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 11, 1900, according to his Camden Fire Bureau personnel cards. 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
Not checked against a scan. The following items on this page are transcribed from site copies or printed books whose scans are not in the scan mirror, or are captions for photographs with no printed text; their wording has not been verified against the printed page:
- Changes Announced in Fire Department — Camden Courier-Post — June 5, 1940 (site copy; no scan)
- 9 Firemen Graduate In City Test — Camden Courier-Post — July 25, 1962 (site copy; no scan)
- Fire Captain Dies, 2 Men Hurt Battling 2-Alarmer in Camden — Philadelphia Inquirer — January 15, 1964 (site copy; no scan)
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
Quits Chasing Fires
Capt. Eli Hunt
The sound of a fire alarm means nothing except fond memories to Junior Capt. Eli Hunt, now, as he sits in his chair at home and lives over the many experiences he has gone through while a fireman with Engine Company No. 3, 1813 Broadway.
Captain Hunt took formal leave Saturday from his comrades, the smoke-eaters of one of the busiest fire houses in the city. The 55-year-old veteran was retired March 1 for disability, and the lads he led in many a fierce battle with flames, decided to show their old skipper that their hearts were with him now that he would respond to no more alarms.
Captain Hunt, his face seamed and lined with years of activity as a fire-fighter, sat silent while Battalion Chief Charles Erickson [sic] told the old smoke-eater that he was only retired, but that in spirit he was still a member of the Camden fire department.
The captain smiled with satisfaction as Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, told Captain Hunt that he was a gallant old fire-fighter, and had fought along the traditions that had made the Camden department one of the best.
Flowers Presented
Satisfaction and smiles still rode the captain’s face as Acting Capt. Edward MacDowell presented him with a bouquet of flowers. He was still grinning in glee when Acting Captain Rich gave him another gift. He still retained that smiling face as Commissioner Kobus presented him with a beautiful smoking set, the gift of his old comrades.
Then, as he sat silently in his chair, the fact that he was no longer a fire-fighter of Camden save in memory and spirit, rolled down upon him and the pent emotion gave way, it could not longer be dammed.
Tears ran like rivulets down the grizzled face of the retired captain, and he didn’t attempt to stop them either, as one handkerchief against that torrent of weeping would have been as effective as trying to stop a hole in a levee with a toothpick.
Standing in formation, too, were his old boys, and everyone of them had a suspicious moisture in his eye, as they gazed upon the old skipper, now ready to retire to a merited if not entirely welcome retirement.
It was 8 a. m. when the ceremonies started down in the ancient camp of the firefighters on Broadway. Battalion Chief Erickson [sic] made a neat and effective speech.
Remains In Spirit
“You are not retiring from the department,” he said, “you are still a member though no longer active. Don’t figure that you are done as a fireman because you are not.
“You’ve earned your rest and you can feel assured now that you have retired that you owe the city of Camden nothing, you have given her the best that was in you, the finest ability you commanded and the loyalty which you know.
“Your boys are sorry to see you depart, but when you go they know that you go to a rest you have merited and an ease that rightfully belongs to you.”
Commissioner Kobus followed in like strain, expressing her delight as being able to have a part in the ceremonies.
“We have to hurry this up,” said the commissioner laughingly, “for I never come down to this firehouse that an alarm does not sound.”
“You are not retiring from the department,” said the director, “you have come up from the ranks and will remain an inspiration to these young firemen, even if you be away from them.
Set Good Example
“You have given them a splendid example to follow by your own loyal, splendid service to Camden. You are something of an ideal for these men to follow, and so long as they stand by the ideals of yourself and the gallant old firefighters of the department, Camden will still have the best department of any city in the United States.
“You are getting a rest period and you earned it. You don’t want to feel that you have retired, you just want to remember that the boys in the department will be with you as you take the rest that you have earned.
“You retire with the respect of everybody in the department, and no higher honor could be paid to any member of the fire department than to merit and hold such respect.”
