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Isaac Muns Sr.

Camden Firefighter, Engine Company 1

Page Contents

Isaac Muns Sr.

Portrait of Isaac Muns Sr. — Isaac Muns Sr.

ISAAC WILSON MUNS SR. was born in Sicklerville, New Jersey on March 14, 1927. He married Hilda Miller in Camden in October of 1950. Isaac Muns joined the Camden Fire Department on April 12, 1956. He then lived at 714 North 9th Street. Assigned to Engine Company 1, he soon moved to 234 Chestnut Street, where he was living with his wife Hilda and children in January of 1959.

Isaac Muns was badly hurt while driving to a minor fire in January of 1964. Leg injuries necessitated that he retire on disability, effective October 1, 1965 after nine years of service.

Isaac Muns Sr. passed away on February 18, 1991 at Zurbrugg Hospital in Riverside, New Jersey.

Fire Pumper Crashes Into Camden Office

Philadelphia Inquirer — January 6, 1964

Camden fire engine supports building at Broadway and Pine sts. after pumper rammed office front following collision with automobile — A fire engine crashed through the front of an automobile insurance office in Camden on Saturday, cracking the entire brick face of the three-story building and leaving it in danger of collapse.

All traffic was halted in the area of Broadway and Pine sts. in fear the rumble of buses and trucks would bring the building down. The fire engine was left inside the bulk glass front of the Basin & Basin Insurance Co. office for nearly three hours until city workers could shore up the building so the vehicle could be removed safely.

COLLIDES WITH AUTO

The apparatus, a pumper of Engine 1, 4th and Pine sts., was responding to a mattress fire at 434 S. 6th st. at 2:30 P.M. when it collided with an automobile.

Both vehicles mounted the curb at the southeast corner of the downtown intersection.

Mrs. Maria Gruber, 74, of 505 Pine st., who was walking by the building was brushed by the fire engine and knocked to the sidewalk, where she was showered with glass from the smashed window and door. She was admitted to West Jersey Hospital with fractures of the right ankle and lower right leg and cuts of the face and legs.

FIREMAN INJURED

Fireman Isaac Muns, 36, of 717 State st., driver of the pumper, suffered a fractured right foot and leg cuts and was admitted to Cooper Hospital. Fireman George Dixon, 31, of 1554 Ormand ave., Camden, who was riding on the pumper, was treated at the same hospital for cuts of the right leg and right hand and then released.

Two young people in the automobile also were treated for injuries at Cooper Hospital. They were Charles Wilson, 24, of 407 Monmouth st., Gloucester City, N. J., and Janet Mayhew, 17, of 210 Mercer st., also of Gloucester city. Both received head cuts and the girl suffered a back injury.

Raymond McClintock, 25, of 530 Lester Terrace, Camden, a Camden Public Works Department employe, was treated at the Cooper Hospital for lacerations of the neck and left hand.

He was assisting in the placing of shoring to brace the building against collapse after the crash when struck by a piece of glass that fell from one of the shattered windows.

CROWD GATHERS

Owen Ribble, manager of the insurance office, said he worked there alone Saturday afternoon and left just 15 minutes before the accident occurred. He returned to the scene after police summoned him from his home at 340 Coles ave., Cherry Hill.

Police moved back a crowd of several hundred persons who gathered at the intersection. Then they cordoned off Broadway at Spruce and Line sts., a block north and south of Pine, and barricaded Pine st. at 5th and 6th, a block east and west of Broadway.

William H. Harker, Camden city director of public works, reached the scene at 4 P. M. and immediately declared the building condemned.

The Fire Department’s heavy-duty rescue squad built heavy lumber supports against the building and cautiously removed the fire engine at 5:20 P. M.

Fire Pumper Crashes Into Camden Office — article text, first page — A fire engine crashed through the front of an automobile insurance office in Camden on Saturday, cracking the entire brick face of the three-story building and leaving it in danger of collapse.

All traffic was halted in the area of Broadway and Pine sts. in fear the rumble of buses and trucks would bring the building down. The fire engine was left inside the bulk glass front of the Basin & Basin Insurance Co. office for nearly three hours until city workers could shore up the building so the vehicle could be removed safely.

COLLIDES WITH AUTO

The apparatus, a pumper of Engine 1, 4th and Pine sts., was responding to a mattress fire at 434 S. 6th st. at 2:30 P.M. when it collided with an automobile.

Both vehicles mounted the curb at the southeast corner of the downtown intersection.

Mrs. Maria Gruber, 74, of 505 Pine st., who was walking by the building was brushed by the fire engine and knocked to the sidewalk, where she was showered with glass from the smashed window and door. She was admitted to West Jersey Hospital with fractures of the right ankle and lower right leg and cuts of the face and legs.

FIREMAN INJURED

Fireman Isaac Muns, 36, of 717 State st., driver of the pumper, suffered a fractured right foot and leg cuts and was admitted to Cooper Hospital. Fireman George Dixon, 31, of 1554 Ormand ave., Camden, who was riding on the pumper, was treated at the same hospital for cuts of the right leg and right hand and then released.

