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Brother Fire Fighters,
Its early in the morning and for some reason I entered Pottstown Fire Department in my PC and
saw the highly professional web page y'all have established. Looking at the photo page brought
back many memories.
My name is Ken CoxSr., I was one of the original North End Junior Fire Fighters. In fact I still have
my North End Junior Assistant Fire Chief badge (sorry Harold Moyer)- I never turned it in when I left
Pottstown to attend college in the big apple and await my appointment to the FDNY, The year was
1961
The civil service list for NYC was moving at a snails pace so I took the test for Washington, DC and
was appointed to the DCFD on October 25, 1965.
I retired from the job in 1994, however I continue to serve on the Executive Board of The District of
Columbia Fire Fighters Association, Local 36, of The International Association of Fire Fighters,
AFL-CIO. This is an elected position and I feel honored, yet humble, that my fellow fire fighters have
continued, even though retired, to have reelected me since 1972. I have given new meaning to the
term "old fart." I am currently serving as First Vice President, and among my duties are the
managing editor of our official publication, "The Capital City Fire Fighter," and I lobby the D.C. City
Council and U.S. Congress (our budget is approved by Congress) and work closely with a
Congressman from your area, Rep. Curt Weldon. In fact Curt is an honorary member of our Local.
Looking at the photos, both old and new, brought back many memories.
I recall sitting in front of the station, on hot summer nights, until the wee hours of the morning,
waiting for "the big one" which never came.
In those days, North End was the step child of the PFD. I can recall one of the drivers, Richard
Strauss, responding to an alarm undispatched because the dispatchers at the Goodwill's refused
to dispatch the North End, unless it was practically in our own back yard.
Harold Moyer was the Chief of North End and drove a 1956-57 Green Chevy with a tiny red light and
a siren that sounded like it came off some kids bike. He was known for his "wild driving" on
responses and, being the new kid on the block, was treated with little to no respect from the other
chiefs. Looking back, I admired him for "hanging tough," eventually becoming the Borough Fire
Chief.
When I did return to Pottstown, which was very seldom, I would engage in some heated arguments
with Freddie Smith-"Smokey" over the North End responding on medical emergencies, along with
the Goodwill Ambulance, when a call was received that was in the NE local alarm district. I
suggested placing a trauma kit and resuscitator on the wagon, and have the members (at that
time) be Red Cross certified. The results would be all positive. Runs would increase which would
in turn, attract more younger members. I was never able to convince Fred of my way of
thinking...now everyone runs EMS calls.
Speaking of Freddie Smith...one funny story!
Freddie worked at Bauses Drug Store and he always parked his car at the fire station. I don't
remember what he did at the drug store, but he always worked until closing time, which was 10 or
11pm.
Anyway, I noticed that his car was unlocked. It was a 1953, yellow, 2 door chevy. I laid down on the
back floor and when "Smithy" started driving down the alley... I reached up and placed my hands
around his neck....and squeezed.
He let out the loudest, ear piercing scream one could possibly make..and floored the gas pedal
and fish tailed all the way down the alley...screaming all the way! Why he didn't wreck the car....or go
into cardiac arrest is beyond me. Looking back now, I realize how stupid I was, jeopardizing his life
(and mine).
But it was kind of funny!
Again, thanks for the memories and congratulations on your many accomplishments as a viable
part of the Pottstown Fire Department.
Fraternally,
Ken Cox
Local 36
D.C. Fire Fighters Association
Washington, D.C.
PS Is it possible to renew my membership which expired about 45 years ago?
Its early in the morning and for some reason I entered Pottstown Fire Department in my PC and
saw the highly professional web page y'all have established. Looking at the photo page brought
back many memories.
My name is Ken CoxSr., I was one of the original North End Junior Fire Fighters. In fact I still have
my North End Junior Assistant Fire Chief badge (sorry Harold Moyer)- I never turned it in when I left
Pottstown to attend college in the big apple and await my appointment to the FDNY, The year was
1961
The civil service list for NYC was moving at a snails pace so I took the test for Washington, DC and
was appointed to the DCFD on October 25, 1965.
I retired from the job in 1994, however I continue to serve on the Executive Board of The District of
Columbia Fire Fighters Association, Local 36, of The International Association of Fire Fighters,
AFL-CIO. This is an elected position and I feel honored, yet humble, that my fellow fire fighters have
continued, even though retired, to have reelected me since 1972. I have given new meaning to the
term "old fart." I am currently serving as First Vice President, and among my duties are the
managing editor of our official publication, "The Capital City Fire Fighter," and I lobby the D.C. City
Council and U.S. Congress (our budget is approved by Congress) and work closely with a
Congressman from your area, Rep. Curt Weldon. In fact Curt is an honorary member of our Local.
Looking at the photos, both old and new, brought back many memories.
I recall sitting in front of the station, on hot summer nights, until the wee hours of the morning,
waiting for "the big one" which never came.
In those days, North End was the step child of the PFD. I can recall one of the drivers, Richard
Strauss, responding to an alarm undispatched because the dispatchers at the Goodwill's refused
to dispatch the North End, unless it was practically in our own back yard.
Harold Moyer was the Chief of North End and drove a 1956-57 Green Chevy with a tiny red light and
a siren that sounded like it came off some kids bike. He was known for his "wild driving" on
responses and, being the new kid on the block, was treated with little to no respect from the other
chiefs. Looking back, I admired him for "hanging tough," eventually becoming the Borough Fire
Chief.
When I did return to Pottstown, which was very seldom, I would engage in some heated arguments
with Freddie Smith-"Smokey" over the North End responding on medical emergencies, along with
the Goodwill Ambulance, when a call was received that was in the NE local alarm district. I
suggested placing a trauma kit and resuscitator on the wagon, and have the members (at that
time) be Red Cross certified. The results would be all positive. Runs would increase which would
in turn, attract more younger members. I was never able to convince Fred of my way of
thinking...now everyone runs EMS calls.
Speaking of Freddie Smith...one funny story!
Freddie worked at Bauses Drug Store and he always parked his car at the fire station. I don't
remember what he did at the drug store, but he always worked until closing time, which was 10 or
11pm.
Anyway, I noticed that his car was unlocked. It was a 1953, yellow, 2 door chevy. I laid down on the
back floor and when "Smithy" started driving down the alley... I reached up and placed my hands
around his neck....and squeezed.
He let out the loudest, ear piercing scream one could possibly make..and floored the gas pedal
and fish tailed all the way down the alley...screaming all the way! Why he didn't wreck the car....or go
into cardiac arrest is beyond me. Looking back now, I realize how stupid I was, jeopardizing his life
(and mine).
But it was kind of funny!
Again, thanks for the memories and congratulations on your many accomplishments as a viable
part of the Pottstown Fire Department.
Fraternally,
Ken Cox
Local 36
D.C. Fire Fighters Association
Washington, D.C.
PS Is it possible to renew my membership which expired about 45 years ago?
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