Edward Michalak

Edward Vincent Michalak

Edward Michalak, November 1968 — November 1968

Chief Edward V. Michalak, Camden Fire Department — Chief Edward V. Michalak

EDWARD VINCENT MICHALAK was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 21, 1913 to Kathryn M. and Vincent Michalak. He was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on July 15, 1942 and reported for duty the next day with one of the ladder companies.

Edward Michalak rose through the ranks of the Fire Department. He was promoted to Captain on June 15, 1951, to District Chief on February 16, 1959, to Deputy Chief on June 19, 1961, and finally to Chief of the Fire Department on July 1, 1965.

Chief Michalak served as Chief of the Department for 13 years, retiring on pension on July 1, 1978. During his tenure he, the Fire Department, and the City of Camden faced many challenges, including the riots of 1967 and 1971, the Poet’s Row catastrophe, and the problems associated with the declining tax base and revenue available to the city for the provision of services.

During his career with the Camden Fire Department Chief Michalak received a commendation for saving lives on December 13, 1945, a merit award on April 20, 1953, a public citation from then Commissioner of Public Safety E. George Aaron on July 8, 1955, and another public citation on January 31, 1961 for again saving lives.

Chief Michalak made his home at 1040 North 25th Street in Cramer Hill. The Chief passed away on May 19, 1994 and was buried with full departmental honors.

Service Record Card

Engine Company 3 and the 3rd Battalion, 1956

Engine Company 3 and the 3rd Battalion in quarters, Broadway and Ferry Avenue, South Camden, 1956 — Engine Company 3 and the 3rd Battalion in quarters, Broadway & Ferry Avenue, South Camden. 1956.
Left to right, standing: Chief Edgar Ellender, Fireman George Wade, Fireman Howard Lewis, Captain Edward Michalak; Kneeling: Fireman George Torgun, Fireman Dominick Dalanni, Fireman Henry Keubler.

Staff Office at Fire Headquarters, 1961

Cleaner Plant Blast Injures Fire Captain

Camden Courier-Post — December 23, 1958

Mutual Aid Fire Drill ‘Success’

Camden Courier-Post — October 2, 1963

Mutual Aid Fire Drill - Pennsauken Fire Department with Camden officials, October 2 1963 — 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, October 2 1963 — 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.

Director Garrity Presents Proclamation to Chief MacDowell

Director of Public Safety Edward Garrity presents Chief of Department Edward MacDowell with a municipal proclamation.
Witnessing, from left: Fireman George Wade, Fireman Harrison MacNeir, Fireman John Gaffney Sr., Fireman James Troutman, Fireman Ernest Tartaglia, Captain Allen Hess, Fireman John Yates, District Chief Harry Wagner (obscured), District Chief Edward Michalak, Fireman Dominick Dalanni, Fireman Howard Lewis, Fireman Henry Keubler

Fire at North 31st Street

Camden Courier-Post — April 30, 1964

Acting Chief of Department, 1964

Edward V. Michalak as Acting Chief with other officers, 1964 — Named: From Left: Joseph Guarino, Edward V. Michalak
Robert Dukes, and Ervin Brennan.

Fire Destroys Row Houses on Terrace Avenue

Camden Courier-Post — September 26, 1964

Change of Command, December 31, 1964

Change of command - Chief MacDowell greets incoming Chief Michalak on December 31 1964 — A Change of Command on New Year’s Eve — Retiring Chief of Department Edward MacDowell greeting incoming Chief of Department Edward Michalak following the 0800 roll call on December 31, 1964

Michalak Takes Fire Dept. Reins

Camden Courier-Post — December 31, 1964

Camden Fire Chief Points Out Fire Hazards

Camden Courier-Post — January 28, 1965

Camden Fire Chief Michalak points out fire hazards at Central YMCA meeting, January 28 1965 — CAMDEN FIRE CHIEF Edward Michalak points out fire hazards in specially-designed House of Hazards to John J. Graw, president of 60 Plus Club at Central Y.M.C.A. meeting yesterday.

New Engine Company 3 Pumper, 1965

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner

May 3, 1965

Citation as Third Place in Statewide Fire Prevention Campaign, 1965

Citation as third place winner in statewide Fire Prevention campaign, 1965 — CITATION as third place winner in statewide Fire Prevention campaign during last year is scanned by (left to right) Director of Public Safety Kauffman; Fire Chief Michalak, and Camden Fire Marshal Baxter. The award to Camden City was bestowed by the National Fire Protection Assn. Jersey City was awarded first place and Plainfield second. — Keith Kauffman — Edward V. Michalak — George Baxter

Appointment to Chief of Department, July 1, 1965

Edward Michalak's appointment to Chief of Department on July 1 1965 — July 1, 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.

