Theodore Primas
Chief Theodore Primas
THEODORE PRIMAS was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 27, 1924 to Edward and Hallie Primas.
By April of 1930 the Primas family, which included sisters Pauline, Gladys and Garnet and brothers Melvin and Edward Emmet were living at 2823 Mitchell Street in East Camden. The family was still there in the early 1940s.
Theodore Primas graduated from Camden High School, a member of the class of June 1942. He played baseball with the Dunbar Athletic Club, which sponsored one of the premier amateur teams in Camden in the late 1930s and 1940s. One of his teammates was Jerome “Babe” Carpenter. Both men went into the Army, Carpenter in September of 1942, Theodore Primas on July 31, 1943. Sadly, Jerome Carpenter was killed in a training accident in September of 1943. Theodore Primas was promoted to the rank of Sergeant during his time in the Army. After leaving the Army, he returned to Camden.
Theodore Primas was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on March 5, 1947. He was promoted to Captain on April 1, 1956, and to District Chief on January 31, 1961. On January 1, 1973 Theodore Primas was promoted to the rank of Acting Chief of the Camden Fire Department. He was made permanent on July 1, 1978.
Chief Primas retired on April 1, 1981. His nephew, Melvin “Randy” Primas, was appointed Mayor of Camden by City Council shortly afterwards when Angelo Errichetti resigned in the wake of a bribery conviction.
Last a resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Theodore Primas passed away on April 11, 1999. He was buried at Sunset Memorial Park in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Sewell Tops Dunbar in Camden City Loop
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden City League — Second Half
Sewell took over second place in the Camden City Baseball League by setting down the Dunbar B. C. last night by the score of 5 to 3. It was the latter’s opening game of the final half.
In another fracas last night, Highland A. C. came from behind with a two-run rally in the third inning to earn a 2-all deadlock with the Camden Aces.
Eagles Top Kings; Dunbar, Aces Draw
Camden Courier-Post —
CAMDEN CITY LEAGUE
Second Half
W. L. P.C.
Eagles 2 0 1.000
Highland A. C. 1 0 1.000
Defiance Juniors 0 0 1.000
Camden Aces 0 0 .000
Dunbar A. C. 0 0 .000
Camden Aces 0 0 .000
Sewell 0 0 .000
Westfield 0 1 .000
Camden Kings 0 3 .000
This Week’s Schedule
Tonight—Sewell at Highland.
Thursday—Highland vs. Aces, at Dudley Grange; Dunbar vs. Sewell, at Pyne Poynt.
Friday—Defiance Juniors vs. Westfield at Dudley Grange.
The Eagles accounted for their second in a row last night by turning back the Camden Kings, 4-2, in a Camden City League game at the latter’s field.
In another battle, DunMar [sic] A. C. and the Aces bzattled [sic] to a 1-all standstill at Dudley Grange.
CAMDEN KINGS CAMDEN EAGLES
ab r h o a ab r h o a
Swensen, 3b 3 0 0 1 1 Rich, rf. 4 1 1 1 0
McFad’n, lf 3 0 1 1 0 J.Wolf, 3b 3 0 0 0 1
Miller, 1b 3 0 0 7 0 B.R’oro, cf 2 1 0 0 0
Becker, ss 3 0 0 2 5 Roseb’o, lg 2 0 0 0 0
Watson, 2b 1 0 0 2 0 Hanson, ss 2 0 0 1 2
Weyg’d, rf 3 0 1 0 0 B.Wolf, 1b 2 0 0 6 0
Hess, cf 3 0 0 3 1 Adolrh, 2b 2 1 1 0 1
Schmidt, c 3 0 0 5 0 Wilson, c. 3 0 1 13 0
C’naugh, p 1 2 1 0 3 Mont’y, p. 2 1 0 0 2
Hart 1 0 0 0 0 Robi’n, rf 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 24 2 3 21 10 Totals 22 4 3 21 6
Eagles 0 0 0 0 0 2 2—4
Camden Kings 0 0 1 0 1 0 0—2
Errors—Swenson. Two-base hit—Wilson. Double play—Becker to Watson to Miller. Struck out—By Montgomery, 13; Cavanaugh, 4. Base on balls—Off Montgomery.
