatory age of 65. He was succeeded as Chief of Department by Edward V. Michalak on July 1, 1965.
Edward R. MacDowell Sr. passed away on January 2, 1966, survived by his wife Matilda. He was buried at Bethel Cemetery in Pennsauken. Matilda MacDowell joined her husband in 2004.
A video tribute to Chief Edward R. MacDowell is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww4wWkeqO3Y
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
The sound of a fire alarm means nothing more to retired Junior Capt. Eli Hunt, now, as he sits at home and looks over the many experiences he has gone through while serving at Hamilton Engine Company No. 3, 1813 Broadway.
His comrades, the gallant members of one of the busiest fire houses in the city, decided to show their old shipmate that their hearts were with him now that he would respond to no more alarms. He stood before them, medal-laden and lined with years of activity as a firefighter, as silent while Battalion Chief Charles Errickson told the old commander that he was only retired, but that the spirit of service was needed by the Camden fire department.
The captain smiled with satisfaction as Commissioner Mary Kobus, director of public safety, told Capt. Hunt that he was gathering together around him the flowers and the traditions that had made the Camden department one of the best.
Flowers Presented
Satisfaction and smiling still rode the captain’s face as Acting Capt. Walter L. Osgood presented him with a bouquet of flowers. He was not as young as once when he had fought many a fire, but the fact that he was no longer fighting fires for Camden still weighed on him, and the emotion got to him, but he smiled and smiled.
Tears ran like rivulets down the rugged face of the retired captain, and he didn’t attempt to stop them.
Standing in formation, too, were the old boys, and everyone of them had a suspicious moisture in his eye.
It was 4 p. m. when the ceremonies started down in the ancient camp of the firefighters on Broadway. That’s when Commissioner Kobus made a short and effective speech.
Remarks in Spirit
“You are not retiring from the department,” she said. “You are still a member though no longer active. Don’t figure that you are any less fireman because you are not.”
“You are one of us still, and you will always be one of us. Don’t feel that you owe the city of Camden nothing. You have given the heart and soul that was in you, the finest ability that was in you, to serve the city and your comrades.”
“Your boys are sorry to see you leave, and when you go they know that you go to a rest you have merited. The respect of your associates belongs to you.”
“You have given them a splendid example to follow by your own loyal, courageous service to Camden. You are something of an ideal for these boys.”
“You are getting the rest you are going to have. But I want you to remember that the boys in the department will be inspired by the record you leave.”
“You have been an inspiration to everybody in the department, and no better honor could be given to a member of the fire department than is given to you this afternoon.”
Capt. Hunt was placed on pension leave as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident on Oct. 28, 1936. He had been to National Park to visit his ill father and the accident occurred on the way back to Camden. He was rushed to Cooper Hospital with concussion of the brain and internal injuries.
Captain Hunt battled against some of the largest fires in Camden’s history. He fought a fierce blaze that swept the plant of the Eavenson Soap Works, and fought the fire at Billey & McCoole’s packing plant at Chelten avenue and the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Junior Captain Hunt joined the department Aug. 1, 1918, as a hoseman with Engine Company 3, at 1813 Broadway. He was made acting captain of Engine Company 3 in August, 1929, and became junior captain in March, 1932, and retired on a pension last March 1.
Changes Announced in Fire Department
Camden Courier-Post —
Truck Disbanded, Engine Company Created; 13 Men Transferred
Commissioner Mary W. Kobus yesterday announced a number of changes in the fire department, including the disbanding of Truck Company No. 4; creation of a new engine company, No. 10, and the transfer of 18 officers and men, 12 of them captains.
Most of the new captains have been serving as acting captains and promotion to full rank will involve no pay increases, inasmuch as the men signed waivers foregoing the raises.
Commissioner Kobus explained most of the changes were made to conform with regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. The board, Mrs. Kobus explained, made a survey of the department and advised appointments of acting captains to full rank.
The commissioner also announced she had appointed Junior Captain Raymond Smith as director of the school for firemen at Engine Company No. 10, Ninth and Morgan streets. Smith, one of the youngest at the recently appointed junior captains, will succeed the late Battalion Chief Rollo Jones.
