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 —
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, DunBar A. C. and the Aces battled to a 1-all standstill at Dudley Grange.
Games with 11 to 13-year old baseball teams are being sought by the Westfield Acres B. C. Charles Evans, Apartment 418, Westfield Acres.
Carpenter Hurls Dunbar to Victory
Camden Courier-Post —
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 inning the winners pushed over six runs to win by a commanding lead. Ingram with two for three 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.”
Third Battalion Chief Theodore (Ted) Primas said, however, at its height, the blaze threatened to jump a 10-foot alleyway and burn nearby homes.
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
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Two Camden Toddlers Die As Fire Razes Row House
Camden Courier-Post —
Babysitter Seriously Burned
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 58 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 1:48 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 house.
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, “but to help take the chill away.”
According to Brown’s hospital bedside testimony, the children were playing in the kitchen.
“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 A. Kawa, is identified as the mother. 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 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.
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 —
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 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 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 — Retirement Ceremony
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. Mogck Jr. was sworn in as the new fire chief by Mayor Angelo J. Errichetti. Mogck 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 with 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