DUNBAR A. C. ACES
ab r h o a ab r h o a
A.Huff, ss 2 0 0 1 1 Shug’s, ss 3 0 1 1 0
T.Primas, lf 4 1 2 1 0 Curcio, 2b 3 0 0 0 4
Primas, rf 2 0 0 2 0 Letts, 3b 3 0 0 1 1
Jones, 1b 4 0 1 3 4 K’nedy, 1b 3 0 0 10 0
B.Carp’r, cf 3 0 0 3 0 Rich’k, lf 3 0 0 2 0
E.Huff, c 3 0 1 13 0 Jaqu’d, cf 3 0 1 0 0
Ingram, 3b 3 0 0 0 1 Rich’on, rf 3 1 1 2 0
Cook, 2b 3 0 1 0 0 Stiffel, c. 3 0 0 7 1
Carpenter 2 0 0 0 0 Winslow, p 3 0 1 1 2
Stewart, p 2 0 0 1 0
Ingram 2 0 0 0 0
Totals 30 1 5 24 6 Totals 27 1 4 24 8
Dunbar A. C. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0—1
Aces 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0—1
Two-base hit—T. Primas. Struck out—By Carpenter, 13; Winslow, 7.
Games with 11 to 13-year old baseball teams are being sought by the Westfield Acres B. C. Charles Evans, Apartment 418, Westfield Acres.
The Eagles accounted for their second in a row last night by turning back the Camden Kings, 4-2, in a Camden City League game at the latter’s field. In another battle, DunMar [sic] A. C. and the Aces bzattled [sic] to a 1-all standstill at Dudley Grange.
Struck out — By Carpenter, 13; Winslow, 7. Two-base hit — T. Primas.
Carpenter Hurls Dunbar to Victory
Camden Courier-Post —
Gives 4 Hits to Pitch Mates to Opening Win over Patriots, 7–0
Dunbar opened its season in the Camden City Baseball League by defeating the Patriots, 7 to 0 last night at the former’s field.
By registering the victory, Dunbar climbed into a tie with the Camden Aces for first place, while Patriots’ first loss dropped it into a tie with the Eagles for second place.
Much credit should go to the sterling pitching of J. Carpenter who in hurling the shutout allowed only four scattered hits, while his mates collected seven off Polinski and Menzel.
For six innings Carpenter and Polinski hooked up in a keen hurling duel with Dunbar holding but a 1-0 lead, but in the seventh frame the winners pushed over six runs to win by a commanding lead. Higgs with two for four led the attack for Dunbar while Jakway with two for three topped the Patriots.
March 25, 1968 — Fire Safety Education
March 25, 1968 — Captain Theodore Primas teaching fire safety and prevention to students in a Camden classroom
Photos
Theodore Primas, Camden Fire Department
December 18, 1961 — Bender Brothers Fire
District Chief Theodore Primas and an unidentified firefighter at the Bender Brothers factory (“Manufacturers of Cotton Batting”) at 250 Atlantic Avenue, December 18, 1961.
Fire Hydrant Vandalism Cited
Camden Courier-Post —
3-Alarm Blaze in S. Camden
Camden’s director of public works today cited vandalism and improper equipment as reasons for yesterday’s fire hydrant problem at the scene of a three-alarm fire at 1729 Railroad Avenue.
Angelo Errichetti said the hydrant at 7th and Van Hook Streets, had been repaired Sept. 19 and charged vandals with damaging it again. The director also said that water department employes removed the cap on the hydrant opposite 614 Van Hook Street following the fire. Firemen charged they were unable to remove the cap at the time of the fire.
Errichetti said he will have the fire department equipped with heavier wrenches in preparation for a similar incident.
The fire, which destroyed an unoccupied house before it was brought under control, apparently was caused by vandals, according to Fire Capt. Philip A. Stinger. He added that the blaze is under investigation.
The blaze also sparked a double probe when Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak charged the two hydrants were “faulty.” The chief requested an explanation from the water department.
Errichetti explained that the city’s 1750 hydrants are inspected continually as often as manpower provides. He called vandalism the department’s biggest problem.
“Vandals break off fittings for the brass content,” he said. “Then they fill the hydrant with dirt, stones and debris which clog the fire pumpers.”
Errichetti also said he has notified all city junk dealers to report to police anyone attempting to sell the hydrant parts. He further cited the failure of motorists to report damaged hydrants following accidents. He said five were damaged during the past weekend.
The fire, which broke out at 1:28 p.m., destroyed the unoccupied house before it was brought under control at 2 p.m. A nearby home at 1727 Railroad Avenue suffered extensive damage on its roof and wooden window frames, but other neighborhood dwellings were unharmed.