Senior Captain Leonard Megee was appointed acting battalion chief to succeed Jones. He will continue at the Fifth and Arch streets fire headquarters.
Junior Captain William Spencer, of headquarters company, was named relief captain.
Engine Company No. 10 will use the headquarters of the old truck company, at Ninth and Morgan streets.
To the new company Mrs. Kobus assigned Senior Captain Mortica Clark and Firemen Frank Burt, Frank Esperance and Clifford Lane.
Junior Captain Frank Oberman was transferred from Engine Company No. 10 to Engine Company No. 1, at fire headquarters.
Other assignments are as follows:
Junior Captain Robert Wonsetler, Engine Company No. 11, to Engine Company No. 2.
Fireman Harry Kleinfelder, Engine Company No. 6, to Engine Company No. 2
Junior Captain Edgar Ellender, Engine Company No. 2, to Engine Company No. 6.
Junior Captain Ralph Bingemann, Truck Company No. 2, to Engine Company No. 7.
Fireman David Humphries, Truck Company No. 3, to Engine Company No. 11.
Junior Captain Nelson Andrews, Engine Company No. 2, to Truck Company No. 1.
Fireman Albert Dukes, Jr., Truck Company No. 1, to Engine Company No. 2.
Junior Captain Winfield Levisuer, Truck Company No. 2, to Truck Company No. 3.
Junior Captain Edward McDowell retains assignment to Engine Company No. 3.
Junior Captain Maurice O’Brien assigned to Engine Company No. 10.
The changes were contained in notice to the Civil Service Commission, are effective as of June 1 and will appear on the June 15 payroll.
Fire Cuts Lights at City Hall
Camden Courier-Post —
Fire Cuts Lights At City Hall
A fire broke out between the fourth and fifth floors of City Hall today.
According to District Fire Chief Edward McDowell, the fire was caused by a short circuit. Heavy smoke poured out from switch boxes on both floors of the building.
The lights went off in the city engineer’s office and in the offices of the director of public works, Frank Abbott, on the fourth floor, and heavy clouds of smoke filled the Board of Education offices on the fifth floor.
Sgt. Howard Clayton, in charge of the police identification bureau on the fifth floor, pulled the master switch which shut off the light for the identification, juvenile and detective bureaus.
Engine Company 2, from 5th and Arch sts., extinguished the blaze.
Save Man, 88, in S. Camden Home Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
Save Man, 88, In S. Camden Home Blaze
A neighbor who ran several blocks Friday night when she saw smoke and flames brought firemen to rescue Samuel Liberetti, 88, of 606 Avon st., near West and Beckett sts.
Liberetti was trapped in the cellar by the flames on the stairway and was found by firemen lying semi-conscious on the floor.
August Johnson and Orville Goldsboro, of Engine Co. 1, donned oxygen masks and went into the home as Capt. Raymond Amos, of Engine Co. 1, wet them down and extinguished the flames on the stairs so the firemen could effect the rescue.
Liberetti was treated at Cooper Hospital for smoke inhalation. District Chief Edward McDowell said the flooring of the first floor, the cellar stairway and a large pile of lumber in the cellar were burned.
Mrs. Bertha Alemi, of 602 Avon st., was returning from shopping when she saw smoke and flames and heard shouts of help coming from the Liberetti home. She ran to the 4th and Pine sts. firehouse to sound the alarm. Liberetti’s daughter, Theresa, with whom he lives, was at work at the time of the blaze.
Engine Co. 2 and Truck Co. 1 came from headquarters with McDowell.
Graduation of Probationary Fireman
1959
Graduation of Probationary Fireman (from left) Chief John Graham, Captain Anthony Dzinski, Assistant Training Officer Nicholas George, Firemen Herman Reed, Bertram Dahl, Joseph Dowhy, Joseph Simpson, Edward Morgenweck, Charles Christensen, Joseph Wolfinger, George Dixon, Edward Ulrich, Reginald Laws, Grant Keller, and Chief Edward MacDowell.
