Joseph F. Wolfinger
Joseph F. Wolfinger was born on June 8, 1919. He served during World War II with the United States Navy.
Joseph Wolfinger joined the Camden Fire Department on October 16, 1958. He was promoted to Captain on January 18, 1965, and to Battalion Chief on August 19, 1975. On November 1, 1986 Chief Wolfinger retired from active duty with the fire department.
Last a resident of Maple Shade, New Jersey, Joseph F. Wolfinger died on November 26, 2002.
Graduation of Probationary Firemen, 1959
Graduation of Probationary Firemen, 1959. 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.
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.
Starting the New Year on the Job
Camden Courier-Post —
Firemen man equipment in fire headquarters, 3rd and Arch sts., New Year’s Day. They were among hundreds of South Jerseyites at work in diverse ways despite the holiday. Men in foreground are Fireman John Brzozowski (left) and Capt. Joseph Wolfinger, both members of Engine Co. 2.
Widow Routed by Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden woman whose husband was killed seven weeks ago in a traffic mishap today was routed from her home when fire broke out in the upstairs bedroom for the second time within six hours.
Mrs. Edith McDevitt, 45, of 916 Front St. was aroused while sleeping on the living room couch about 8 a.m. as she heard what appeared to be stones hitting a window.
As Mrs. McDevitt investigated she discovered the noise was fire crackling in the bedroom upstairs. She then ran to the rear door where she called for neighbors’ aid. One of the neighbors notified the fire department.
Responding to the alarm were Engine Companies 2 and 6 and Ladder Company 1.
According to Fire Capt. Joseph Wolfinger, flames had engulfed the bedroom and flames shot from windows as firemen arrived at the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished although two firemen — Acting Capt. John Brzozowski of Engine Company 2 and Fireman Samuel Fisher of Ladder No. 1 — were overcome by smoke. Both were treated at the scene.
According to authorities, Mrs. McDevitt reported she had taken medication before retiring about 11 o’clock last night. She apparently fell asleep before finishing a cigarette which ignited the mattress.
However, she doused the mattress fire — about 2 a.m. — with a bucket of water. Believing the fire out, she went downstairs and slept on the couch.
Mrs. McDevitt told firemen she has been prescribed a depressant medication since the death of her husband, James, who was killed last April 22 when the car he was driving crashed into a viaduct overpass on Admiral Wilson Boulevard near Federal Street.
Authorities said Mrs. McDevitt’s bedroom had extensive fire damage but was contained to that area. More than $300 in coins also was recovered for the widow after she informed firemen that a pitcher broken during the fire contained many coins.
Camden Fire Department Maintenance Shop, c. 1984
Camden Fire Department Maintenance Shop, c. 1984. From left: Donald A. Kinsey, Walter P. Wolick, Doug Arensberg, Alan Kozuhowski, Chief Joseph F. Wolfinger.
Joseph F. Wolfinger Obituary
Camden Courier-Post —
WOLFINGER, JOSEPH F. Age 83, of Maple Shade, formerly of Pennsauken, died Tuesday, November 26, 2002, at Virtua Hospital, Voorhees.
Mr. Wolfinger proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy.
He was a Camden City firefighter from 1959 to 1987. He was Captain of Camden’s Ambulance and he retired as Chief Apparatus Officer.
Mr. Wolfinger was a communicant at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Merchantville and a member of Maple Shade VFW Post 2445.
The husband of the late Edna (nee Whinna), Mr. Wolfinger is survived by a son, Frederick J. Wolfinger and his wife Pat of Maple Shade; a sister, Mary Henkel of Haddon Hts.; 2 brothers, Harry Wolfinger of Blackwood and James Wolfinger of CA; and 2 grandsons, Joseph A. Wolfinger and James F. Wolfinger, both of Maple Shade.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Monday starting 8:30 AM at INGLESBY/GIVNISH OF MAPLE SHADE, 600 E. Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM at St. Peter’s RC Church. Burial will be private. His Viewing will be Sunday evening 7–9 PM at the Funeral Home.