Third Battalion Chief Theodore (Ted) Primas said, however, at its height, the blaze threatened to jump a 10-foot alleyway and burn nearby homes.
2 Firemen Hurt
At one point, the entire rear of the building collapsed and fell inside the walls. Firemen used the roof at 1731 Railroad Avenue to train water into the blazing building.
A fireman, Albert Jones, 26, of 1146 Kenwood Avenue, a member of No. 2 Ladder Company, was treated for a cut left eye at West Jersey Hospital after he was hit by flying glass during “cleanup operations.”
Jones and Thomas Robinson of 1727 Railroad Avenue, who suffered a sprained left ankle while fleeing the intense heat, were the only known victims of the fire.
Unconfirmed reports yesterday claimed one of two vagrants, known by neighbors to have been sleeping in the vacant building, may have been inside when the fire started, but no confirmation was made today.
Fire Destroys Toy Shop, 2 South Camden Homes
Camden Courier-Post —
Blaze Rages 4 Hours
By JAMES RIGGIO
Courier-Post Staff
—Courier-Post Photo by James Stewart
GENERAL ALARM FIRE sweeps out of control in the 600 block of S. Broadway. Six firemen were injured battling wind-whipped flames which engulfed a warehouse and threatened entire block.
A general-alarm fire swept through a Camden warehouse and showroom for four hours last night and destroyed two nearby residences before almost 100 firemen brought it under control.
The blaze destroyed the L-shaped building at 613 Broadway which housed Anthony Corradetti Sales Enterprises, distributors of toys, novelties and household goods. No estimate of the loss was available.
A second-story apartment atop the firm also was destroyed, and an adjoining house at 527 Line Street was damaged badly by the flames.
Left Homeless
Mrs. Rose Young, 26, who lived in the apartment at 529 Line Street with her three small children, escaped the blaze which left them homeless and took shelter with nearby friends.
Louis Iatarola, 57, who lived in the house at 527 Line Street with his two sisters, Carolyn and Lena, said his family would take refuge with relatives.
Mr. and Mrs. John Luciani were ordered by firemen to evacuate their home at 525 Line Street because of the danger from the heavy smoke.
The Luciani house, separated from the burning building by a narrow alley, was not touched by the flames.
Spotted by Cops
The first call was sounded at 4:42 p.m. when Ptl. Richard Hailey and Thomas Penn spotted smoke coming from the building. Hailey, a former employe of the Corradetti firm, radioed the alarm from the patrol wagon then he and Penn rushed inside to warn the occupants of the building.
Clar Puke, the store manager, said he noticed the smoke rising from the basement through a floor hatch. He said he was almost overcome by the thick smoke when he entered the basement, but managed to warn six other employes who ran from the building.
The first call brought two engine companies and a ladder company and the heavy duty rescue squad under Battalion Chief Anthony Saponare.
Second Alarm
The second call, sounded several minutes later, was responded to by two additional engine companies and another ladder company under Battalion Chief Theodore Primas, according to Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak, who also had arrived on the scene.
By 6:32 p.m., all the city’s nine engine companies and three ladder companies were thrown into action against the blaze, according to Michalak.
He said about 100 firemen including 35 off-duty members were on hand to fight the flames, which sent billows of black smoke into the sky above Broadway.
Michalak also issued a mutual assistance call which brought fire fighting equipment from other nearby communities to man Camden’s firehouse while the city’s men and equipment were tied up.
4 Firemen Treated
Four city firemen were taken to Cooper Hospital where they were treated and released for injuries and smoke inhalation. All reported back to the fire and continued work in fighting the blaze.
Michalak said firemen had extreme difficulty in reaching the blaze, which started in the basement, because of ceiling-high piles of merchandise which blocked passage and prevented good ventilation.
He said there will be an investigation into the manner in which the materials were stored in the building.
Goods Feed Fire
Large quantities of paper goods, plastic and rubber products, chemical charcoal fire starters and other highly flammable substances fed the fire and gave off heavy smoke and poisonous fumes, according to Michalak.
Exploding aerosol cans sounded like Fourth of July fireworks as firemen poured thousands of gallons of water onto the flames.
Hoses sprayed the fire from Broadway, Line Street on the east side, and Williams Street in the rear of the building.
