Camden People - John M. Maroldo

The Miracle of Easter - March 30, 1970

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Manpower of two Engine Companies get big line into service and give fire "a dash" from the street before attempting interior attack at Fourth Alarm, North 6th & Penn Streets, March 30, 1970.


Fourth Alarm for fire and collapse at electronics supply house, North 6th & Penn Streets, center city in March 1970. Scene depicts exterior operations at height of fire as heavy smoke vents from building. Roof and top floor of building collapsed trapping members of Engine Company 1

Members access basement and prepare to advance handline through sidewalk cellar doors during overhaul at Fourth Alarm, North 6th & Penn Streets- 3-30-1970

All hands anxiously await their turn on the inside during rescue operations following collapse of fire building on Easter Monday, March 1970. At time of collapse Engine 1 was operating handline on second floor while overhauling. Without warning roof and second floor pancaked into first floor and basement. Captain Phillip Maycott and Fire Fighters Alston, DeHart, Maroldo and Winters were buried amid tons of rubble. All members managed to extricate themselves except for "the Officer and the Probie".

Removed from ruins of collapse is Probationary Fire Fighter John Maroldo. Maroldo narrowly escaping certain death after being entombed for over an hour is seen shouting at members to "find my captain".

Captain Vincent Orme, Engine Company 7 reassures Maroldo that continuing rescue operations are underway.


Captain Maycott as last member removed from collapse is carried to waiting ambulance. Units at scene breached walls and performed tunneling and shoring operations to reach trapped members. Both Maycott and Maroldo miraculously escaped with just bruises and sprains. Remaining members of Engine 1 were treated for cuts and scrapes following near catastrophe on March 30, 1970.

Camden Courier-Post * August 26, 2002

MAROLDO, JOHN M.
On August 24, 2002, of Collingswood, NJ. Age 61 years.
Husband of Patricia H. Maroldo (nee Kneble). Father of: Angela H. Maroldo, John J. (Sharon) and James M. Also survived by 3 grandchildren, Meredith, John J. Jr. and Michael, his father, John Maroldo, a sister, Eileen Gauld and very special dear friends. Il nostro amore e'eterno.
He was a 1959 graduate of Collingswood High School, a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1958-1962. He was also a Camden City Fireman from 1969-2001, retiring with the rank of Captain, where he served with Engine Co. #1.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Thurs. 10AM from FOSTER'S FUNERAL HOME, Haddon and Lees Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial Thurs. 11AM at the Church of St. John, Park and Lees Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Entombment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ. Friends may call Wed. evening 7-9PM at the funeral home.