At Engine 6 with Mayor Pierce and District Chief Wagner
1959
1959 — At Engine 6 with Mayor Alfred Pierce and District Chief Harry J. Wagner
$150,000 Fire Hits E. Camden School; Fireman Overcome
Camden Courier-Post —
$150,000 Fire Hits E. Camden School; Fireman Overcome
Flames Sear 2d Floor
A $150,000 fire ripped through the 74-year-old Garfield School at 29th and Cramer sts. Friday night. One fireman was overcome battling the two-alarm blaze.
Estimate of damage was made by Dr. Anthony Catrambone, Camden superintendent of schools, who ordered the building closed. There was no immediate indication as to whether or not it would be repaired or abandoned as an active unit in the local school system.
Acting Fire Chief Winfield LeViseur said he thought the fire started in a teacher’s cloakroom and had been burning for several hours prior to the first alarm at 7:30 p.m.
Flames were shooting from three windows on the south side of the second floor on Cramer st. as the first of four engine companies arrived. Two truck companies also battled the blaze with 50 firemen taking part.
Fire Chief MacDowell said today that an investigation was underway by Deputy Fire Marshal John Gaffney as to the cause. It is thought the fire began around 4:30 p.m. when the building was closed for the day.
Firemen, wearing gas masks, chopped holes in the ceilings of two classrooms, the cloakroom and the hallway to extinguish flames and hot spots within the loft.
The second floor and part of the first floor was a soggy mess of water, plaster, paper, and glass. An estimate of damage was not available.
Garfield School, built in 1886, is attended by 333 pupils from kindergarten…
No Holiday or Nuthin’ For Garfield Pupils
Anthony Catrambone, superintendent of schools, is not likely to be confused with Santa Claus by pupils of Garfield School.
Embers in the burned building were hardly cool before Catrambone announced there would be no holiday for the Garfield youngsters. They are to report Monday at the Davis School, 34th and Cramer sts. No holiday or nuthin’.
Engine Company 2
1960
Engine Company 2 with new pumper in front of quarters, 5th & Arch Streets, 1960. Bottom row, from left: Fireman Harrison MacNeir, Chief Edward MacDowell, Fireman James Troutman, Captain Albert Weller, Fireman Charles Devlin, Fireman William Hopkins, Fireman George Hennessey; Top row, left to right: Fireman Francis Stibi, Fireman Robert Briggs, Fireman Bertram Dahl, Fireman Erwin Brennan, Captain Thomas Winstanley, Fireman Anthony Orme..
A New Class of Probies
Recruit Firemen Clarence Hawkins, Joseph Arensberg, Jerise Garten Sr., Richard Brooks, Walter Williams, Commissioner Edward Garrity and Chief of Department Edward MacDowell
Fire Headquarters Staff
1961
In the staff office at Fire Headquarters (kneeling from left) Fireman Ernest Tartaglia, Fireman Howard Lewis, Fireman Harrison MacNeir; (standing from left) Captain Allen F. Hess Sr., Fireman Dominic Dalanni, Fireman Henry Keubler, Chief Harry Wagner, Fireman James Troutman, Chief Edward Michalak, Fireman James Smith, Chief Edward MacDowell, Fireman John Yates, and Fireman George Wade. Photo by Bob Bartosz taken in 1961
North 29th Street & Hayes Avenue
A Cadillac collided with a Hudson, Engine Company 11 responded. Chief of Department Edward MacDowell is on the scene, wearing the white coat.
Looking Northwest across the park from the NE corner of 29th & Hayes
Looking North on Hayes Avenue from North 29th Street
29th & Hayes fire scene, November 30, 1961
FIRE BUFFS PICK LEVITT AS PRESIDENT
Camden Courier-Post —
Fire Buffs Pick Levitt As President
Robert Levitt Sr. has been elected president of the Delaware Valley Fire Buffs Association at its annual election meeting in Amity Hall, Pennsauken.
Also elected were Harry Morris, vice president; Judson Knott, recording secretary; Jack Robrecht, corresponding secretary; Howard Doerschner, treasurer, and William Reed, sergeant at arms.
The Philadelphia Fire Department Officers Association was a guest of the local group at the meeting. Deputy Chief Howard O'Drian, on behalf of the Philadelphia firemen, accepted a certificate of merit awarded them by the fire buffs.