Break Through Roof
As firemen battled the blaze, flames broke through the roof of the structure at several points, lighting up the early evening sky.
Flood light units from the Camden Electrical Bureau and the Gloucester City Rescue Squad aided firemen as darkness fell.
Angelo Errochetti [sic], director of public works, was at the scene and said he ordered the city’s water system opened full force to maintain a 48-pound pressure in the hydrants which fed the fire hoses.
Michalak declared the fire under control at 8:40 p.m., but said several companies would remain at the scene throughout the night to prevent a further flareup.
Related Fire Stories, Photo on Page 17
—Courier-Post Photo by James Stewart
SEA OF SMOKE engulfs fireman manning hoseline high above general alarm blaze in S. Broadway warehouse. But he’s on an aerial ladder—not floating on a space platform.
Two Camden Toddlers Die As Fire Razes Row House
Camden Courier-Post —
Babysitter Seriously Burned
—Courier-Post Photo by Bob Bartosz
BODY of child, one of two young victims of Camden blaze, is carried from Fern Street row house by Capt. Al Collum of Engine Company 1.
By BOB REICHENBACH, Courier-Post Staff
A Camden man was in critical condition at Cooper Hospital today and two children were dead after a fire swept through a North Camden row house yesterday.
Stanley Brown, 25, was burned over 50 per cent of his body in the blaze at 825 Fern St. that took the lives of James Lyles, 3, and his brother John M., 2.
The two boys, sons of Mrs. Inez Brown, 22, died of burns over their entire bodies, according to an autopsy report released today by Blair M. Murphy, investigator for the Camden County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Flames Spread Rapidly
The first alarm was called at 1:40 p.m. Six minutes later a second alarm was issued as heavy winds whipped flames and the blaze spread throughout the small two-bedroom row home.
The fire apparently started in the kitchen in the rear of the home, a preliminary investigation has turned up.
“The gas stove was lit,” Deputy Chief Theodore Primas explained, “just to help take the chill away.”
According to Brown’s hospital bedside testimony, the children were playing in the house.
“The kids were running around,” Primas said, “and there most probably is a link between the stove and the children.”
Brown, he continued, was asleep in one of the second-story bedrooms when the fire started.
A member of the family said Brown had been babysitting for the boys while their mother went shopping. A sister, Dorothy, 4, was visiting a grandmother. The children’s father is stationed in Kansas City, Mo., with the Army.
Leaps To Safety
According to reports, Brown jumped from the second floor window and told firemen that the two boys were trapped inside.
Firemen were unable to get into the house until about half an hour later when the flames subsided.
A fireman, Robert Troutman, 40, of Engine Company 6, was injured when he was blown from the front door he was trying to enter, according to other firemen.
He was treated at Cooper Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Troutman had been called to a one-alarm fire a block away, at 531 N. 9th St. Shortly after that fire was under control, firemen were ordered to the Fern Street address.
Firemen said Troutman and Capt. James McGrory, 44, of Engine two, tried to enter the home when they arrived. An explosion of undetermined origin apparently sent them flying to the sidewalk.
High winds threatened two adjoining homes as flames and smoke spread along the roof eves. Firemen cut through the ceilings of all three homes to combat fire spreading through the roof crawlspace.
Firemen found the two children in the bathroom at about 2:15.
“There was a big one and a smaller one,” said Primas, “but I don’t know which was which, they were both burned beyond recognition.”
The two-alarm fire followed within almost 15 minutes of a one alarm fire that Battalion Chief John Mogck said was “deliberately set in the kitchen.”
Spring winds again fanned the flames and the vacant rowhouse on N. 9th Street was “completely engulfed” when firemen arrived.
Mogck said an investigation of the 9th Street blaze will definitely be made.
Family Mourns 2 Boys
Children’s Grandmother Inconsolable
Mrs. Doris Brown sat weeping on the sofa in a home across the street following the two-alarm fire that took the lives of her two young grandchildren.
The family there was trying to keep people away from the distraught grandmother but they failed.
Neighbors and friends were crowding around. They wanted to find out what had happened. “I really don’t know,” she said, rubbing her surviving granddaughter’s head.
Looking at Girl
“She . . .” Mrs. Brown said, looking at the little girl, “was over here when it started.”
Dorothy, 4, looked up at her grandmother. She was confused.
But she seemed to know she should be quiet.
