Camden’s First Female Fire Captain Hangs Up Her Gear After 22 Years

The first woman to reach captain rank in Camden's fire department retires after a career that changed the culture

By: April Saul

Outlets: New Jersey Urban News

Published: June 3, 2026

Words: 953

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago

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Lydia Chapman had never imagined becoming a firefighter – much less making history as one – in her native Camden.

Twenty-two years ago, Chapman, now 55, was raising four little girls under the age of 10 with husband Ed Chapman, and working as a part-time librarian.

On May 28, as she was about to retire from the Camden Fire Department in front of a crowd of cheering coworkers at Engine 11 in the …

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