Chief of Department, 1965

Edward Michalak with Keith Kauffman and George Baxter, 1965 — Named: Keith Kauffman, Edward V. Michalak, and George Baxter.

Edward Michalak with other fire department officers, 1965 — Chief of Department Edward V. Michalak with officers, 1965

Letter to National Fire Protection Association

November 16, 1965

New Firefighters Appointed

Camden Courier-Post — February 1, 1966

Three Boys Die in Row House Fire on Mechanic Street

Camden Courier-Post — February 5, 1966

Shroud-covered body carried from Mechanic Street fire, February 5 1966 — SHROUD-COVERED body of one of three boys who died in row house fire on Mechanic Street near 4th Street is carried out by firemen while neighbors look on from nearby porch.
ABOVE, LEFT: SMOKE SWIRLS around fireman as he leans from second-floor window of row house on Mechanic Street near 4th where three small boys perished in blaze.
CAMDEN POLICE lead woman tentatively identified as grandmother of three children killed in fire away from scene of tragedy.
Mechanic Street — Edward V. Michalak — George P. Baxter — Thomas Carter Ratcliffe — Randy Smith — Robert Smith — Emilene Green — Edward Sharp — Philip Bocelli — James Snyder — James Green — Shirley Ratcliffe — George Pugh — Emma Lou Ratcliffe — Patricia Smith — William Roane — Benjamin Walters — William Kamman — William Stibi Jr. — John Dimaggio — James T. McGrory — Ladder Company 2 — Rescue Company 1 — Engine Company 3

Chief Michalak with Other Fire Officials, 1966

Chief Edward V. Michalak with fire department officials, 1966

Spring Clean Up Week

May 1966

Leon Puszczykowski Appointed

Camden Courier-Post — May 24, 1966

Three-Alarm Fire at 1729 Railroad Avenue

Camden Courier-Post — October 5, 1966

Firemen at 1729 Railroad Avenue fire, October 5 1966 — KNEELING to hold hose in place, firemen backed off, a moment later as rear of vacant building at 1729 Railroad Avenue caved in during three alarm blaze yesterday. Two persons were hurt. Probe of faulty fire hydrants has been asked.
From Left: Captain Joseph Wolfinger, Albert Jones, William O’Dennis
Photo by Bob Bartosz
Railroad Avenue — Angelo Errichetti — Edward V. Michalak — Philip A. Stinger — Theodore Primas — Albert Jones — Kenwood Avenue — Ladder Company 2 — Thomas Robinson — Engine Company 8

Handshakes Greet Two New Deputy Fire Chiefs

Camden Courier-Post — November 29, 1966

Daniel Jiannetto and Frank Deal promoted to Deputy Fire Chiefs, November 29 1966 — HANDSHAKES ALL AROUND greet two veteran Camden firemen after their promotion to Deputy Fire Chiefs by Director of Public Safety Keith Kauffman. The new deputies, Daniel Jiannetto (second from right) of 24 South 33rd Street and Frank Deal (right) of 412 North 37th Street, are congratulated by Kauffman and Department Chief Edward Michalak following yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony at city hall. Jiannetto has been a fireman 19 years, Deal 14 years.

Chief Michalak, 1967

4 Trapped in Blaze Saved by Firemen

Camden Courier-Post — February 10, 1967

Firemen climb ladder to roof of Ray's Tavern at 5th and Mickle Streets, February 10 1967 — 4 Trapped in Blaze Saved by Firemen

By JOSEPH McCARTHY
Courier-Post Staff

City firemen fought smoke, flames, snow and a biting cold during the night and early morning hours as a rash of fires severely damaged four buildings and destroyed a tavern.

According to Public Safety Director Keith Kauffman, at one point only two engine companies were not actively fighting the blazes as seven engine companies, three ladder companies, the rescue squad and three battalion chiefs were at the fire scenes.

At the site of the worst fire, 5th and Mickle Streets, police and firemen braved dense smoke and fierce flames to rescue four elderly persons trapped in first, second and third floor apartments.

Started In Tavern Lounge

The blaze, which broke out in the lounge of Ray’s Tavern, was discovered by Patrolmen Augustus Balzano and Anthony Saponare at 3:58 a.m. after they were alerted of smoke by highway employees battling the second snowstorm of the week.

The two policemen, after radioing the alarm, kicked in the door of the tavern and raced through the smoke and flames to rescue Mrs. Agnes Lockhart, 58, from her upstairs apartment.

The patrolmen took Mrs. Lockhart to Cooper Hospital where she was admitted with a cut head and smoke inhalation.

Minutes later firemen, headed by Battalion Chief Biaggio Ardire, arrived. Ardire said the tavern was engulfed in smoke and flames. He said the flames leaped from the tavern roof to a luncheonette and apartment building next door.