“My daughter was uptown shopping,” Mrs. Brown said between sobs, “and her friend (Stanley Brown) was watching the kids.”
The mother of the two small boys, Mrs. Inez Brown, 22, was shopping at Broadway and Kaighns Avenue, according to Blair M. Murphy, Camden County Medical Investigator.
Mrs. Brown cried more, probably thinking about how she would break the news to her daughter.
‘Where’s Father?’
“Where’s the father?” someone asked.
Mrs. Brown looked up from her crumpled handkerchief and said, “He’s in Kansas City (Mo.) with the Army.”
She looked at Dorothy again. “She was visiting me (at 531 Elm St.) and then said she was going home,” the grandmother said.
She sighed. “She must have come here instead,” she continued.
Mrs. Brown began crying harder. A neighbor tried to comfort her. Those crowding around began to leave. On their way out, they saw two small bodies wrapped in white sheets being lowered from the bedroom window across the street. Attendants carried the covered bodies to waiting ambulances.
Crowd Falls Short In McIntire March
By LARRY WILLIAMS, Courier-Post Staff
WASHINGTON — Fewer than 15,000 pro-Vietnam war demonstrators were on hand as Dr. Carl McIntire’s “march for victory” started down Pennsylvania Avenue today.
McIntire said during the prayer meeting that he was “heartened” by the number of persons who attended the hour-long session, despite earlier
16 Coal Miners Killed in Blast
VIENNA (UPI)—At least 16 coal miners died early today when an explosion rocked a mine in northeastern Czechoslovakia, the government announced.
The government announcement said two other miners have been saved and 10 “are being rescued.”
The announcement by the official news agency CTK said 28 men were in the Paskov mine, near the city of Ostrava, when the explosion occurred. The blast occurred just before the changeover from the night to day shifts.
7 Area Policemen Finish Drug Course
Seven South Jersey police officers were recent graduates of the twelfth class in a special drug law enforcement training program for municipal officers, conducted at the State Police Academy, Sea Girt.
They were Ptl. William Sheffield, Collingswood; Capt. Joseph Foster, Pitman; Ptl. Anthony Francesco, Edgewater Park; Det. James Dooley, Atlantic City; Sgt. Charles Rankin, Margate; Ptl. Walter Oliver, Middle Township, and Sgt. Dominic Romeo, Wildwood.
November 5, 1973
November 5, 1973 — Acting Chief Primas at a fire on Pine Street
Spring 1974 — Railroad Avenue
Named: Railroad Avenue, Spring of 1974. From Left: Unknown, Earl Robinson, Unknown, and Theodore Primas.
Fire Watch Magazine, Spring 1977
Camden Fire Department — Fire Watch Magazine, Spring 1977
IN RECOGNITION….
Members as listed below have anniversary dates which fall during the first quarter.
| Member | Years | Congratulations To | Years | Congratulations To | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fr. Howard G. Brickner #5 | 26 Years | Fr. Harvey J. Fisher #186 | 26 Years | Capt. James W. Smith | 26 Years |
| Dep. Chf. Anthony C. Saponare | 35 Years | Fr. Andrew H. Foreman #183 | 26 Years | Fr. William J. Stibi #120 | 26 Years |
| Batt. Chf. Robert E. Dukes | 30 Years | Fr. Henry S. Keubler #34 | 26 Years | Fr. William M. Stone #29 | 26 Years |
| Insp. Fr. George C. Hennessy #21 | 30 Years | Fr. Joseph J. Lesniewski #50 | 26 Years | Capt. William G. Winstanley | 26 Years |
| Dep. Chf. Daniel F. Jiannetto | 30 Years | Fr. Phillip MacDonald #71 | 26 Years | Fr. Adolph S. Zubrzycki #62 | 26 Years |
| Dep. Chf. Theodore L. Primas | 30 Years | Fr. Joseph J. McTaggart #26 | 26 Years | Batt. Chf. John J. Giuliano | 21 Years |
| Fr. Eugene F. Alston #7 | 29 Years | Batt. Chf. John J. Mogck | 26 Years | Insp. Fr. Alfred D. Nigro #76 | 21 Years |
| Batt. Chf. Biaggio P. Ardire | 29 Years | Capt. John E. Moore | 26 Years | Fr. Leon Puszczykowski #100 | 21 Years |
| Fr. William R. Harring #69 | 29 Years | Capt. Robert P. Olesiewicz | 26 Years | Fr. John L. Sterner #73 | 21 Years |
| Fr. William E. Hinch #151 | 29 Years | Capt. Anthony T. Orme | 26 Years | Fr. Francis P. Stibi #143 | 21 Years |
| Capt. Herbert J. Schott | 28 Years | Fr. Ralph H. Palmer #46 | 26 Years | Fr. Carl R. Szalkowski #95 | 21 Years |
| Batt. Chf. Charles A. Bates | 26 Years |
Camden honors heroics of firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
October 13, 1979
CAMDEN — Three city firefighters were cited yesterday for outstanding service for rescuing an 8-month-old girl last July 10 from a burning bedroom at 1482 Kaighns [sic] Ave.