Captain Hunt was compelled to retire as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident on Oct. 20, 1935. He had been to National Park where he has a kennel of hounds, the captain having been an ardent hunter when physically sound.
Hurt Severely
It was his usual 24-hours off day and as he drove through Woodbury on the way to Camden his car was struck by another at Thorofare. Captain Hunt was injured so badly that he was in the hospital for two months, with concussion of the brain, his injuries leaving a lesion that has made locomotion a mite difficult, although Captain Hunt is able to stand without the aid of his cane.
“I’m going to take life easy,” he said, after he had gathered his presents and been photographed numerous times.” [sic] I have many relatives living around whom I haven’t seen for some time, so I guess I spend a good bit of leisure going around and getting acquainted with them.
“But don’t forget, retired or not, I’m still a fireman and will probably jump out of bed as usual when I hear the alarm.”
Junior Captain Hunt joined the department on August 1, 1918, as a hoseman in Engine 3, where he was honored today. He was promoted to junior captain and assigned to Engine 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets in April, 1928. He returned to his old company, however, as a junior captain in March, 1932, and retired on a pension last Monday.
Captain Hunt battled against some of the worst fires in Camden’s history.
For five and one-half hours he was on duty when flames attacked the plant of the Eavenson Soap Works on Delaware avenue and Penn street on Jan. 21, 1919. He worked straight through for 28 hours when Sitley & Sons’ grain and feed plant, burned at Chelten avenue and the Pennsylvania railroad.
In connection with the latter fire it started on Hunt’s day off, and he was compelled to forego his leisure, as the department had but a single platoon in those days. He was in the fight against the fire at the U. S. Naval aircraft factory in Gloucester, June 8, 1920, the Baker-Flick blaze on Dec. 21, 1921 and another fire in the Eavenson Soap Works on Oct. 20, 1922.
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 —
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 —
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.
New Fire Fighting Apparatus
Camden Courier-Post — 1959
Courier-Post Photo by Arthur C. Jarvis
NEW FIRE FIGHTING APPARATUS went into service Thursday when Mayor Pierce (center) handed over the keys of a pumper and a hose and booster truck to Acting Chief Engineer Edward MacDowell (left), in front of Engine Company 6 station at Front and Linden sts. First District Chief Harry J. Wagner, under whose command the new apparatus will be used, witnessed the ceremony.
$150,000 Fire Hits E. Camden School; Fireman Overcome
Camden Courier-Post —
SMOKE BILLOWS from the loft and second floor of the Garfield School, 29th and Cramer sts., Friday night. Blaze reportedly started in second floor teachers’ cloak room, the curved window to the right of the tree branches. — Courier-Post Photo by Sam Kushner
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 —
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.
3-Alarm Fire Rakes Building
Camden Courier-Post —
Courier-Post Photo by Sam Kuchner
HEAVY BLACK SMOKE pours from a vacant factory and warehouse building formerly owned by the Fuller Brush Co. at 6th st. and Atlantic ave. this morning as a three-alarm fire destroyed the structure. The amount of the loss has not been determined.
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 blaze, fire licked at utility poles on Atlantic ave. and burned electric wires carrying the only source of power to West Jersey Hospital about six blocks away. The power to the hospital was not cut off.
Before the blaze was declared under control at about 7 o’clock, flames shot 125 feet out from the east side of the building setting small grass fires on vacant land near S. 7th st.
Firemen used two aerial ladders along with 10 other pieces of equipment and 50 men to fight the blaze. The rescue squad also stood by as a precautionary measure.
Chief MacDowell said the building was more than 50 years old. It once was the site of the city’s first supermarket known as the Giant Tiger.
The fire chief said the city has been trying to get the building demolished but was having difficulty because of the number of owners involved.
Fire Rakes 3 Vacant City Houses
Camden Courier-Post —
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 —
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 —
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 —
The Pennsauken Fire Department engine at the Camden station, mutual aid drill, October 1, 1963; with Robert Dukes, Edward V. Michalak, Col. Edwin Bedell and Edward MacDowell.