Other guests at the meeting included Edward R. MacDowell, chief engineer; Capt. Leo Tompkins, drillmaster, and Nicholas George, assistant drillmaster, all of the Camden City fire department.
Representing the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association were Chief Walter E. Klaus, Camden County fire marshal; Chief John McKinney of Brooklawn, president; Chief Russell Hunt of Haddonfield; Chief William Phillips of Mount Ephraim; Chief Wilmer Porter of Haddon Heights, and Deputy Chief George Rossner, and past-Chief Walter Burgin, both of Delaware Gardens Fire Company of Pennsauken.
Representatives of the West Oak Lane Fire Buffs Association of Philadelphia also attended the meeting.
Fire at 6th Street and Atlantic Avenue
Camden Courier-Post —
HEAVY BLACK SMOKE pours from a vacant factory and warehouse building formerly owned by the Fuller Brush Company at 6th Street and Atlantic Avenue this morning as a three alarm fire destroyed the structure. The amount of the loss has not been determined.
3-Alarm Fire Rakes Building
Camden Courier-Post —
3-ALARM FIRE RAKES BUILDING
Fire early today razed a condemned two-story brick vacant factory and warehouse formerly owned by the Fuller Brush Co. at 6th st. and Atlantic ave. There was no estimate of the loss.
Deputy Fire Marshal John Gaffney said a man who declined to identify himself reported seeing two boys about 14 years of age, running from the building only minutes before the fire was discovered. Gaffney said he has begun an investigation into the cause of the blaze and to locate the youths.
There were no injuries reported but members of Engine Company 8 at 6th st. and Kaighns ave., who were among the first on the scene, escaped being burned seriously and losing a 1,000-gallon pumper after they were engulfed in a ball of flame that shot from the north wall of the structure.
Heavy black smoke could be seen over a wide area.
Spotted Smoke
The first of three alarms was reported at 6:10 a.m. when Donald Fuhrer, an employe of Modern Hard Chrome, located across the street from the building, spotted smoke over the roof of the warehouse.
Two more alarms were reported at 6:15 and 6:18 a.m. as the fire raged out of control, endangering Modern Hard Chrome and Modern Auto Body plants, both of which are adjacent to the factory building.
Capt. Philip Farrow, 46, of 219 N. 6th st., with Engine Company 8, reported that he had never seen a building go “so fast in all my 21 years on the fire department.”
Ball of Flame
Farrow said when he first arrived fire was burning on the south side of the building near the roof. He said the pumper went to Atlantic ave. and firemen were hooking up to a hydrant when a ball of flame shot out and engulfed the men and truck. He said Robert Thomas, driver of the pumper, was forced to put his heavy coat over his head to protect himself so that he could drive the pumper out of the area. Farrow said the men didn’t have time to unhook the hoses.
Fire Chief Edward MacDowell said the building was condemned by the city last summer after a section of the roof collapsed spilling bricks and wooden timbers to the street and sidewalk.
Licks Utility Poles
Mild warm air fanned the blaze and kept heavy black smoke close to the ground and for long periods of time firemen worked in total blackness shifting two-and-a-half-inch water lines from one area of the building to another.
During the early minutes of the fire—
(Continued on Page 2—Col. 5)
3-ALARM FIRE RAKES BUILDING
Fire early today razed a condemned two-story brick vacant factory and warehouse formerly owned by the Fuller Brush Co. at 6th st. and Atlantic ave. There was no estimate of the loss.
Deputy Fire Marshal John Gaffney said a man who declined to identify himself reported seeing two boys about 14 years of age, running from the building only minutes before the fire was discovered. Gaffney said he has begun an investigation into the cause of the blaze and to locate the youths.
There were no injuries reported but members of Engine Company 8 at 6th st. and Kaighns ave., who were among the first on the scene, escaped being burned seriously and losing a 1,000-gallon pumper after they were engulfed in a ball of flame that shot from the north wall of the structure.
Heavy black smoke could be seen over a wide area.
Spotted Smoke
The first of three alarms was reported at 6:10 a.m. when Donald Fuhrer, an employe of Modern Hard Chrome, located across the street from the building, spotted smoke over the roof of the warehouse.
