Michael C. LaFrance
MICHAEL C. LAFRANCE was born in Camden on October 20, 1943. He was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on February 1, 1966, at the age of 22, one of seven new firefighters sworn in that day. He was promoted to captain on April 18, 1970, and served as captain of Engine Company 8. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2578. Michael C. LaFrance died on October 22, 1987, after an illness, at the age of 44, at his home in Pine Hill, New Jersey.
New Captain Named / 7 Firemen Take Oaths in Camden
Camden Courier-Post —
Seven of the 14 vacancies in the city’s fire department were filled yesterday and a new fire captain named by Public Safety Director Keith Kauffman.
Robert Olesiewicz, 47, was promoted from fireman to captain. He will be assigned to Ladder Company 1 at fire headquarters, 3rd and Arch Streets. Olesiewicz, who lives at 1194 Morton Street, has been with the fire department 15 years.
The seven new firemen sworn in yesterday were George C. Kurtyan, 21, of 2812 Hayes Avenue; Robert B. Shaw, 26, of 455 Morse Street; Richard C. Francesconi, 23, of 506 Rand Street; Nelson L. Savidge Jr., 25, of 2002 Howell Street; Thomas M. Prosinsik, 21, of 1381 Kenwood Avenue; Michael C. LaFrance, 22, of 488A Rand Street, and Kenneth Penn, 21, of 1773 Norris Street.
Fire Chief Edward Michalak said the new men will have a six-week training course before being assigned to various companies throughout the city.
He said the new additions will bring the fire department up to 180 men. The full complement is 187.
Policemen, Firemen Are Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Director of Public Safety Harold Melleby yesterday announced the promotions of three city policemen and three firemen.
Promoted to police sergeants were Earl Flanagan, 40, Joseph J. McComb, 39, and Joseph Wylings Jr., 45. Wylings is a 20-year veteran of the police force and Flanagan and McComb each have been with the department 12 years.
Fire Department promotions were Charles A. Bates to battalion chief and Michael C. LaFrance, 26, and George Kurtyan, 25, to captain.
Bates has been serving as a captain for the past eight years. LaFrance and Kurtyan both have been firemen for four years.
The following police transfers were announced:
Capt. Joseph McGann from commander of the Uniformed Patrol Division to commander of the Records and Identification Bureau.
Capt. Peter Paull from commander of the Records and Identification Bureau to commander of the Uniformed Patrol Division.
To Detective Group
Lt. Charles Ferry from the Patrol Division to the Detective Division.
Lt. Joseph Hainsworth from the Internal Affairs Unit to commander of Patrol Division’s fourth platoon.
Lt. Andrew McBurney from assistant Patrol Division commander to commander of the division’s third platoon.
Lt. Joseph Caputi from commander of the third platoon to assistant commander of the Patrol Division.
Camden Fire Department Personnel Record
Camden Division of Fire Personnel Record
Michael C. LaFrance, 44, of Pine Hill
Philadelphia Inquirer —
MICHAEL C. LaFRANCE, 44, of Pine Hill, captain of Engine Company 8, Camden Fire Department, died Thursday at home after an illness. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2578.
Survivors: his wife, Phyllis; three sons, Michael C. Jr., Blaise J. and Brian M.; a daughter, Shannon C., and a brother, Joseph P. Jr. of Audubon. Services: Memorial Mass, 10 a.m. Tuesday, St. Edward’s Church, 500 Erial Rd., Pine Hill.