Mutual Aid Fire Drill ‘Success’
Ten Suburban Units ‘Save’ City
By FREDRICK W. SMIGELSKI
[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.
[Photo credit]: —Courier-Post Photo by Jack Wolfer
Ten suburban fire companies transported their equipment into four Camden stations last night within half an hour to successfully complete a “mutual aid plan” fire drill.
The ten companies signified reception of a “preliminary alert” sent from the Camden stations at 7:03 p.m. By 7:34 they all had made their way into the city through heavy traffic and were “in service” at their designated posts.
The companies were greeted by Col. Edwin Bedell, director of public safety; George Baxter, fire marshal; Edward R. MacDowell, Camden fire chief, and Deputy Fire Chief Edward V. Machalak [sic].
Complete Success
Bedell said the drill was “a complete success; there were no accidents or mishaps.” He added that the companies did not speed through traffic while entering the city.
Chief MacDowell praised the [text cut off at the foot of the column] were “covered” by neighboring companies and, therefore, were in no way unprotected themselves.
Alternates Available
He added that if one of the suburban companies was unable to reach its city post, there was an alternate company ready to be called in.
The communications center in City Hall, manned by Capt. Philip Farrell, was the “nerve center” of the drill. Its job was to coordinate radio messages from city and suburban-company radios which were sent on different bands. This was accomplished by means of portable radios donated by Chief John Plasket of the Niagara Fire Company, Merchantville, and Capt. Richard Davis of the Haddon Heights Fire Company.
The heavy traffic was directed by auxiliary police and firemen under the direction of Auxiliary Fire Chief Howard Doerschner.
Initiated in 1939
Col. Bedell urged an annual repeat of the drill. The last drill was held five years ago although the actual plan has been put into use a number of times since then. The plan was conceived in 1939 and used for the first time July 30, 1940, in the Hollingshead fire which claimed 13 lives.
Chief MacDowell pointed out that the plan was mutual and the city companies would send similar aid to any suburban company in case of emergency.
The suburban companies which participated, the city stations to which they were assigned, and the routes taken were:
Audubon, Haddon Heights and Merchantville fire companies, to the 3rd and Arch sts. station. These companies used the Haddon ave., Admiral Wilson blvd., Federal st. route.
North Merchantville and Highland fire companies, to the 27th and Federal sts. station by way of Federal st.
Gloucester and Brooklawn fire companies, to the Broadway and Ferry ave. station by way of Broadway.
Woodlynne, Mount Ephraim and Westmont fire companies, to the 6th and Kaighn ave. station by way of Haddon ave., Kaighn ave., 6th st.
Mutual Aid Drill
1963
To All Personnel Division of Fire
From Edward R. MacDowell, Chief of Department.
Re: Mutual Aid Drill:
On Tuesday October 1, 1963, There will be a Mutual Aid Drill, after 7:00 P.M.
The ten Fire Companies from suburban towns will be coming into Camden to man our stations.
The persons in charge of the stations involved will show these men the complete routine of our system. A description of all phases of our Communications system, run index cards, district boundries [sic] and all information that might be needed during there [sic] stay in the stations.
The following companies will be involved: -
3rd & Arch Sts. (Headquarters)
Audubon Fire Co. #1 1000 GFM [sic] Pumper
Haddon Hts. Co. 750 GPm Pumper
Merchantville Co. 65 ft. Aerial
These companies will use the standard route :-
Haddon Ave. Admiral Wilson Blvd. Federal St.
27th & Federal Street. (#9 Engine Co.)
No. Merchantville Co. 750 GPM Pump
Highland Fire Co. 750 GPM Pump
Companies will use Federal Street.
Broadway & Ferry Ave. (#3 Engine Co.)
Gloucester Co. 750 GPM PUMP
Brooklawn Co. 500 GPM PUMP
Companies will use Broadway
6th & Kaighn Ave. (#8 Engine Co.)
