Leonard
Edward
Oshushek

LEONARD EDWARD OSHUSHEK was born April 1, 1918 in Carney's Point NJ to Clara and Samuel Oshushek. He joined the Camden Fire department on November 13, 1941.

During 1941 while anticipating a heavy water demand in the event of enemy attack, the city water system was interconnected with the adjoining municipality of Pennsauken Township. A thirty inch water main was constructed along River Road to tie the Pennsauken Pumping Station into the Camden system.

Another measure of defense readiness concerned the use of air raid warning devices for public notification. Air raid sirens were installed on the roofs of local industries, businesses and public buildings as well as firehouses.  

Tthe sense of increased urgency was evident in a municipal directive issued By Public Safety Commissioner Mary W. Kobus in 1942 stating: "If an Emergency signal is received from the United States Arms Information Center advising local defense officials that an air raid is imminent, all fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles will be placed on the apron in front of their respective quarters and their sirens, exhaust whistles or other audio devices shall be sounded as an air raid warning".

A number of Federal Decrees were also enacted regulating public conduct in the event of air raid warnings. With the sounding of alarms, all civilian traffic must stop and everyone must seek shelter. One new Federal Regulation prohibited fire apparatus from using sirens in response to alarms. Under war-time regulations, sirens would be reserved exclusively for air raid warnings.

The use of audible warning devices by fire apparatus was restricted to bells only. The burden to both fire fighters and the public safety was formidable. On March 1, 1942, the inevitable happened. Engine Company 8 while responding to an alarm was involved in a collision with a ten ton truck at Third Street and Kaighn Avenue. Upon impact all of the firemen were thrown into the street. The truck driver declared that he failed to hear the bells of the approaching apparatus. The mishap resulted in injuries to six members and total destruction of the apparatus. Captain Alvin Thompson was listed in critical condition, while Firemen Mitchell Wojkowiak, Philip Farrow, Leonard Oshushek, Lawrence Boulton and Edwin Robbins were admitted for lesser injuries. Battalion Chief Newton stated that he believed the accident might have been avoided if fire companies were not prohibited from using sirens. 

On the same day another mishap occurred at Ninth Street and Ferry Avenue when Engine 3 was struck by an automobile, the motorist stating that he heard the bell but thought the apparatus was somewhere behind him. A week later Ladder Company 2 was involved in yet another crash at Tenth Street and Kaighn Avenue when the motorist said he did not hear the apparatus coming.

The war-time regulations would continue to hamper the Department for the next three years. Deputy Chief Charles Erickson registered a complaint with Commissioner Rhone to see what could be done about lifting the ban.  

Leonard Oshushek retired on December 1, 1971. A resident of Franklinville NJ in his later years, he passed away on March 17, 2006.

Camden Courier-Post * March 19, 2006

Camden Courier-Post * March 19, 2006

OSHUSHEK, LEONARD EDWARD
Age 87, of Franklinville, formerly of Camden, died on Friday, March 17, 2006, in S.J. Reg. Medical Center, Vineland.
Born in Carneys Point, Mr. Oshushek lived in Camden for many years. He has been a resident of Franklinville for 26 years. Prior to retirement after 32 years of service, he was an acting Chief for the City of Camden Fire Department.
Beloved husband of the late Lillian (nee Slavinski). Devoted father of Virginia C. vonRhine (Carl) of Port Norris and Christopher A. Oshushek (Colleen) of Franklinville. Dear brother of Edwin O'Shea (Arlene) of W. Collingswood Heights.
Funeral service 10 AM, Tuesday, March 21 in the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, Broad and Maple Sts., Clayton, NJ (856) 881-3040. Viewing Tuesday, 9 AM to service time. Entombment Harleigh Cemetery, Camden..