Introduction
Godfrey F. Patterson was born in Camden, New Jersey on May 4, 1912. He was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on June 12, 1941 and reported for duty on June 16, 1941. He served with Truck Company 2, rose to Captain of Truck Company 1 in 1951, and served as District Chief from 1959. He was pensioned on disability on June 1, 1966. His brother Charles Patterson also served in the Camden Fire Department. Godfrey F. Patterson died on December 21, 1988.
Woman Gas Victim Saved by Camden Rescue Squad
Camden Courier-Post —
The hour-long effort of a fire department rescue squad Friday night saved a woman who tried to kill herself by gas.
Police said Mrs. Florence Marshall, 46, of 330 North Tenth Street, locked herself in the bathroom and turned on a gas jet. They added she was despondent because her daughter, Eva, 22, was planning to marry and leave home.
A son, William, 19, broke down the bathroom door and dragged the mother from the room. Patrolmen John Voll and Harrison Wilkinson were called and summoned the rescue squad headed by Captains Godfrey Patterson and George Boone.
It took the squad an hour to revive Mrs. Marshall by artificial respiration. She was taken to Cooper hospital and later to police headquarters, where she was released for a hearing Monday on a charge of attempted suicide.
Other members of Rescue Squad 1 are george baxter, William Watkin, John Mogck, Edward Brendlinger, Arthur Ballinghoff, Christopher Moll, Edwin Decker, Carl Wirtz, Robert Olesiewicz, John Kolessar and Raymond Banford.
Girl Drowns In Cooper River
Camden Courier-Post —
(Another Photo on Page 2)
A 15-year-old North Camden girl, on her way to visit her grandmother Monday night, drowned in Cooper River when she and five friends decided to hunt for minnows instead.
The girl, Donna Binder of 1000 Segal st., was to have graduated from Pyne Poynt Junior High School next month.
Police said Donna and a friend, Georgia Hazel, 13, of 522 N. 3rd st., left home about 7 p.m. They intended to visit Donna’s grandmother in Ablett Village.
Instead, they joined Georgia’s brother, James, 14, James Luciano, 9, also of 522 N. 3rd st., William Spavlick, 11, of 616 Linwood st., and Curtis Platts, of 908 Elm st.
According to investigators, the youths headed for the east bank of Cooper River and began looking for minnows about 300 yards south of the State st. bridge.
Steps Into Hole
Donna’s companions said she wandered about 10 feet from shore in shallow water. Suddenly she stepped into a hole and disappeared. She came to the surface, thrashed about and called for help. James Hazel, Luciano and Spavlick tried to reach her as she fought to stay afloat in about 10 feet of water.
Their rescue attempts failed and Donna slipped below the water.
The youths then ran along the river’s edge to the bridge where they told attendant William Caffrey what had happened. Caffrey called police who dispatched Fire Rescue Squad 1, Engine Companies 6 and 11 and several police cars.
Rescuers reached the spot at 8:20 p.m. and, directed by Second District Fire Chief Godfrey Patterson, began dragging operations. Harrison McNair of Rescue Company 1 stripped and dove in a vain attempt to make a quick recovery.
Mother Collapses
Donna’s body was recovered about 9 p.m. by Acting Capt. James Smith. She was pronounced dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital at 9:21. Camden County Coroner Howard Creran said he will perform an autopsy at 1:30 p.m. today.
The girl was identified by her mother, Mary, 38, and stepfather, William Kunitz, at the hospital. Mrs. Kunitz became hysterical after seeing her daughter and collapsed. She was revived, given a sedative and sent home.
Donna is also survived by three sisters, Nancy, 19; Betty, 13; Rita, 10, and a brother, Richard, 17.
Controlled Burn of Swamp Land
1964
Named: North 36th Street, Farragut Avenue, Godfrey Patterson, George Baxter, and Bob Bartosz.
Chiefs Are Appointed
Camden Courier-Post —
Promotions were made today to fill four vacancies in the City Fire Department.
Director of Public Safety Keith Kauffman announced the promotion of Allen F. Hess, 40, of 3064 Mickle Street, and John Giuliano, 38, of 419 N. 38th Street, to battalion chief.
Hess was appointed to the department in November, 1950, and made captain in May, 1960. Giuliano was appointed January, 1956, and received his captain rank in July, 1960.
The new battalion chiefs replace Charles and Godfrey Patterson, brothers, who have retired.
Named to fill the vacancies created by the promotion of Hess and Giuliano are Richard Brooks, 33, of 1081 N. 34th Street, a member of the department since January, 1961, and Roy Moffa, 47, of 161 S. 27th Street, a member since November, 1950.
Personnel Card