Woodlynne Co. 750 GMP Pumper
Mt Ephraim (United Co) 500 GPM Pumper
Westmont Co. 100 ft. Aerial
Westmont - Haddon Ave. to Kaighn Ave. then into 6th
Woodlynne Burma Road to Morgan Blvd. to 8th St. North to Kaighn Ave. then to station
Mt Ephraim Freeway to Morgan Blvd. to 8th, North to Kaighn Ave. then to station.
Camden equipment will be moved from station and guarded.
These visitors will be given every courtesy and consideration while they are our guests.
Edward R. MacDowell
Chief
Division of Fire
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 —
CAPT. HAROLD H. PIKE
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 Kaufmman [sic].
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.
20 Firemen Pass Test For Captain
Camden Courier-Post —
Deputy Fire Chief Edward Michalak, acting chief engineer in the absence of Chief MacDowell, announced Friday that 20 of 50 firemen who took the examination for fire captain received passing grades.
Heading the list is James McGrory of 111 Terrace ave., attached to No. 2 Engine Co. He is followed by Joseph Wolfinger of 320 Fountain ave., attached to No. 1 Ladder Co., and Charles Christensen of 3045 S. Atlanta rd., attached to No. 11 Engine Co. Christensen is a nephew of retired Capt. James Young.
Michalak said that there is only one vacancy for captain in the department at this time. The post pays $6,575. Top pay for fireman is $5,975.
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.
Retired Fire Chief To Be Feted at Camden
Camden Courier-Post — 1965
Retired Camden Fire Chief Edward R. McDowell [sic] will be honored at a testimonial dinner and dance at 6 P. M. Wednesday at the Walt Whitman Hotel.
Some 300 municipal and fire officials from New Jersey and Philadelphia are expected to attend the dinner, sponsored by the Camden Fire Officers Association, according to Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Guarino, dinner chairman.
MacDowell retired last Jan. 1 after heading the fire department for five years.
300 Honor Fire Chief MacDowell
Camden Courier-Post — 1965
More than 300 persons honored Camden’s retired Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell last night at a testimonial dinner and dance in the Walt Whitman Hotel.
The dinner was given by the Camden Fire Officers Assn. in honor of MacDowell’s 38 years of service in the Camden Fire Department. MacDowell, who retired last year, joined the department in 1926.
Rep. Cahill, R-N.J., praised MacDowell for his many years of service, saying “he was a dedicated citizen to the community.”
Mayor Cites Service
Mayor Pierce, also praising him, said “because of MacDowell’s service, the Camden Fire Department does not have to take any back steps.”
Also in attendance were the entire city council members and board of freeholders.
MacDowell was presented with gifts from the Camden Fire Officers Assn., Coca-Cola Co., RCA, Philadelphia Fire Assn., Philadelphia Fire Department, The Delaware Valley Fire Buffs, Audubon Fire Co. No. 1 and the maintenance workers of the Camden Fire Department.
Camden Fire Chief Joseph R. Guarino was program chairman and master-of-ceremonies. Rev. William A. Gwynn, Lieut. Col., Volunteers of America, gave the invocation.
Edward MacDowell, 65, Ex-Camden Fire Chief
Camden Courier-Post —
EDWARD R. MacDOWELL
Retired Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell Sr., 65, of 1308 Merrimac Road, Fairview, died at home yesterday.
A fireman for 40 years, Chief MacDowell began his career as a hoseman assigned to Engine Co. 3 of the Camden Bureau of Fire.
A graduate of the Philadelphia Fire College, Chief MacDowell was subsequently promoted to lieutenant, 1937; junior captain, 1939; chief instructor of the Camden Fire School and County Fire College, 1946; battalion chief of Camden’s Third Fire District and deputy chief engineer, 1949; acting chief engineer and chief engineer of the Camden Fire Department 1958-59. He retired on Dec. 31, 1964.
Started Program
Chief MacDowell was the organizer and trainer of the Fire and Rescue Squad 2 members at Station 3, Broadway and Ferry Avenues. For many years he supervised all volunteer firemen throughout the state.