Ardire said firemen raised a ladder to the third floor of the second building where Mrs. Mabel Seward, 64, was hanging from a window ledge. However, firemen were hampered in the rescue attempt by the narrow space of the alley and could only hold the screaming woman until other firefighters could make their way to the third floor window from inside the building.

The rescuers, wearing face masks, wrapped Mrs. Seward in blankets and carried her through the flames to safety.

Two Carried Out

At the same time, more fire fighters entered the burning building and carried out Mrs. Viola Lagerprantz, 65, who lived in a rear apartment on the first floor and John J. Smith, 86, from a second-floor apartment.

All the victims were taken to Cooper Hospital for smoke inhalation treatment and released an hour later.

Kauffman ordered the victims, still wrapped in blankets, taken to fire headquarters at 3rd and Arch Streets and notified city welfare authorities. The Welfare Department obtained temporary housing for the three victims at Volunteers of America headquarters, 828 Market Street. Each victim lost all possessions in the blaze.

Additional Alarms

Ardire, at 4:27 a.m. called for additional fire crews and an hour later requested more aid. Battalion Chief Daniel Jiannetto’s unit answered the first distress call while Acting Battalion Chief Arthur Batten’s men arrived on the second plea.

Batten’s unit had been fighting two North Camden blazes since 10:53 last night.

Ardire said that when firemen attempted to get into the buildings, the fire was raging forward, backward, and straight up the stairwells out of control.

The owner of the luncheonette, Dominic Padulla, arrived at the scene about 5:30 a.m. Padulla and his brother, Frank, who also had been out, live on the first floor.

Canteen Truck on Scene

Volunteers of America Canteen truck with Colonel William Gwynne also was at the scene and served firemen coffee and donuts.

Fire Chief Edward Michalak said he has ordered a complete investigation of the fire.

Kauffman said 5th Street south of Mickle and Mickle Street east of 5th has been closed to traffic indefinitely.

In the two other fires in North Camden, a grocery store was damaged at 442 N. 9th Street, and two vacant buildings at 623–625 North Front Street were damaged.

Grocery Store Blaze

Batten said a defective chimney apparently caused the grocery store blaze which raged through joists and partitions. The store is operated by Benjamin Lamberte while the building is owned by Mrs. Sarah Schecter of Baird Boulevard according to the battalion chief.

Batten’s crew were forced to make two trips to the vacant buildings as wind whipped flames. He said the fire probably was caused by vagrants seeking shelter from the snowstorm.

Before the firefighters could take off their fire apparel, they were dispatched to the 5th and Mickle Street blaze.

General Alarm Fire on S. Broadway

Camden Courier-Post — March 8, 1967

Sea of smoke engulfs firemen on aerial ladder, March 8 1967 — Left: SEA OF SMOKE engulfs firemen manning hoseline high above general alarm blaze in S. Broadway warehouse. But he’s on an aerial ladder, not floating on a space platform.
Below: DENSE SMOKE from flame-swept warehouse on S. Broadway hinders fireman in general alarm blaze last night.
Anthony Corradetti — Broadway — Line Street — Louis Iatarola — Carolyn Iatarola — Lena Iatarola — John Luciani — Richard Hailey — Thomas Penn — Theodore Primas — Edward V. Michalak
Angelo Errichetti — Anthony Saponare — Williams Street

Injuries on S. Broadway Fire

Camden Courier-Post — March 8, 1967

Injuries from S. Broadway warehouse fire, March 8 1967 — Five Are Felled

Most of the firemen were standing around the Volunteers of America canteen truck drinking coffee. Some were still throwing water on the smoldering fire. Their faces were streaked with soot and dripping with sweat and their eyes were blurry red and burning from staying too long in too much heat and smoke. Somewhere among the 100 or so firemen who agreed they had put in a good day’s work were five men who were felled by the smoke and falling debris. Four were taken to Cooper Hospital where they were treated for their injuries and released. One refused hospitalization and was treated at the scene. All reported back to the fire and reentered the blazing warehouse at Broadway and Line Street to finish their job.

Capt. Louis Martelli, 53, of 569 Line Street, is a 23-year veteran of the department. While inside the burning building, he was overcome by the smoke and poisonous fumes. He staggered out and was given oxygen by the rescue squad unit. He attempted to go back into the building but Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak ordered him to Cooper Hospital. An hour later, he was back on the job. Michalak said he ordered Martelli to the hospital because the man has a respiratory ailment from breathing smoke and fumes for many years.

Others Injured: Capt. Charles Bates, 44, of 832 N. 34th Street, was treated at Cooper for a case of smoke inhalation and mild shock. Bates was struck by falling bricks inside the building. Anthony Dariano, 28, of 3000 Mickle Street, was treated for an injured left arm. He was struck by a falling pipe. Francis Stibi, 38, of 3310 Lemuel Avenue, was treated for a cut right hand. He was hit with flying glass. Joseph Simpson, 33, of 2821 Garfield Avenue, was overcome by smoke but after a few gulps of oxygen from the rescue squad unit, raced back into the burning building.