Two young people in the automobile also were treated for injuries at Cooper Hospital. They were Charles Wilson, 24, of 407 Monmouth st., Gloucester City, N. J., and Janet Mayhew, 17, of 210 Mercer st., also of Gloucester city. Both received head cuts and the girl suffered a back injury.

Raymond McClintock, 25, of 530 Lester Terrace, Camden, a Camden Public Works Department employe, was treated at the Cooper Hospital for lacerations of the neck and left hand.

He was assisting in the placing of shoring to brace the building against collapse after the crash when struck by a piece of glass that fell from one of the shattered windows.

CROWD GATHERS

Owen Ribble, manager of the insurance office, said he worked there alone Saturday afternoon and left just 15 minutes before the accident occurred. He returned to the scene after police summoned him from his home at 340 Coles ave., Cherry Hill.

Police moved back a crowd of several hundred persons who gathered at the intersection. Then they cordoned off Broadway at Spruce and Line sts., a block north and south of Pine, and barricaded Pine st. at 5th and 6th, a block east and west of Broadway.

William H. Harker, Camden city director of public works, reached the scene at 4 P. M. and immediately declared the building condemned.

The Fire Department’s heavy-duty rescue squad built heavy lumber supports against the building and cautiously removed the fire engine at 5:20 P. M.

Six Injured in Crash Of Fire Truck, Auto

Camden Courier-Post — January 6, 1964

Fire engine half hidden after plunging into Basin and Basin building at Pine and Broadway — A city fireman and five other persons were injured Saturday when a fire engine collided with a car at Broadway and Pine st. and then plunged into an insurance office on the corner, according to police.

Admitted to Cooper Hospital with severe cuts was Fireman Isaac Muns, 36, of 710 State rd., identified by police as the driver of the engine. His condition was listed as serious. George Dixon, 31, of 1554 Ormond ave., the other fireman riding the engine, was treated at the hospital for cuts.

Mrs. Maria Gruber, 74, of 505 Pine st., who police said was standing on the corner waiting for a bus when the accident happened, was admitted to West Jersey Hospital with multiple fractures of the right leg.

Others Treated

Also treated at Cooper Hospital for multiple injuries were Charles Wilson, 24, of 407 Monmouth st., Gloucester City, identified as the driver of the car, and his passenger, Janet Mayhew, 17, of 210 Mercer st., Gloucester.

Workmen began shoring up the front of the building occupied by the Basin and Basin Agency Inc., automobile insurers, as fears were expressed the building might collapse from the impact if the engine were moved. Raymond McClintock, a city employe, of 530 Lester ter., sustained a cut that required four stitches in his neck when a piece of glass fell from the second floor while the shoring operation was underway.

Agency Was Closed

The agency was closed when the engine plunged into the three-story brick office building on the southeast corner.

Police said it had not been determined whether Mrs. Gruber was hurt by falling debris or by the engine itself as it jumped over the curb.

The engine was responding to an alarm sounded for a minor fire at 434 S. 6th st. It was confined to one room of a private house.

Caption: Half Hidden after plunging into building at Pine st. and Broadway — A city fireman and five other persons were injured Saturday when a fire engine collided with a car at Broadway and Pine st. and then plunged into an insurance office on the corner, according to police.

Admitted to Cooper Hospital with severe cuts was Fireman Isaac Muns, 36, of 710 State rd., identified by police as the driver of the engine. His condition was listed as serious. George Dixon, 31, of 1554 Ormond ave., the other fireman riding the engine, was treated at the hospital for cuts.

Mrs. Maria Gruber, 74, of 505 Pine st., who police said was standing on the corner waiting for a bus when the accident happened, was admitted to West Jersey Hospital with multiple fractures of the right leg.

Others Treated

Also treated at Cooper Hospital for multiple injuries were Charles Wilson, 24, of 407 Monmouth st., Gloucester City, identified as the driver of the car, and his passenger, Janet Mayhew, 17, of 210 Mercer st., Gloucester.

Workmen began shoring up the front of the building occupied by the Basin and Basin Agency Inc., automobile insurers, as fears were expressed the building might collapse from the impact if the engine were moved. Raymond McClintock, a city employe, of 530 Lester ter., sustained a cut that required four stitches in his neck when a piece of glass fell from the second floor while the shoring operation was underway.

Agency Was Closed

The agency was closed when the engine plunged into the three-story brick office building on the southeast corner.

Police said it had not been determined whether Mrs. Gruber was hurt by falling debris or by the engine itself as it jumped over the curb.

The engine was responding to an alarm sounded for a minor fire at 434 S. 6th st. It was confined to one room of a private house.

Life Hereabouts

Camden Courier-Post — July 13, 1964

Portrait of Isaac Muns Sr. recuperating — WHETHER it’s the real thing or false, they put their lives on the line.

This fact comes across to you bigger than life as you chat with Hoseman Isaac Muns Sr., 37, in the front room of his home at 710 State st.

Resting comfortably in a stuffed chair, you listen as Muns describes his recent stays in Cooper Hospital.