He received the Good Neighbor Salute on Nov. 17, 1959.
The chief was a member of Camden Lodge 15 F&AM for 25 years; Excelsior Consistory of Collingswood and the Delaware Valley Fire Buffs Association. He served on the Governor’s Fire Safety Council; the board of directors of the Camden County Fire Chief’s Association and on the board of the Camden Firemen’s Credit Union for 17 years.
He was treasurer of the New Jersey Unit of Airstream Travel Trailer, Wally Byam Caravan Club; a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs; of Post 74, American Legion, and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Collingswood.
Survivors Listed
Survivors include, his wife, Matilda; two sons, Edward R. Jr. and Wayne G., both of Pennsauken; a daughter, Mrs. June Glading of Merchantville, and eight grandchildren.
Friends may call tomorrow night at the Inglesby & Sons Funeral Home, Cove and Wyndam Roads, Pennsauken, where Masonic services by his lodge will be held at 8:15 o’clock.
Buriel [sic] services will be private. The family has requested that contributions be sent to the Memorial Fund of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Collingswood.
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
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!
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.
GEORGE L. BOONE, Captain
Entered Department December 22, 1930
Promoted to Captain April 8, 1948
Retired December 1, 1965
35 Years of Service
ISAAC MUNS
Entered Department April 12, 1956
Retired October 1, 1965
9 Years Service
JOHN C. VOLL
Entered Department January 15, 1925
Retired December 1, 1965
40 Years Service
JOHN T. CLEMMENS
Entered Department September 10, 1941
Retired January 1, 1965
25 Years Service
HARRISON B. PIKE
Entered Department May 29, 1924
Retired August 1, 1965
41 Years Service
ALBERT A. WELLER, Captain
Entered Department November 21, 1938
Promoted to Captain June 16, 1951
Retired May 1, 1965
27 Years Service
AUSTIN E. MARKS, District Chief
Entered Department November 25, 1938
Promoted to Captain April 8, 1948
Promoted to District Chief November 1, 1953
Retired August 1, 1965
27 Years Service
EDWARD Y. SCOTT
Entered Department November 17, 1938
Retired February 1, 1965
27 Years Service
JOHN W. YATES
Entered Department February 1, 1930
Retired May 1, 1965
35 Years Service
Fire Department Service Record
PERSONNEL CARD — CAMDEN FIRE BUREAU
12-31-64 Pension
NAME Mac Dowell, Edward R. CO. Chief Engineer GROUP NO.
TITLE Chief Engineer TEL. NO. W04-2234
ADDRESS 1308 So. Merrimac Rd. WHERE Home
BADGE NO. BLOOD TYPE: B Positive
BORN AT Camden N.J. DATE June 11, 1900
APPOINTED April 1, 1926 REPORTED FOR DUTY April 1, 1926
CHECK POSITIONS THIS MEMBER IS CAPABLE OF FILLING
ACTING CAPTAIN ( ) DRIVER ( ) PUMP OPERATOR ( ) TILLERMAN (
ASSIGNMENTS
4/1/26 - #3 Eng. Co. Hoseman Deceased 1-3-66
5/11/38 - 7/15 - Phila. Training School for Fire Service
7/1/39 - #3 Eng. Co. Jr. Capt. 2/23/43 - #3 Eng. Co. Sr. Captain
10/1/46 to 7/1/47, 4/7/48 to 7/2/48, 10/18/48 to 6/1/49 - Drillmaster
4/20/49 - Batt. Chief, 3rd District, 12/16/49 - Dep. Chief, 3rd District
Title changed to Dist. Chf. 9/1/51, 11/1/53 Assigned to 1st District
10.10/58 - Acting Chief Eng. 12/17/59 - Appt. Chief Eng.
NAME EDWARD R MAC DOWELL CO. Chief Engineer GROUP NO. Day.
