THEODORE AUGUSTUS ZIMMERMAN was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on December 7, 1869 as an extra man with Engine Company 2. His brother Charles G. Zimmerman was also an original member of the department, serving with the Hook and Ladder Company. 

Theodore A. Zimmerman was the son of Gottlieb and Mary Zimmerman. He was born in Philadelphia on November 24, 1830. The family lived in Philadelphia through at least 1845 before moving to New Jersey. The Census of 1850 shows the family living in Camden's North Ward. Besides Theodore and his parents the family included older siblings Andrew, Rose, Caroline, and younger children  Hannah, Charles, Louisa and Henry. Gottlieb Zimmerman's occupation was given as landlord, in 1860 his occupation was "gentleman". The 1860 Census shows Charles, his parents and younger siblings living in Camden's North Ward.

Theodore A Zimmerman married in the 1850s. The 1860 Census shows that he kept a restaurant. He and wife Anna were then the parents of two children, a boy and a girl. He drilled with the Washington Grays, an independent militia organized by Richard H. Lee and others. The Washington Grays entered service in 1861 as Company F, 4th Regiment, New Jersey Infantry.

Theodore Zimmerman served in Civil War as a Second Lieutenant (also referred to as an Ensign) with the Company F, 4th Regiment, New Jersey Infantry, from April 27 to July 31, 1861. His younger brother Charles also served with this unit, as did others who would play a role in Camden in future years. This regiment was mustered into the U. S. service at Trenton, April 27, 1861, to serve for three months, and left the state for Washington, D. C., on May 3, with 37 commissioned officers and 743 non-commissioned officers and privates, a total of 777. On the evening of May 5 it reached the capital, and on the 9th it was ordered to go into camp at Meridian hill, where, within a few days the entire brigade was encamped, and where, on the 12th, it was honored by a visit from the president, who warmly complimented the appearance of the troops. On the evening of May 23 it joined the 2nd and 3d regiments and about midnight took up the line of march in silence for the bridge that spanned the Potomac. This bridge was crossed at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, the 2nd was posted at Roach's spring, and the 3d and 4th about half a mile beyond on the Alexandria road. On July 16, a guard was detailed from the 4th for a section of the Orange & Alexandria railroad, which it was important to hold; one company from the regiment guarded the Long bridge; still another was on duty at Arlington mills; and the remainder of the regiment, together with the 2nd, was ordered to proceed to Alexandria. On July 24, the term of service having expired, the 4th returned to New Jersey and was mustered out at Trenton, July 31, 1861.

On September 2, 1869 City Council enacted a municipal ordinance creating a paid fire department. It provided for the annual appointment of five Fire Commissioners, one Chief Marshal (Chief of Department) and two Assistant Marshals. The City was also divided into two fire districts. The boundary line ran east and west, starting at Bridge Avenue and following the tracks of the Camden and Amboy Railroad to the city limits. District 1 was south of this line and District 2 was north. The commissioners also appointed the firemen who were scheduled to work six 24 hour tours per week. William Abels, from the Weccacoe Hose Company No. 2 was appointed Chief Marshal with William J. Mines, from the Independence Fire Company No. 3 as Assistant Marshal for the 1st District, and William H. Shearman as the Assistant Marshal for the 2nd District. Abels had served with the volunteer fire departments of Philadelphia, Mobile, Alabama and Camden for sixteen years prior to his appointment as Chief of the paid force. William Abels was also the brother-in-law of Charles G. Zimmerman, brother of Theodore A. Zimmerman.

Prior to entering the fire department Theodore Zimmerman kept a hotel and had worked as a mail agent. He was living at 212 Bridge Avenue when he joined the department.

On November 10, 1869 City Council purchased the Independence Firehouse, the three-story brick building at 409 Pine Street, for $4500. The building was designated to serve as quarters for Engine Company 1 and the 1st District. On October 29, 1869 City Council authorized construction of a two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets as quarters for the 2nd District. On November 25th the Fire Commissioners signed a contract with M.N. Dubois in the amount of $3100 to erect this structure. The 2nd District would share these quarters with Engine Company 2 and the Hook & Ladder Company and the facility would also serve as department headquarters for the new paid force. The original contract remains part of the Camden County Historical Society collection. 

Two Amoskeag second class, double pump, straight frame steam engines were purchased at a cost of $4250 each. Two Silsby two wheel hose carts, each of which carried 1000 feet of hose, were another $550 each and the hook & ladder, built by Schanz and Brother of Philadelphia was $900. Each engine company received a steam engine and hose cart. Amoskeag serial #318 went to Engine Company 1, and serial #319 to Engine Company 2. The Fire Commission also secured the services of the Weccacoe and Independence steamers in case of fire prior to delivery of the new apparatus. Alfred McCully of Camden made the harnesses for the horses. Camden's Twoes & Jones made the overcoats for the new firemen and a Mr. Morley, also of Camden, supplied the caps and belts which were manufactured by the Migeod Company of Philadelphia. The new members were also issued badges.

This is the earliest known photo of fire headquarters on the northwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets. Originally built in 1869, the building shows signs of wear some twenty years later. Note the weathervane shaped like a fireman's speaking trumpet atop the tower. Also, the fire alarm bell is pictured to the left of the telegraph pole above the rooftop. The bell was removed from the building once the fire alarm telegraph system was expanded and in good working order.

This maker's plate once was attached to a harness made by A. McCully & Sons, 22 Market Street, Camden, New Jersey. This firm provided the first harnesses for the paid fire department in 1869.

Badges worn by the marshals, engineers, stokers and engine drivers bore the initial letter of their respective positions and their district number. The tillerman and his driver used the number "3" to accompany their initial letter. The extra men of the 1st District were assigned badges 1-10; 2nd District badges were numbered 11-20 and the extra men of the hook & ladder wore numbers 21-30.

Although the Fire Commission intended to begin operation of the paid department on November 20, 1869, the companies did not actually enter service until December 7th at 6 P.M. because the new apparatus and buildings were not ready. The new apparatus was not tried (tested) until December 9th.

The new members of Engine Company 2 were:            

Theodore A. Zimmerman was removed from service with the Camden Fire Department on April 18, 1871. He moved to Wall Township in Ocean County, and in time opened up a hotel known as the Osborn House. Theodore A, Zimmerman died on August 28, 1916 in Mt. Pleasant, New Jersey. He was buried at Atlantic View Cemetery in Manasquan, New Jersey.

Theodore Zimmerman's son, Arthur A. Zimmerman, was the premier bicycle racer in the world in the 1890s and early 1900s