Two more alarms were reported at 6:15 and 6:18 a.m. as the fire raged out of control, endangering Modern Hard Chrome and Modern Auto Body plants, both of which are adjacent to the factory building.
Capt. Philip Farrow, 46, of 219 N. 6th st., with Engine Company 8, reported that he had never seen a building go “so fast in all my 21 years on the fire department.”
Ball of Flame
Farrow said when he first arrived fire was burning on the south side of the building near the roof. He said the pumper went to Atlantic ave. and firemen were hooking up to a hydrant when a ball of flame shot out and engulfed the men and truck. He said Robert Thomas, driver of the pumper, was forced to put his heavy coat over his head to protect himself so that he could drive the pumper out of the area. Farrow said the men didn't have time to unhook the hoses.
Fire Chief Edward MacDowell said the building was condemned by the city last summer after a section of the roof collapsed spilling bricks and wooden timbers to the street and sidewalk.
Licks Utility Poles
Mild warm air fanned the blaze and kept heavy black smoke close to the ground and for long periods of time firemen worked in total blackness shifting two-and-a-half-inch water lines from one area of the building to another.
During the early minutes of the fire—
(Continued on Page 2—Col. 5)
Fire at North 5th Street
Camden Courier-Post —
Edward R. MacDowell — Alfred R. Pierce — Alfred C. Thawley — North 5th Street — C.H. McWilliams — Pyne Poynt Junior High School — A GIANT THERMOMETER atop threat burning buildings at 5th and Pearl streets threatened to collapse Tuesday afternoon. The houses were slated for demolition to make room for expansion of the nearby Delaware River Port Authority’s headquarters. Origin of the fire was undetermined.
Fire Rakes 3 Vacant City Houses
Low water pressure and a large outdoor advertising sign hampered and endangered Camden firemen Tuesday afternoon fighting a two-alarm fire in North Camden, adjacent to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
The fire badly damaged 424, 426 and 428 N. 5th st., owned by the Delaware River Port Authority and slated for demolition. The three, three-story brick homes were not occupied. C. H. McWilliams, secretary of the authority, began to advertise for demolition contracts for the properties Tuesday.
The first alarm was sounded shortly after 1:30 p.m. and the second alarm followed only minutes later. First firemen on the scene were met by towering black smoke which rose hundreds of feet in the air. The fire was seen by hundreds of motorists using the bridge and also by several hundred spectators who gathered at the scene.
Water Pressure Low
Fire Chief Edward McDowell said water pressure was so low that the two aerial trucks on the scene could not be supported by other units fighting the blaze at the street level.
The first firemen there fought the blaze with water heavy with red rust and sediment, which later covered the streets and sidewalks of the area. McDowell said the pressure then dropped off to a very low point.
On Monday Mayor Pierce announced that details of the city’s $500,000 cleaning and relining of water pipes through North Camden would be explained at a public meeting June 1 at the Pyne Poynt Junior High School. Rusty water has long plagued that section of the city.
Firemen were endangered by the outdoor sign which spanned the three properties on the rooftop. During the height of the fire, a rear wall at 428 N. 5th st. collapsed as did roof timbers. Police ordered spectators back out-of-the way and some fire equipment was moved out of the danger zone.
After the blaze was extinguished, the steel supports for the sign were examined by Alfred C. Thawley, Camden building inspector, who said the situation is a hazardous one and ordered the sign removed immediately. McWilliams indicated the authority would take steps to have the sign torn down today.
Camden Fireman To Be Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Fireman To Be Promoted
Fireman Chester Gedrich, of 1212 Morton st., Camden, who finished first in a recent Civil Service examination, will be appointed a full captain at 10 A.M. Thursday, by Acting Public Safety Director Edwin A. Bedell.
Bedell also will present a citation to Fireman Harrison W. Mac Neir, of Rescue Squad 1, for his efforts to save 15-year-old Donna Bender, who drowned last May 21, in Cooper River.
Gedrich who has been Acting Capt. of Truck 1, probably will be assigned to Engine Co. 2, at headquarters. Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell said Tuesday. His salary as a captain will be $6575.