Pension 12-31-64
TITLE Chief Engineer TEL. NO. W04-2234
ADDRESS 1308 So. Merrimac Rd. WHERE Home
BADGE NO. BLOOD TYPE: B Positive
BORN AT. Camden N.J. DATE June 11, 1900
APPOINTED Apr. 1, 1926 REPORTED FOR DUTY Apr. 1, 1926
CHECK POSITIONS THIS MEMBER IS CAPABLE OF FILLING
ACTING CAPTAIN ( ) DRIVER ( ) PUMP OPERATOR ( ) TILLERMAN (
Deputy Chief
ASSIGNMENTS
4/1/1926 #3 Engine, Hoseman Detailed to the 5/11/38 to 7/15/38 Phila. Training School for Fire Service
7/1/1939 #3 Engine, Jr. Capt. 2/23/43 #3 Engine Co. Sr. Captain.
10/1/46 to 7/1/47 - 4/7/48 to 7/2/48 - 10/18/48 to 6/1/49 Drill Master at the Camden Training School for Fire Service. 4/20/1949 Battalion Chief, 3rd District.
12/16/1949 Deputy Chief, 3rd District.
Title changed to District Chief - 9-1-51 Acting Chief ENG. 10-10-58
Assigned to 1st District - 11-1-1953 Appointed Chief - 12-17-59
Gravesite
Grave of Edward R. MacDowell at Bethel Cemetery, Pennsauken
Clean Up Week Is For Fire Safety
Camden Courier-Post — 1964
“Clean up . . . for fire safety.”
That is the basic reason for Clean Up Week, which is being observed now and continues through Saturday. A special proclamation by Mayor Pierce asks all Camden city residents to take part.
“Cleaning up brings a lot of benefits to the community,” says Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell, “but one of the really major accomplishments is to get rid of the trash and rubbish which provide a breeding place for fire.
“Every 12 minutes one American home is destroyed or damaged by fire starting in rubbish, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And fire always carries with it the threat of death—about 6,500 persons were killed in house fires last year.
“So our goal for this spring cleanup is to make every home in this community safer from fire,” MacDowell says. “This means a concentrated attack on the spots in and around houses where fires start—accumulations in attics, basements, and closets, or any place where there is trash and rubbish.”
Deputy Fire Marshal George Baxter suggests you test yourself on the following cleanup quiz:
1. Do you dispose of ordinary trash and rubbish regularly?
2. Do you keep attic, basement, and closets free of accumulations of old clothing, mattresses, curtains, drapes, lampshades, old magazines and newspapers?
3. Are your oily mops hung up and oily rags kept in closed metal containers?
4. Do you empty ashtrays only when contents are completely cold, and are ashtrays large and deep enough to keep burning cigarettes from falling out?
5. Do you have your heating equipment and chimney checked and cleaned at least once a year?
6. Do you check appliance and extension cords regularly for frayed insulation and loose connections, and repair or replace promptly when necessary?
7. Are paints and solvents stored in tightly closed metal containers, away from heat, and do you dispose of empties and near-empties promptly?
8. Is the garage kept free of clutter, and do you store gasoline only in tightly capped, clearly marked metal cans—never in glass jugs?
The prize for “yes” answers to these questions is more safety for your family, says Deputy Fire Chief Austin Marks. Every “no” answer is a danger sign.
Relax With Job, Credo of City’s Fire Inspector
Camden Courier-Post —
—Courier-Post Photo by Sam Kushner
GEORGE BAXTER, Camden’s new Chief Combustible Inspector, examines one of the 3,000 fire inspection reports on file in his department. The reports he uses to brief district fire chiefs on the latest potential fire hazards in their zones.
“When I want to relax, I grab a fire book and bury myself in it. You would probably call that crazy.”
The words are George Baxter’s, new chief combustible inspector of Camden since Jan. 1 and a 13-year veteran of the fire department.
The imposing title is a new civil service designation for fire marshal, the office which supervises all fire prevention activities in the city.
As the new man in the job, the 43-year-old Baxter brings to it plenty of technical know-how.