Chief Michalak said the men showed a “great display of devotion to duty.” Dariano said, “There was a job to finish and we needed all the men we could get.” The others agreed.

General Alarm Fire at 9th and Lawrence Streets

Camden Courier-Post — May 20, 1967

Newly Appointed Firefighters

Camden Fire Department — November 10, 1967

New Firefighters Sworn In

Camden Courier-Post — July 15, 1968

Railroad Warehouse Fire

Camden Courier-Post — August 15, 1968

Boy, Girl Saved in City Fire

Camden Courier-Post — August 21, 1968

Boy, Girl Saved in City Fire

Two children were revived by artificial resuscitation last night after being rescued from flames which damaged a bedroom of their home.

The boy and girl, two-year-old Kenneth and eight-month-old Tracy, are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bagby of 2108 Van Buren Street, Camden.

They were rescued after fire broke out in a second floor bedroom of the home at 11:19 PM. They were asleep in the room at the time.

Fought Flames

The girl was rescued by James Robinson, acting captain of Engine Company Three. Robinson went through the building until he reached the bedroom.

According to Battalion Chief Thomas McCabe, Robinson fought his way through the flames and heat in the room to reach the child. The girl was not breathing when rescued, McCabe said, but Robinson performed the artificial resuscitation.

The boy was rescued by Captain Chester Gedrich of Engine Company 10, who climbed a ladder to reach the bedroom. The youth was handed down the ladder and revived by fireman Joseph Lesniewski of Engine Company 10.

Taken to Hospital

The children were taken to West Jersey Hospital Northern Division, Camden, where they were examined and released.

Two other Bagby girls, five-year-old Dawn and six-year-old Kim, were next door, at 2106 Van Buren Street, with their mother when the fire broke out.

Chief McCabe said he did not know the whereabouts of the father at the time of the fire.

New Firefighters Appointed

Camden Courier-Post — November 8, 1968

Chief Michalak, November 1968

New Firefighter Appointments

Camden Courier-Post — January 3, 1969

Receipt from CFD Captain Warren Carter, 1969

1969 receipt from CFD Captain Warren Carter — 1969 — Receipt from CFD Captain Warren Carter

Eight Cited For Service Above Duty

Camden Courier-Post — March 27, 1969

Eight Cited For Service Above Duty

Two Camden Fire Department Engine Companies were awarded unit citations and eight firemen attached to the companies were each given merit citations yesterday for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Camden Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak awarded the citations to representatives of Engine Companies 3 and 10 in ceremonies held in the department’s headquarters at Third and Arch Streets.

Chief Michalak said the eight firemen under adverse conditions and without regard to personal safety, boldly rescued two children from a burning second story bedroom last August 20.

According to Michalak, captain Chester Gedrich, 47, entered the home located at 2108 Van Buren Street, by ladder and rescued 8 month old Tracy Bagby, passing her to Joseph J. Lesniewski, 40, who took her to the street and gave her artificial respiration.

Meanwhile, Michalak said, acting Captain James Robinson, 31, entered the flaming building, went up the stairway and rescued Tracy’s, 7-year-old brother Kenneth.

Assisting in the rescue were firemen Clair H. Graham, 58, Harold Johnson Jr., Ronald Gorski, 30, George Kurtyan, 24, and Robert W. Frett also 24.

Promotions in Camden Fire Department

Camden Courier-Post — October 14, 1969

Promotions in the Camden Fire Department, October 14 1969 — 4 Firemen Suspended By Melleby

Four veteran members of the Camden Fire Department have been suspended by Harold Melleby, public safety director, on charges stemming from a fight July 21 at Engine Company 9, 27th and Federal Streets.

John Kolessar, an acting captain who was involved in the fight with fireman Peter Carbone, has been suspended for 15 days. He is currently on a three-month leave of absence without pay.

Kolessar pleaded guilty during a departmental disciplinary hearing to charges of conduct unbecoming a public employe, disorderly conduct and assault. No charges were lodged against Carbone.

Deputy Chief Frank Deal, who was acting in the position of Chief Edward V. Michalak who was on vacation when the incident occurred, was suspended for four days, beginning tomorrow. He was cited for neglect of duty, failure to report the fight to Melleby and failure to suspend one or both of the men involved.

Battalion Chief John Giuliano, who was acting deputy chief the day of the fight, and Capt. Robert Briggs, who was acting battalion chief, each received one-day suspensions which end at midnight tonight. They were disciplined for failure to enforce the rules, regulations and orders of the department.