A fire department spokesman said the child, Iasia Ingram, was not breathing due to smoke inhalation when taken from a middle second-floor bedroom by firefighter Michael Galasso. Galasso, who received the department’s distinguished service award, performed mouth-to-mouth resusitation [sic] and revived the infant.
Also cited in ceremonies, presided over by chief Theodore Primas, were firefighter Russell Chandler and Capt. Robert Van Istendal. Engine Company No. 7 received a unit citation and Raymond McClintock, deputy director of the city’s Public Works Department, received the Citizen’s Certification of Commendation for special services performed in the past.
The ceremony highlighted Fire Prevention Week, which ends today.
Merit awards
Camden Courier-Post —
Outgoing city fire chief Theodore Primas presented awards Thursday to two citizens and fire personnel for outstanding service.
The following day, John J. Mgock Jr. was sworn in as the new fire chief by Mayor Angelo J. Errichetti. Mgock replaces Primas, who retires today.
Joseph Timmons, a Voorhees cabbie, received a community service award for saving two children whose 28 Stewart St. home was on fire Jan. 20. Agnes Shad, director of the Riverview Towers at 2nd and Mickle streets, was cited for maintaining a fire-safe building in full compliance wih [sic] the fire code and training staff and tenants in fire safety.
Firemen honored included Capt. William Ayres, Capt. Joseph Gfrorer, Ernest Newkirk and Adelbert Kirk Jr. for risking their own safety in fighting a fire at 2930 Cramer St. Firefighter Francis P. Stibi was honored for attendance. In his 25 years of service, he took only two sick days.
Promotion Ceremony
Camden Fire Department promotion ceremony
Fire Card
Theodore Primas — Camden Fire Department identification card
Rehearsal for Disaster
Camden Courier-Post — 1965
Fire Rescue Drill Held at W. Jersey Hospital
By Mary Archibald
Courier-Post Staff
A demonstration of rescue procedures was given yesterday at West Jersey Hospital by the Camden City Fire Department and the hospital for representatives of 14 hospitals in the Greater Philadelphia-Camden area.
All known rescue methods were used to remove theoretically trapped student nurses and hospital personnel from fifth floor windows and rooftops. The drill was climaxed by a two story leap into a net by two firemen.
Several student nurses, assisted by firemen, descended extension ladders first from upper-story windows. This procedure was followed by the lowering of bandaged nurses, masquerading as patients, from the fifth floor in stokes baskets. The stokes basket is a specially shaped wire basket which conforms to the shape of the human body and in which a patient may be strapped safely.
Calm Performance
Although most of the mock patients were unruffled and a few volunteered for a repeat performance, oxygen, though unnecessary, was administered. The girls were lifted then onto stretchers and transported to the street curb by able and willing firemen. As evacuees reached the ground, a group of nurses, headed by Mrs. Jane Born, director of nursing services and education, swung into action.
Exceptional bravery was displayed by several girls in shorts and shirts who slid down stout ropes from fifth floor windows.
Among the hospital personnel who were rescued were two head nurses, Doris Stephens, and Jacqueline Stauffer. Student nurses participating were Irma Corsey, Jean Knopple, June Peters, Sue Ofgant, Judy Bowers, Millie James, Kathi Mullen, Lois Weintraub, Arleen McCormack, Sally Bashaw, Barbara Eddis and Faith Isbell.
Acrobatic Fireman
Showing acrobatic skill was a fireman, William Hopkins, who swung from a rope attached to a fire truck extension ladder. Jumping two stories into a net were firemen Jay Anderson and Jay Getty, who landed in the proper rump-down position according to the fire department’s drill master, Otto Keiser [sic].
Chief Edward Mickalek [sic] said he thought the drill was successful.