9 Firemen Graduate In City Test
Camden Courier-Post —
Graduation exercises for nine of the city’s newest firemen were held Tuesday in headquarters at 3rd and Arch Streets under direction of Public Safety Director Bedell and Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell.
The graduates and their assignments are Joseph Anderson, Canterbury Apartments, No. 1 Ladder; Prescott Johnson, 1238 Kenwood Avenue, No. 8 Engine; Philip Maycott, 1023 North 32nd Street, No. 9 Engine; George Getty, Canterbury Apartments, No. 2 Engine; Ronald Bowers, 617 Clinton Street, No. 2 Ladder; William Young, 3167 Westfield Avenue, No. 2 Engine Company; Wayne Kraft, 1052 N. 35th Street, No. 3 Ladder; Raymond Eldridge, 7 North Dudley Street, No. 7 Engine; and Donald Goehringer, 30 North 24th Street, No. 7 Engine Company.
They will receive a starting salary of $4,800. Chief MacDowell said this brings the department to 170 hosemen and to 224 total personnel in the department.
All nine were graduated after receiving three weeks of training at the fire school under the direction of Captain Leo J. Tompkins.
Their training also included two days at the Navy Fire School at the Philadelphia Naval Base.
5 New Firemen Complete Training
Camden Courier-Post —
5 New Firemen Complete Training
Five new Camden firemen, who have completed three weeks of fire school training, will be presented graduation certificates Monday and assigned to companies, Fire Chief Edward R. McDowell announced today.
They are Joseph A. Murray, of 2802 Harrison ave.; Thomas Stammerjohann, of 1302 Whitman ave.; Kirby Bates, of 303 Biedeman ave; William P. Neale Jr., of 3055 River rd., and John Brzozowski, of 2857 Idaho rd.
Letter on Fire Prevention Week Demonstrations
General Services Administration —
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Public Buildings Service Camden, New Jersey
September 17, 1963
Chief Edward McDowell 30 Arch Street Camden, New Jersey
Dear Mr. McDowell:
Thank you very much for your help in preparing a program for Fire Prevention Week October 6th to October 12th, 1963.
At our meeting on September 11, which was attended by your Fire Marshal George Baxter and Chief Louis Martelli, the Post Office Safety Officer Frank Wallace and myself, the following tentative plans were formulated for this installation, to take place Wednesday, October 9th, 1963, at 9:00 a.m.
A demonstration of the various types of fire extinguishers on the different types of fire. This would be attended by all our safety personnel and aides.
At 9:45 a.m., a general evacuation of the entire building.
At 10:00 a.m., a demonstration by the Fire Department and Rescue Squad on how persons can be rescued from the roof of a burning building, also the use and technique of the life net. A first-aid demonstration by the Rescue Squad was elaborated on by Fire Marshal Baxter to be conducted in conjunction with the “Rescue.” From the amount of enthusiasm shown by all, this should be a very good demonstration.
In the lobby of the Post Office, I will have a large display board with the different types of extinguishers and cards to show what kinds of fire they should be used for. (How I wish a universal extinguisher could be invented.) It seems no matter how often we are shown that, most of us have a tendency to forget the different types and uses. That’s why I always like to keep hammering on this one subject.
We hope to get good coverage from the press on this and I believe demonstrations of this sort are a great help in keeping the public informed to the great service that is there at their beck and call when the need arises. Mr. Baxter will arrange another meeting with this group when he has completed his plans for this forthcoming Fire Prevention Week. May I again thank you for your wonderful help in sending your men to help us.
Very truly yours, A. Espeland Buildings Manager
Mutual Aid Agreement
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Pennsauken Fire Department, Robert Dukes, Edward V. Michalak, Col. Edwin Bedell, and Edward MacDowell.
Mutual Aid Fire Drill ’Success’
Ten Suburban Units ’Save’ City
By FREDERICK W. SHIGIELSKI
[Photo caption]: “WELL DONE, MEN!” says the four-man welcoming committee to the Pennsauken Fire Company as it pulls into the Westfield Ave. Fire Station after completing a mutual aid drill with city companies last night. At attention are Robert Dukes, district chief; Ed Michalak, deputy chief; Col. Edwin Bedell, and Edward MacDowell, Camden chief.