Former Mayor Alfred R. Pierce, counsel for Deal, Giuliano and Briggs, said they have 20 days to file an appeal through Civil Service.

Rescue Company 1 Citations

Camden Courier-Post — November 15, 1969

March 3, 1971

Promotions in the Camden Fire Department

Camden Courier-Post — May 6, 1971

Promotions in Camden Fire Department, May 6 1971 — Camden Honors Heroic Fireman

Rescuer of Trapped Man Gets Medal; Others Cited

A 42-year-old fireman has received the City of Camden’s second highest award and citations were presented to a battalion chief, his aide, and firemen from three companies today for the rescue of a 50-year-old man from a State Street home Nov. 26.

Robert Troutman of 435 N. 41st St. received Distinguished Service Award from Mayor Joseph M. Nardi Jr. A fireman since 1960, Troutman is assigned to Engine Company 6.

The fourth platoon of Engine Company 6, along with the fourth platoons of Engine Company 2, Ladder Company 1, Rescue Company 1, received unit citations for the rescue. In addition, a citation was presented to Battalion Chief James McGrory and his aide, Joseph Randik.

TROUTMAN was one of the first firemen at the scene of the Nov. 26 fire at 633 State St., according to Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak.

Donning an air pack, Troutman crawled through flames and smoke to find the man, Thomas Hall, and lead him out of the building, said Michalak.

As he led the man to safety, his fellow firemen sprayed him with water to protect him from the flames and heat, he continued.

AFTER the fire was extinguished, firemen found the body of Minnie Hall, 72, in the kitchen of the dwelling, according to the fire chief.

Today’s awards ceremony is part of the city’s observance of National Fire Service Recognition Day.

Paper Warehouse Fire

Camden Courier-Post — May 8, 1972

Paper warehouse fire continued, May 8 1972 — A 3-minute video of the May 8, 1972 warehouse fire is available on YouTube.

May 9, 1972 Paper Warehouse Fire

Pon-Pas Paper Stock Company warehouse fire, May 9 1972 — Warehouse Blaze Cause Under Probe

BROKEN HYDRANT wasn’t much help to firemen yesterday at a blaze which destroyed a Pon-Pas Paper Stock Co. warehouse on Pine Street. The fire marshal’s office is investigating the fire. Charles DiBartolomeo, superintendent of Camden’s Water Department, said this hydrant apparently was struck by a heavy vehicle and broken off at the bottom.

An investigation was continuing today into the cause of a three-alarm fire yesterday that destroyed the warehouse of a Camden waste paper packing firm.

The first alarm was sounded shortly after 10 a.m. when the fire broke out in the warehouse of the Pon-Pas Paper Stock Co. in the 1300 block Pine Street. The 96-year-old building was used to store bales of waste paper which was later recycled.

Two-thirds of the city’s fire-fighting equipment was at the scene as firemen, hampered at times by failing water pressure from a leaky hydrant, fought to contain the blaze.

Cinders and pieces of burning tarpaper fell throughout the area starting small fires in brush and grass. The fire was reported under control at noon.

According to Al Fabel, general manager for the firm, no estimate of damage has been made. He said no one from the company was at the warehouse yesterday when the fire started. Firemen reported no injuries.

Fabel couldn’t estimate how many fires have been started at the warehouse, but did say there have been several in past years.

“One of the problems we have at the warehouse,” Fabel said, “is vandalism. We check that warehouse every day, and three out of five times a week we find the door open and paper all over the place.”

Firemen did not indicate they suspect arson at the warehouse, formerly owned by Abbey Paper Stock Co.

The second alarm was sounded at 10:35 a.m., Battalion Chief James Stewart said yesterday, and the third at 10:40 a.m.

Chief Michalak at Fourth Alarm Fire

August 23, 1972

Poet’s Row Fire

August 23, 1972

Fire Ruins 14 Houses, Arson Seen

Camden Courier-Post — June 18, 1974

Three-alarm fire believed set by arsonists sweeps through the 400 block of S. 4th Street in Camden Monday, destroying nine houses — THREE-ALARM fire believed set by arsonists sweeps through the 400 block of S. 4th Street in Camden Monday, destroying nine houses. Courier-Post Photo by John Avery.

Fire Ruins 14 Houses, Arson Seen

By JOSEPH BUSLER

A fire believed to be the work of arsonists swept through 14 houses on the 400 block of S. 4th Street, Camden, Monday afternoon, virtually destroying nine of them and heavily damaging the rest.

Twenty-two persons were left homeless.

The three-alarm fire apparently was set on the second floor rear of 423 S. 4th St., one of four vacant houses on the block. It then travelled along an air-space between the second-floor ceiling and the roof to spread to all the houses, according to Camden Fire Chief Edward Michalak.

