Joseph G. Simpson
Joseph G. Simpson.
Joseph George Simpson Jr. served for twenty-five years with the Camden Fire Department. He was born on April 5, 1944 in Camden to J. George and Cecilia Simpson. After serving in the United States Air Force he returned to Camden and was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in 1957.
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.
Firemen Injured At Raging Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
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.
Department Photo
Joseph G. Simpson, Camden Fire Department.
Fire Department Record
Joseph G. Simpson fire department record card.
Obituary: Joseph G. Simpson Sr.
Camden Courier-Post —
Simpson, Joseph G., Sr. On 2-21-2005 in Phila, PA of Oceanview, NJ, age 71 years. Beloved Husband of Patricia A. (nee Cambell) Simpson Jr. and Jodi Ann Floyd, Stepfather of Beth Ann Borsuk and Wm. Scott Snyder, Grandfather of Ericka, Savanna, Joey III, Zachary, Ethan, Nicole and Bobby. Brother of Cecilia Poreda, and Madeline Floyd, also surviving are many extended family.
Joseph was a US Air Force Veteran, a retired Fireman for the city of Camden retiring in 1982 after 25 years, a member of the retired Fireman’s association and the VFW. Relatives and Friends are invited to Joseph’s Memorial Mass on Friday at 10:00AM at Church of the Holy Name 260 Conrow Rd., Delran, NJ. Memorial Contribution may be sent to Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees Twp. NJ 08043 or the Family would appreciate Mass Cards. Family Services by INGLESBY/GIVNISH OF MAPLE SHADE. 856-779-7900. “A Life Celebration Home”