Tag: Samuel Patton

  • Samuel Patton

    Samuel Patton stood among the original members of the Camden Fire Department, commencing his service on December 7, 1869, assuming the role of an extra man with Engine Company 2. Prior to joining the fire department, he had been employed as a laborer. At the time of his enlistment in the fall of 1869, he…

  • Inception of the First Paid Fire Department in the US

    Inception of the First Paid Fire Department in the US

    On June 7, 1866 Camden’s City Council enacted an ordinance reorganizing the volunteer fire service to improve efficiency in operations. This ordinance provided for increased compensation to the fire companies (Weccacoe and Independence got $800 per annum to be paid quarterly, the Weccacoe and Shiffler Hose companies and the United States Fire Company received $200…