Introduction
Robert R. Allen Sr., 1970s.
Robert R. Allen Sr. was born in Camden, New Jersey on October 10, 1943 to David and Gertrude Allen. He served in the United States Army from June 25, 1962 until June 13, 1965, being honorably discharged after two years service.
On July 15, 1968 Robert R. Allen Sr. was appointed to the Camden Fire Department, where he served for over 37 years before retiring on November 1, 1996. In the latter years of his career he served at Engine Company 3, Third Platoon with Captain Richard Carver and firefighters Charles Arline and Ronald Bowers.
Robert R. Allen Sr. was married to the former Barbara Olesiewic. There were four children, David Allen, Robert F. Allen Jr., Barbara Ann, and Amy. The family lived for quite some time in Atco, New Jersey. Robert F. Allen’s later years were spent as a resident of Oaklyn, New Jersey.
Robert R. Allen Jr. followed his father into the Camden Fire Department on February 1, 1997 and currently serves in the Fire Marshal’s office as a Fire Prevention Specialist.
Photos
Robert R. Allen Sr., 1994.
Eleven Recruits Join Fire Dept.
Camden Courier-Post —
Eleven men today were sworn in as members of Camden’s Fire Department. But despite the additions, the city’s force still remains at six men less than full strength, Fire Chief Edward Michalek Sr. noted.
New firemen from Camden are John J. Nicholson, 22; Howard P. Murphy, 23; Joseph A. Broccoli, 28; Michael J. Deets, 21; Donald Jankiewicz, 21; Robert Allen, 24; Parris Branch, 24; Joseph Rotchford, 22; James Gallagher, 27; and George Jackson, 29. Another new member of the force is Ronald Kowalski, 27, of Audubon. The recruits will undergo a six-week training period.
City Honors Firefighters Retiring After 38 Years
Camden Courier-Post —
By Sean McKinney
CAMDEN — It was the end of an era.
The city council said farewell to six of its oldest firefighters yesterday, three days before they were set to retire. Each has worked for the city fire department for 38 years.
Also honored was Deputy Chief James McMaster, who is retiring after 36 years of service.
“If I’m not mistaken, we have just witnessed 254 years of combined service,” said Council President Gwendolyn Faison after proclamations were read honoring the men who have dedicated over three decades to the city. Deputy Fire Chief John Mogck, who is leaving as chief, started a standing ovation from the audience at the regular council session.
Kenneth Penn, 44, is to be sworn in on Monday by Mayor Randy Primas as the new fire chief.
In other action yesterday, the city attorney’s office was criticized on three fronts.
Frank McGuckin, president of Local 788 of the International Association of Firefighters, criticized City Attorney Patricia Darden of trying to force firefighters Charles Arline, 44, and John DiMaggio, 44, to work a week 41 hours.
McGuckin said after the meeting that Darden was trying to use an old provision to increase working hours, and that the department constitution would have to be changed.
But the union president said the practice was illegal. A new contract proposal that would require all to go into effect today was voted by Business Administrator Patricia Lacy.
Mogck’s successor, Chief Kenneth Penn, 44, is to be sworn in on Monday. Mogck, in an interview, said he couldn’t be more proud of the city department. Penn will take over as chief effective Oct. 1.
“He’s a top man,” said McGuckin, who also contacted Penn being named chief.
In another matter, two recipients of $10,000 grants from a federal program were directed through the legal department for drawing up contracts that would release the grants.
Personnel Record
CAMDEN DIVISION OF FIRE PERSONNEL RECORD
Badge No: 251
Name in Full: Allen, Robert Address: 915 Hunt Blvd., Atco, N.J. 08004 Age: 25 Citizen: Yes Color: W Sex: M Date of Birth: 10/27/43 Born in City of: Camden, N.J. Name of Parents: David & Gertrude Marital Conditions: Married ☑ Date of Appointment: 7/15/68 Reported for duty: [blank] Title of Position: FF (Firefighter) Beneficiary: Barabara [sic] Allen (wife) Signature: Citation: High School Graduate: Yes ☑ If No, Last Grade Attended: [blank]
Retired 11-1-96 Deceased 8-9-16
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT (give 2): [blank]
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERVICE Dates From: 6/25/62 To: 6/13/65 Branch: Army Injuries: None
PENSION INFORMATION: [blank]
Obituary
Camden Courier-Post —
Robert R. Allen
October 27, 1943 – August 09, 2016
U.S. Veteran Robert passed away on August 9, 2016 at Kennedy Memorial Hospital, Stratford, NJ; of Oaklyn, NJ, age 72 years.
Husband of Barbara Allen (nee Olesiewic). Father of Robert, David, Barbara Ann and Amy. He is also survived by six grandchildren, his mother, Gertrude Allen and three brothers: David (Mary Lou), Ronald and John (Connie).
Funeral service and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the Foster-Warne Funeral Home, Audubon and Collingswood, NJ.