A combination of low water pressure and inoperative fire hydrants delayed firemen’s efforts for several minutes, according to fire officials.

Neighbors reported that fires had occurred on several occasions recently in the vacant houses of the block, and that No. 423 had been set afire Sunday night. It has also been the site of a fire which seriously damaged it Friday night, the neighbors said.

No one was injured during Monday’s fire, which was first reported at 3:49 p.m. and which was brought under control at about 6 p.m. The second alarm was turned in at 3:55 p.m. and the third at 4:05 p.m. according to Battalion Chief John Giuliano.

The affected block of houses extended between Washington and Berkley Streets in Camden’s Lanning Square section.

Although the fire blanketed most of central and south Camden in acrid gray smoke, few flames were visible from the street. However, the roofs of nine of the houses collapsed into the second floor, and firemen were forced to chop holes through the remaining roofs to stop the spread of the blaze. Water drenched the contents even of the houses that sustained little fire damage, and residents were hauling out what water-soaked furniture and clothes they could reach even as firemen continued to pour water onto the smouldering roofs.

Mrs. Hermina Gonzalez, of 419 S. 4th St., one of the more heavily damaged homes, said she was sitting in her house when a neighbor came running in yelling, “Fire! Fire! Get out!”

Her husband, Juan, who with his wife operates a corner grocery store located in the first floor of their home, estimated his loss at $12,000. No official estimates of the total damage were available, although one policeman, who knew several residents, said “There were some of the nicest homes in South Camden in that block.”

Painters had just completed repainting the interior of 433 S. 4th St. hours before the fire struck. L. Willis, the owner, would say only, “A tragedy has happened here.” But his neighbors said he had had the house redecorated as a surprise for his wife, Julia, who was in Atlanta, Ga.

Chief Michalak said the fire was “of suspicious origin…we definitely believe it was set.”

The time of day, the fact that the fire started in the second floor of a vacant house and its quick spread through houses that were peopled were all factors indicating arson, Michalak said.

“It’s not the first time we’ve been on this row,” Michalak said, referring to the previous fires.

The three-alarm fire, which occurred simultaneously with a fire in East Camden, tied up most of the city’s fire-fighting equipment, so two pumpers usually kept in reserve were impressed into service, Michalak said. Additionally, volunteer companies from Haddon Heights, Audubon and Westmont were brought into the city on a stand-by basis.

Seven pumpers and two ladder trucks manned by 54 firemen were used to fight the blaze, Michalak said. Included among these were two pumpers and a ladder truck recently acquired by Camden from Philadelphia and still bearing the Philadelphia Fire Department insignia, leading many onlookers to believe the Philadelphia department had been called in.

Battalion Chief Giuliano said that firefighting efforts had been delayed perhaps 10 minutes by low water pressure.

“Ten minutes is a long time in the fire-fighting business,” Guilano [sic] said, but would not estimate to what extent the delay had increased the damage.

Three fire hydrants near the scene of the fire were found to be inoperable, and firemen had to stretch hoses over two blocks away to get adequate water.

Firemen said that the number of inoperable fire hydrants in Camden is so large that the fire department recently completed a survey of all fireplugs in Camden and has marked the defective ones so that no time will be wasted attempting to link up hoses to them.

Residents reported that one hydrant, located on Berkley Street between 4th and 5th Streets, has been inoperable for over two years and had remained unrepaired despite numerous complaints.

Representatives from the City Welfare Department and the OEO Neighborhood Council were on hand to relocate those dispossessed by the fire. Most of the residents made arrangements to stay with relatives or friends.

Fatal Fire Truck Crash Is Blamed on Their Sirens

Camden Courier-Post — August 18, 1975

Scene of fire truck crash at 6th and Pine Streets, August 18 1975 — Fatal fire truck crash is blamed on their sirens

By TONY DAVIS
Courier-Post Staff

A Camden fire official said he believes Saturday’s collision of two fire trucks that killed one person and injured 14 others was caused by the inability of the drivers to hear each other’s vehicle over their own sirens.

However, Acting First Battalion Chief Joseph Anderson stressed that he was only “theorizing” and that a full investigation of the crash would begin today. The two trucks, Engines One and Eight, collided at 6th and Pine Streets at about 5:15 pm, Saturday, Anderson said.

The impact of the crash sent Engine Eight, which was heading north on 6th Street, into the Livecchi grocery store while Engine One, which was heading east on Pine Street, stopped safely about one block north on 6th Street, Anderson said.

The two vehicles were en route to the scene of a minor fire in a vacant house about two blocks from the scene of the collision. Anderson said another truck was called to extinguish the blaze.

Dead was 65-year-old Wilkins Tisdale, of 583 Line Street, Camden, according to Blair M. Murphy, an investigator for the Camden County Medical Examiner’s office. Murphy said the causes of death were internal injuries and a severed arm.