Edward MacDowell
Letter Inviting Chief McDowell to Judge Fire Prevention Contest
North Merchantville Volunteer Fire Company —
North Merchantville Volunteer Fire Company Incorporated Merchantville and Jefferson Avenues Pennsauken, New Jersey
Sept. 19 1963
Chief E. McDowell Camden City Fire Dept. Third & Arch Sts. Camden, N. J.
Dear Chief:
The Members of the North Merchantville Vol. Fire Co. of Pennsauken Township, would like the honor and pleasure of having you and another member of your dept., act as judges of our annual Fire Prevention Contest that we conduct annually in the schools of our districts.
The judging will be held on the evening of Oct. 16, 7:00 P. M. (approx. time).
The two films that the contest is based on are entitled “The Torch” and “I’m No Fool With Fire.”
These films are available for us to show to you any time during the week of Oct. 6 to 11 at your convenience if you would care to see them just contact NO 3 1313
Thanking you for your past and present cooperation.
Sincerely Yours The Fire Prevention Comm. Charles Pine, Chairman
Fire Captain Dies, 2 Men Hurt Battling 2-Alarmer in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fire Rages for 2 Hours In 3 Stores
A Camden City fire captain collapsed and died while fighting a stubborn two-alarm blaze that roared out of control for almost five hours Tuesday night.
Capt. Leonard Iannelli was directing members of Fire Truck (Ladder Company) 2 when he apparently suffered a heart attack. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital.
Two other firemen were sent to hospitals for treatment of smoke inhalation. They were District Chief Frank Deal, 35, of 412 North 37th Street and fireman John Yates, 63, of 2400 South 8th Street. Deal was treated at Cooper Hospital and Yates at West Jersey Hospital.
Despite the collapse of a brick wall, which showered stones onto the pavement, there were no other injuries.
IN TAILOR SHOP
The blaze was discovered at 5:45 P. M. in a shop occupied by the Walmart Tailors Co. in a three-story brick building at Broadway and Chestnut Street. At 10:15 P. M., Fire Chief Edward MacDowell declared the fire under control.
Although only two alarms were turned in, extra pieces of apparatus took their positions at the scene as flames damaged the second and third-story levels of adjoining stores at 1105 and 1107 Broadway.
The main floor of the Schrack Paint Co., 1107 Broadway, was untouched by the blaze as firemen concentrated streams of water to head off a possible explosion.
At 9:10 and 9:20 P. M. portions of the wall at the third floor level of the tailor shop collapsed inward. Bricks hurtled onto the sidewalk, but firemen had already taken positions across the street with their equipment.
USE AERIAL LADDERS
As the fire gained in intensity after the second alarm went in at 6:18, firemen mounted two aerial ladders to pour water into the rear of the burning buildings.
Originally the fire was declared under control at 7:45, but 15 minutes later flames leaped from the tailor shop to the other buildings.
Fire officials said the building housing the tailor shop at 1103 Broadway was a total loss, along with 14 apartments on the second and third floors at 1105 second and third floors at 1107 and 1107 were badly damaged, also.
John’s Bargain Store, 1109–1111 Broadway, separated from the other three buildings by a fire wall, received smoke damage and water seepage.
TENANTS FORCED OUT
Tenants from the apartments above the tailor shop fled to the street, wearing only the clothes on their backs. They were escorted to safety by Police Sgt. John Ferry and Patrolman Alfred Haines, who were first on the scene after the alarm.
The blaze was first noticed by Harold Walter, of 1708 Country Club Lane, Haddonfield, who had just locked up his tailor shop for the day.
Two other firemen suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals. They were District Chief Frank Deal, 35, of 412 North 37th Street and John Yates, 63, of 2400 South 8th Street. Deal was treated at Cooper Hospital and Yates at West Jersey Hospital. Finally, at 10:15 P. M., Fire Chief Edward MacDowell declared the fire under control.
"Fire Captain Is Promoted"
Camden Courier-Post —
Fire Captain Is Promoted
Camden Fire Capt. Harold H. Pike today was promoted to district fire chief. He was sworn by City Clerk Odorisio at ceremonies in the City Hall office of Public Safety Director Kauffman.