Occasionally your eyes drift to the crutches that lean on his chair. They are grim reminders of the sacrifices firemen are sometimes called upon to make in the interest of the public.

FIREMEN are like tightly packed coils in a box. The moment an alarm rings they spring into action with only one thought in mind: put out the fire.

These men who daily witness the ravages of fire know that it can take only a few brutal seconds for flames to consume a life. That is why they rush to the scene mindless of their own safety.

Muns’ legs were cut severely on Jan. 4, when the fire engine he was driving collided with a car at Broadway and Pine st. and then plowed into a building. He was admitted to Cooper Hospital in serious condition. Five others also were hurt.

Attached to Engine Company 1, he was responding to an alarm for a minor fire at 434 S. 6th st.

SINCE THE accident, Muns has been in the hospital three times. An extensive skin graft was performed on his left leg to replace the calf muscles. Several small bones were removed from his right foot and a steel pin has been placed in it.

Muns does not know when he will regain full use of his legs but he is very anxious to back on the job. He figures it may be a year or two before he returns to the firehouse at 4th and Pine sts. There is a possibility that he may never work again for he does not think about this.

Like other firemen, Muns is dedicated to the job. Firemen have to be dedicated for most certainly they would not risk their lives so often for the salary they receive and the hours they put in.

“I became a fireman in 1956 because I like to do something helpful,” Muns said.

“I thought it was a great job then and I still feel the same,” he added.

Life Hereabouts — Courier-Post column about Isaac Muns Sr. recuperating — WHETHER it’s the real thing or false, they put their lives on the line.

This fact comes across to you bigger than life as you chat with Hoseman Isaac Muns Sr., 37, in the front room of his home at 710 State st.

Resting comfortably in a stuffed chair, you listen as Muns describes his recent stays in Cooper Hospital.

Occasionally your eyes drift to the crutches that lean on his chair. They are grim reminders of the sacrifices firemen are sometimes called upon to make in the interest of the public.

FIREMEN are like tightly packed coils in a box. The moment an alarm rings they spring into action with only one thought in mind: put out the fire.

These men who daily witness the ravages of fire know that it can take only a few brutal seconds for flames to consume a life. That is why they rush to the scene mindless of their own safety.

Muns’ legs were cut severely on Jan. 4, when the fire engine he was driving collided with a car at Broadway and Pine st. and then plowed into a building. He was admitted to Cooper Hospital in serious condition. Five others also were hurt.

Attached to Engine Company 1, he was responding to an alarm for a minor fire at 434 S. 6th st.

SINCE THE accident, Muns has been in the hospital three times. An extensive skin graft was performed on his left leg to replace the calf muscles. Several small bones were removed from his right foot and a steel pin has been placed in it.

Muns does not know when he will regain full use of his legs but he is very anxious to back on the job. He figures it may be a year or two before he returns to the firehouse at 4th and Pine sts. There is a possibility that he may never work again for he does not think about this.

Like other firemen, Muns is dedicated to the job. Firemen have to be dedicated for most certainly they would not risk their lives so often for the salary they receive and the hours they put in.

“I became a fireman in 1956 because I like to do something helpful,” Muns said.

“I thought it was a great job then and I still feel the same,” he added.

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner, May 3, 1966

William T. Cahill — Alfred R. Pierce — Edward V. Michalak
Keith Kauffman — Rev. W.A. Gwynne — Edward R. MacDowell
Howard W. Ways Sr. — George L. Boone — Isaac Muns — John C. Voll
John T. Clemmens — Harrison B. Pike — Albert A. Weller
Austin E. Marks — Edward Y. Scott — John W. Yates

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner, May 3, 1966 — 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.

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First Annual RETIREMENT DINNER

CITY OF CAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT

TUESDAY MAY 3, 1966 6:30 P. M.

SCHILLIG’S BLACK HORSE FARMS MT. EPHRAIM

Sponsored by CAMDEN FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner, May 3, 1966 — 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.

---

First Annual RETIREMENT DINNER

CITY OF CAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT

TUESDAY MAY 3, 1966 6:30 P. M.

SCHILLIG’S BLACK HORSE FARMS MT. EPHRAIM

Sponsored by CAMDEN FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner, May 3, 1965

Camden Fire Department First Annual Retirement Dinner, May 3, 1965

Camden Fire Department Employment Card

Isaac Muns fire department employment card, front — Camden Fire Department employment card for Isaac Muns Sr.

Isaac Muns fire department employment card, back — Camden Fire Department employment card for Isaac Muns Sr.

Photos

Portrait of Isaac Muns Sr. — Isaac Muns Sr.

In Memoriam

Camden Courier-Post — March 14, 1992

In memoriam notice for Isaac Muns Sr., March 14, 1992 — Isaac,

A year has passed, and in our hearts, your memory lingers. There is not an hour, Grandpop, that we do not think of you. In life we loved you dearly. In death is still the same. We miss you dearly Isaac, things will never be the same.

Happy Birthday from your grandchildren

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