Camden People - Robert Thomas

ROBERT L. "BOB" THOMAS was born around 1918. The 1940 Camden City Directory shows him living at 1180 Penn Street. He had moved to 38 Branch Village by 1943.

Robert L. Thomas was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in April of 1946. The 1947 Camden City Directory states that he was then living with his wife Evelyn at 38 Branch Village. Robert Thomas initially assigned to Engine Company No. 1, whose firehouse was located at 409 Pine Street.

Robert L. Thomas retired on pension on December 1, 1971. He passed away on June 13, 2009.

Circa 1949- Engine Company 1, wagon and pumper at front of quarters, South 4th & Pine Streets, South Camden. From left: Firemen Alfred Green, Fred Henderson, Charlie Cook, Leroy Hatchett, Robert Thomas, Andrew Robinson, James Richardson, Eugene Alston, James Clinton, Captains Jesse Jones and Raymond Amos.

Bob Thomas
of
Engine Company 1
with burnt hose lengths
after a spectacular
Greater Alarm Fire
1953

Photo By
Bob Bartosz

Click on Image to Enlarge

Camden Courier-Post - June 14, 2009

THOMAS, Robert L. Of Camden, he passed on June 13, 2009, at the age of 91.
One of the first Black Firefighters in Camden, he served from 1946-1971.
He is survived by his daughter, Arneatha Thomas, niece and nephew, Algiers
and Ron Holmes who were his caregivers, sisters-in law, Rhonda Scott,
Ethel Thomas El, and Alice Scott, other relatives and friends. Service 11AM Friday at CARL MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 831 Carl Miller Blvd., Camden,
where friends may call after 9AM. Interment Sunset Memorial Park.
A public viewing will be held Thursday 6-8pm at the funeral home.