Tisdale, a retired construction worker who had just walked out of the grocery store, was pinned for 90 minutes under a large freezer in the store, Anderson said.

Juanita Dorsey, 34, 704 Pine Street Camden, who had been standing inside the store, was pinned under the freezer when it was hit by the truck, Anderson said. The woman was listed in satisfactory condition in Cooper Hospital with back injuries.

Richard Sorenson, a hoseman for Engine Eight, was in critical condition at Cooper with a punctured lung, broken ribs and a broken nose, right shoulder and right arm.

Paul Delfing, driver of Engine One, and James Peterson, driver of Engine Eight, were both pinned inside the cabs of their vehicles for 20 minutes, and later treated and released from Cooper for head and facial injuries, Anderson said.

Sorenson and five other firemen on the two trucks were all thrown from them by the crash. The other firemen injured were Joseph Chelhowski, captain of Engine Eight, who was in satisfactory condition in West Jersey Hospital, Northern Division with ankle injuries and bruises.

Albert Collum, captain of Engine One, who was in stable condition at Cooper with a concussion, a broken finger, contusions and bruises.

William Smith, a hoseman for Engine Eight, who was being held for observation at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital with head and facial cuts and bruises.

John Asher, a hoseman for Engine One, and Paul Capazola, a hoseman for Engine Eight, who were treated and released from Cooper for cuts and bruises.

Five other persons were injured, none seriously, in the crash. One, Leonard Medford, of 611 Line Street, Camden, was in satisfactory condition at Cooper Hospital with leg injuries. The others were all treated and released from Cooper and Lourdes hospitals.

Anderson said the diesel engines of the two trucks both received “extensive” damage and that he did not know if the eight-year-old trucks, which he said usually last 15 years, could be used again.

Chief Edward V. Michalak said the department has pressed two of its older, auxiliary pumpers into service to keep the city’s nine engine companies and three ladder companies at full strength.

Michalak said, however, that the two trucks damaged were among the newest the City owned.

Although he would put no dollar estimate on the damages, he said they were “excessive” and that it would not be known until at least Tuesday whether they could be repaired.

The city will not be receiving any new fire trucks until next April, when delivery of four pumpers is expected.

Although the city has experienced fire truck mishaps before, the chief, a 33-year veteran of the force, said this was the most serious.

He would not comment on the cause of the accident pending completion of the department’s investigation.

Fire Truck Crash Scene Photos

Camden Courier-Post — August 18, 1975

Spectators peer at Camden fire truck that crashed into corner grocery at 6th and Pine Street, August 18 1975 — SPECTATORS peer solemnly at Camden fire truck that crashed into corner grocery at 6th and Pine Street, Camden killing one man and injuring 14 other persons after collision with another fire truck at intersection

Cab of fire engine lies atop freezer after crashing through grocery store wall, August 18 1975 — CAB of fire engine lies atop freezer where it came to rest after slamming through grocery store wall

Council Checking Into Crash

Camden Courier-Post — August 22, 1975

Council Checking Into Crash

By RICH BERGEMAN
Courier-Post Staff

The brakes on one Camden fire engine will be examined by a specialist to see whether brake failure was responsible for Saturday’s collision of two fire trucks in which one man was killed and 14 persons injured.

However, Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Jiannetto, appearing before Camden City Council Thursday, said he felt the possibility of brake failure was remote because Engine No. 8 is safeguarded by a complex triple-brake system.

Jiannetto said James Peterson, the driver for Engine Co. No. 8, reported he believed the brakes on his vehicle failed to function when he saw Engine Co. No. 1 emerge from a cross-street.

The collision occurred at 6th and Pine Streets as both fire companies were responding to a house fire about two blocks north of the accident scene. The crash sent Engine No. 8 through the wall of Livecchi’s Grocery at 601 Pine Street, killing Wilkins Tisdale, 65, a shopper emerging from the store at the time.

Engine No. 8 was traveling north on 6th, which is a through street, while Engine No. 1 was headed east on Pine for 7th Street, where the driver planned to turn north to the fire scene.

Both captains reported their vehicles were traveling at a relatively slow rate of speed, and that buildings at the corners of 6th and Pine obscured their view.

There was also speculation that the drivers were unable to hear each other approach because of the noise from their own sirens.

So far, fire and police department investigators have not yet fixed blame on either driver, according to Public Safety Director David Kelly.

Jiannetto said representatives from Ward Lafrance Co., manufacturers of the two eight-year-old vehicles, have told them Engine No. 1 was demolished, but Engine No. 8 may be repairable.

Martin McKernan, city attorney, said the city carries $250 deductible collision insurance on both vehicles, and said the city is also covered by liability insurance concerning the injuries and damages caused to those outside the department.