Pike of Engine Co. 1, 4th and Pine sts., is 38 and lives at 939 N. 31st st. Appointed as a ladderman in November, 1950, he was made a captain in 1961. Kauffman, Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell and acting Deputy Chief Edward Michalak witnessed the swearing-in ceremony.
A Change of Command
A Change of Command on New Years Eve — Retiring Chief of Department Edward MacDowell greeting incoming Chief of Department Edward Michalak following the 0800 roll call on December 31, 1964
Edward Michalak Appointment to Chief of Department
1965
1965 — On the occasion of Edward Michalak’s appointment to Chief of Department (seated from left) retiring Chief of Department Edward MacDowell, Chief Edward Michalak, Director Keith Kauffman; (standing from left) District Chiefs Frank Deal, Joseph Guarino, Robert Dukes, Anthony Saponare, Theodore Primas, Daniel Jiannetto, Fireman Erwin Brennan, Major William Gwynne of the Volunteers of America Fire Canteen.
Walt Whitman Hotel
1965
Named: Edward R. MacDowell, Walt Whitman Hotel, and Joseph Guarino.
Camden Courier-Post 1965 — Edward R. MacDowell — Walt Whitman Hotel — William T. Cahill — Alfred R. Pierce — Joseph Guarino — Rev. William A. Gwynne
Edward MacDowell, 65, Ex-Camden Fire Chief
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post, January 3, 1966 — continued
Camden Courier-Post, January 3, 1966 — continued
Camden Courier-Post, January 3, 1966 — continued
Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner
William T. Cahill — Alfred R. Pierce — Edward V. Michalak — Keith Kauffman — Rev. W.A. Gwynne — Edward R. MacDowell — Howard W. Ways — George L. Boone — Isaac Muns — John C. Voll — John T. Clemmens — Harrison B. Pike — Albert A. Weller — Austin E. Marks — Edward Y. Scott — John W. Yates
Program
Toastmaster CHARLES B. GINDELE Captain Philadelphia Fire Department
Guest Speakers HON. WILLIAM T. CAHILL U. S. Congressman
HON. ALFRED R. PIERCE Mayor, City of Camden
KEITH KAUFFMAN Director of Public Safety
EDWARD V. MICHALAK Chief, Division of Fire
Chaplain REV. W. A. GWYNNE Volunteers of America
In Memoriam E. R. MacDOWELL Chief of Department
HOWARD W. WAYS #8 Engine Company
There is no death! The stars go down To rise upon some other shore, And bright in Heaven’s jeweled crown, They shine forevermore.
And ever near us, though unseen, The dear, immortal spirits tread—For all the boundless universe Is Life—there are no dead!
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Thanks!
This program made possible through the generous donations of:
AMERICAN LA FRANCE CO. ARTHUR C. CASKEY 189 Lawnside Ave., Collingswood, N. J. 858-0085
LOUIS PORTER CO.
NAT ALEXANDER CO.
Firemen’s Prayer By JAMES J. METCALFE
When I am called to duty, God . . . Wherever flames may rage . . . Give me the strength to save some life . . . Whatever be its age . . . Help me embrace a little child . . . Before it is too late . . . Or save an older person from . . . The horror of that fate . . . Enable me to be alert . . . And hear the weakest shout . . . And quickly and efficiently . . . To put the fire out . . . I want to fill my calling and . . . To give the best in me . . . To guard my every neighbor and . . . Protect his property . . . And if according to Your will . . . I have to lose my life . . . Please bless with Your protecting hand . . . My children and my wife.
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First Annual RETIREMENT DINNER
CITY OF CAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
TUESDAY MAY 3, 1966 6:30 P. M.
SCHILLIG’S BLACK HORSE FARMS MT. EPHRAIM
Sponsored by CAMDEN FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner, May 3, 1966 — continued
Fire Department Service Record
Edward MacDowell fire department service record
Edward MacDowell fire department service record — continued
Gravesite
Grave of Edward R. MacDowell at Bethel Cemetery, Pennsauken