“You have to,” he says candidly. “It’s a full time job just keeping up on the latest developments in this business.”
“This business,” as he puts it, is something Baxter “lives, eats, and sleeps.”
He studies it as well.
* * *
HIS HOMEWORK goes back to his first day with the department in 1950.
“On the way home I picked up a copy of ‘A Fire Chief’s Handbook’ for $4.50, took it home and studied it,” he says.
His home at 151 N. 35st. [sic] today contains a fire book collection he values at $350. Many an evening he’ll slip away from his wife and five daughters and relax by reading up on a technical fire problem.
His knowledge of the fire business was a handy asset last October when he competed with 11 local fire captains in a civil service examination for the job he now holds. As the top scorer, he was promoted to inspector by Camden Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell.
The new inspector has attended several fire courses over the years and to prove it has “enough certificates to paper a wall.”
His favorite, though, is a fancy, gold-bordered parchment which honors him with membership in Her Majesty’s Royal Fire Brigade.
“They probably thought I deserved it for buying so many books through their British Fire Service,” he comments.
* * *
AS CHIEF combustible inspector he heads a five-man department that inspects the city’s industrial and merchantile [sic] establishments, schools and hospitals, correcting fire hazards and fire code violations.
The department checks out all residential fire complaints. It supervises fire-drill evacuations in the city’s schools; instructs in the use of basic fire fighting appliances; campaigns for fire safety; investigates arson, false alarms—and among other things is now in the midst of updating 3,000 fire inspection reports.
Baxter uses the reports to brief district fire chiefs on the latest potential fire hazards in their zones.
His approach to the job is one of a crusader. And his department, he will tell you, is on a perpetual crusade to save lives.
“To this aim,” he says, “we don’t overlook the slightest fire hazard.”
To make that point stronger he adds:
“If we do our job right not an engine-wheel in the department will have to turn.”
To this aim the new inspector approaches his duties like a man on fire.
Michalak Takes Fire Dept. Reins
Camden Courier-Post —
Retiring Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell today handed over command of the city’s fire department to Acting Chief Edward V. Michalak.
Michalak announced there will be no immediate changes in the organization or operation of the department.
MacDowell will hang up his chief’s hat today after 38 years and nine months of city fire service. The 64-year-old veteran joined Camden’s fire-fighting force April 1, 1926, and first served as a hose and chemical wagon driver for Engine Co. No. 3, 1813 Broadway.
Names Chief in 1959
Advancing through the ranks to junior captain, 1939; captain, 1943; battalion chief, 1949, and deputy chief, 1949, MacDowell was named acting chief following the retirement of former Chief William V. Pfefferle in October, 1958, and was made chief December, 1959.
During his career MacDowell also served as chief instructor in courses offered to Camden career firemen and to county volunteer firemen at Camden County Vocational and Technical High School, Pennsauken.
He numbers among the major achievements of his tenure the installation of radio equipment, improved fire training and better cooperation with fire units in surrounding areas.
Plans Trailer Travel
MacDowell, who has been granted a disability pension by the New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Consolidated Pension Fund, lives with his wife, Matilda, at 1308 S. Merrimac rd. They have three children, Edward R. Jr. and Wayne G., both of Pennsauken, and a daughter, Mrs. William Glading of Merchantville. MacDowell’s retirement plans include travel with a trailer caravan.
Michalak, 51, joined the department July 15, 1942. He rose to captain in 1951; district fire chief, 1959; deputy fire chief, 1961, and chief of staff, 1963. His father and grandfather were city employes and his son, Edward Jr., is a Camden policeman.
Michalak is president of Camden Firemen’s Credit Union and heads Camden Fire Officers Association. He is a member of several religious, civic and social organizations. He lives with his wife, Julia G., at 1040 N. 25th st. They have one other child, Barbara J.
SQUEEZE IS ON
CHICAGO—Americans are using more toothpaste. Average consumption in 1963 was 10.5 ounces per person, a 38 per cent increase in six years.