Still hospitalized are:

Juanita Dorsey, 34, of 704 Pine Street, listed in fair condition at Cooper Hospital with back injuries.

Leonard Medford, of 611 Line Street, listed in fair condition at Cooper with leg injuries.

Richard Sorenson, a hoseman for Co. No. 8, listed in serious condition at Cooper with a punctured lung, broken ribs and a broken nose, shoulder and arm.

William Smith, also a hoseman for Co. No. 8, listed in satisfactory condition at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital with head and facial cuts.

Mitchell Street Boarding House Fire

November 23, 1977

Mayor Errichetti and Chief Michalak

Mayor Angelo Errichetti and Chief Edward V. Michalak with CFD photographer Bob Bartosz — From Left: Mayor Angelo Errichetti, Chief Edward V. Michalak, Camden Fire Department photographer Bob Bartosz

Funeral of Chief Edward Michalak, 1994

Contingent of officers and members attend the funeral of Chief Edward Michalak at Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 1994 — A contingent of officers and members attend the funeral of retired Chief of Department Edward Michalak at Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 1994

Pallbearer Detail of six Chief Officers carry the remains of Chief Edward Michalak to Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken, 1994 — Members of the department render salute as Pallbearer Detail of six Chief Officers carry the remains of Chief Edward Michalak to his final resting place at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey. In formation at far end of the column is Chief of Department Kenneth Penn and former Chief of Department John J. Mogck Jr.

Memorial card for Chief Edward Michalak, 1994

Important Note!

Edward Vincent Michalak

Service Record Card

Engine Company 3 and the 3rd Battalion, 1956

Staff Office at Fire Headquarters, 1961

Cleaner Plant Blast Injures Fire Captain

Camden Courier-Post — December 23, 1958

Mutual Aid Fire Drill ‘Success’

Camden Courier-Post — October 2, 1963

Director Garrity Presents Proclamation to Chief MacDowell

Fire at North 31st Street

Camden Courier-Post — April 30, 1964

Acting Chief of Department, 1964

Fire Destroys Row Houses on Terrace Avenue

Camden Courier-Post — September 26, 1964

Change of Command, December 31, 1964

Michalak Takes Fire Dept. Reins

Camden Courier-Post — December 31, 1964

Camden Fire Chief Points Out Fire Hazards

Camden Courier-Post — January 28, 1965

New Engine Company 3 Pumper, 1965

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner

May 3, 1965

Citation as Third Place in Statewide Fire Prevention Campaign, 1965

Appointment to Chief of Department, July 1, 1965

Chief of Department, 1965

Letter to National Fire Protection Association

November 16, 1965

New Firefighters Appointed

Camden Courier-Post — February 1, 1966

Three Boys Die in Row House Fire on Mechanic Street

Camden Courier-Post — February 5, 1966

Chief Michalak with Other Fire Officials, 1966

Spring Clean Up Week

May 1966

Leon Puszczykowski Appointed

Camden Courier-Post — May 24, 1966

Three-Alarm Fire at 1729 Railroad Avenue

Camden Courier-Post — October 5, 1966

Handshakes Greet Two New Deputy Fire Chiefs

Camden Courier-Post — November 29, 1966

Chief Michalak, 1967

4 Trapped in Blaze Saved by Firemen

Camden Courier-Post — February 10, 1967

General Alarm Fire on S. Broadway

Camden Courier-Post — March 8, 1967

Injuries on S. Broadway Fire

Camden Courier-Post — March 8, 1967

General Alarm Fire at 9th and Lawrence Streets

Camden Courier-Post — May 20, 1967

Newly Appointed Firefighters

Camden Fire Department — November 10, 1967

New Firefighters Sworn In

Camden Courier-Post — July 15, 1968

Railroad Warehouse Fire

Camden Courier-Post — August 15, 1968

Boy, Girl Saved in City Fire

Camden Courier-Post — August 21, 1968

New Firefighters Appointed

Camden Courier-Post — November 8, 1968

Chief Michalak, November 1968

New Firefighter Appointments

Camden Courier-Post — January 3, 1969

Receipt from CFD Captain Warren Carter, 1969

Eight Cited For Service Above Duty

Camden Courier-Post — March 27, 1969

Promotions in Camden Fire Department

Camden Courier-Post — October 14, 1969

Rescue Company 1 Citations

Camden Courier-Post — November 15, 1969

March 3, 1971

Promotions in the Camden Fire Department

Camden Courier-Post — May 6, 1971

Paper Warehouse Fire

Camden Courier-Post — May 8, 1972

May 9, 1972 Paper Warehouse Fire

Chief Michalak at Fourth Alarm Fire

August 23, 1972

Poet’s Row Fire

August 23, 1972