Emergency Drill
“The drills are a part of our pre-planning program for emergencies and we will be having another demonstration drill Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walt Whitman Hotel. We are doing pre-planning all the time at hospitals, hotels and factories as part of a year-round program,” the chief added.
The drill was coordinated by W. J. Gribble, hospital engineer. District Fire Chief Theodore Primas was in charge of firemen and apparatus. Observers were representatives from All Saints, Burlington, Cooper, Delaware Valley, Jeanes, Lower Bucks, Nazareth, Northeastern, Sacred Heart, St. Christopher, St. Mary’s, Stetson, Underwood and Friends Hospital.
DISPLAYING the use of the stokes basket in a demonstration fire drill at West Jersey Hospital yesterday, June Peters, a student nurse, is lowered from the fifth floor.
Fire Watch: In This Issue
Fire Watch Magazine — Spring 1977
FIRE WATCH
VOL. 1 NO. 1
SPRING 1977
IN THIS ISSUE
MESSAGE FROM LOCAL #788 2
WHAT'S NEW 4
VIEW FROM THE TOP 5
SAFETY EVERYONE'S CONCERN 6
A CITY CHANGING IT'S [sic] IMAGE 8
DO YOU REMEMBER 10
HOT FLASHES 11
FIREHOUSE CHATTER 12
IN RECOGNITION 13
RUNS AND WORKERS-1976 13
DOWN MEMORY LANE 14
OUR SUPPORT SERVICES 16
QUIZ BIZ 18
FROM THE RULE BOOK 19
OUR PATRONS 19
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY AND FOR CAMDEN FIREFIGHTERS
The Cover Photo of our inaugural issue displays the scene that greeted first arriving units on the morning of 6 June, 1976 at Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Fairview Street, the Harris Terminal Complex. The fire involved a four story brick and corrugated steel warehouse (100 x 1000) containing miscellaneous industrial materials. Structure was fully involved upon arrival of Department Forces. As is evident in photo, the firebuilding was completely obscured from view by extremely heavy smoke conditions that were visible as far as thirty miles away. Elevated water tank in background, which is adjacent to firebuilding, is 100 feet tall. A massive effort by over 400 hundred [sic] manning some fifty pieces of equipment, was required to control the blaze. The Camden Fire Department was assisted by the mutual-aid response of Fire Units from Camden County. A 10th Alarm for Box #4412 was transmitted for this fire. Photo by M. Hall.
(LIABILITY STATEMENT)
1) The contents of FIREWATCH magazine are not intended to reflect official Fire Department policy, and are published with the express purpose of broadening the member's understanding and interest in the Fire Fighting Profession, and the Labor Movement. Opinions and ascertations [sic] set forth by authors of articles in FIREWATCH magazine do not reflect the views of the Fire Department of the City of Camden, N.J. or Local #788, I.A.F.F.
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OFFICIAL DIRECTORY CAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Edward V. Michalak, Chief of Department
Dep. Chf. Joseph R. Guarino, Personnel & Administration
Dep. Chf. Daniel F. Jiannetto, Department Properties
Dep. Chf. Anthony C. Saponare, Support Services
Dep. Chf. Theodore L. Primas, Staff Services
Batt. Chf. Harold H. Pike, Chief Fire Marshal
Capt. Vincent G. Orme, Asst. Fire Marshal & Community Relations
Batt. Chf. Matthew J. Davies, Fire Training Academy
Capt. Ronald Guernon, Training Officer
Chief Joseph F. Wolfinger, Motor Maintenance Unit
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY CAMDEN FIREFIGHTER'S UNION, LOCAL #788, I.A.F.F.
Robert J. Williams, President E.11
William H. Colucci, 1st Vice President L.1
Robert K. Troutman, 2nd Vice President E.6
Richard J. Tate, 3rd Vice President E.8
Robert W. Frett, Secretary B.1-Aide
George F. Kifferly III, Treasurer E.11
Edward DeHart, State Delegate E.11
William S. DiPompo, State Delegate E.8
William L. Kamman, State Delegate E.3
PUBLICATION STAFF, FIREWATCH MAGAZINE
Editor Peter Carbone E.1
Asst. Editor Joseph Marini L.1
Circulation Martin Murray L.2
Historian Dennis Penn E.7
Art Robert Zieniuk E.3
Graphics B. James Nash E.8
ADVERTISING STAFF
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