Camden People - Jesse N. Flax

JESSE N. FLAX served with Ladder Company No. 2 of the Camden Fire Department for 27 years before retiring on May 1, 1994. His older half-brother, Thomas J. Carter, had served with the Camden Fire Department for five years in the 1950s. He was a founding member of the Brotherhood of United Fire Fighters, and a Korean War veteran. He passed away on December 5, 2007.

Jesse Flax's son, Jesse M. "Monte" Flax, began his career with the Camden Fire Department on May 1, 1994. As of 2018 he is serving as Deputy Chief of the department

FIRE WATCH - Summer 1977

FIREHOUSE CHATTER

"A TIP O' THE HELMET TO" .... Fr. Bill Huelas and Fr. Dick Prosser of Engine 7, and Fr. Jim Hillman and Capt. Bob Lapp of Engine 8, for the fine rescues of three trapped and unconscious children, performed at all hands-Box #5214, transmitted at 2330 hours on April 10, 1977 for a fire located at 1264 Thurman Street. Teamwork on the part of all units resulted in the saving of life and the quick confinement of fire. Also glad to hear of Fr. Jesse Flax's return to duty from medical leave following a bad feed of smoke inhalation, received while operating at this Box. Units operating at all hands5214 were Engine 7 and Engine 8, Ladder Co. 2, and 3rd Battalion under the command of B. C. George Kurtyan. A job well done.

FIRE WATCH - 1997

Fire Rescue 1
by Bob Bartosz

Camden NJ Fire Rescue has the reputation of being one of the busiest in the City, answering all building fires and miscellaneous HazMat operations and rescue calls. On April 14, 1997, Rescue 1 started their routine day going to work on a one alarm dwelling fire in the morning just after the noon day lunch they were called for a working building fire in a two story vacant in the East Camden section of the City. After 45 minutes of duty they were then dispatched to a dwelling fire in the South Camden section, this turned out to be a small kitchen fire that Rescue 1 quickly handled.

As Rescue 1 was returned to their quarters, the tone alarms went out for Engine Company 10, Rescue 1, and Battalion 3 (Chief Joe Gallagher) for a call to assist Police on the 1300 block of Fairview Street. When the Companies arrived they found two car loads of Police Officers trying to get into a parked car that was locked. Inside the car was a one year old little girl who was accidentally locked in the car by her mother. After persistent efforts the police were unable to gain access and Rescue 1 was called.

After several different methods were attempted, the old unbent coat hanger method proved to be the best. Fire Fighters Joel Bain and Eddie Glassman were able to release the door lock with the coat hanger.

The rescue operation consisted of 9 fire fighters, 6 police officers and a crowd of 30 onlookers. All were relieved when the door was finally opened, one year old Alexus Lindsey sat patiently smiling in her car seat. Fire Fighter Jesse Flax was more than happy to lean in and remove her from the car seat.

Just another day for Rescue 1.

Members of Camden NJ Rescue 1, work to free a one year old baby locked in a parked car in the 1300 block of Fairview Street in the South Camden section of the City.

Camden Fire Fighter Jesse Flax, with one year old Alexus Lindsey after being safely removed from her brief entrapment. Fire Fighter Eddie Glassman shown to the left.

Photos by Bob Bartosz

Camden Courier-Post * December 8, 2007

FLAX, JESSE N.

On December 5, 2007; of Camden, NJ; age 68 years.
Husband of Barbara Flax; Son of the late Jesse and Ethel Flax; Devoted father of Crystal A., Tina D., Lynne M., and Jesse 'Monte'; Loving grandfather of Corey, Cortlen, Cameron, Breean, Chelsey, Tamara, Dayquan, Alexas and Jesse 'Myles'. Dear brother of Lula Washington, William Flax, and the late Thomas Carter and Richard Flax; Dear brother in law of Theodore and his wife Naomi Akrie, and Olivia Flax. Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a close friend Lois.
A United States Army Veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Flax was a firefighter with Ladder 2 of the Camden Fire Department for 27 years until his retirement. He was also one of the founding members and former president of the Brotherhood of United Firefighters.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Monday from 6 to 8 PM and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the FALCO/CARUSO & LEONARD
PENNSAUKEN FUNERAL HOME, 6600 No. Browning Rd, where Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. Info, condolences and guestbook at www.carusocare.com.