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COVER STORIES:

An empty feeling

The men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Department are trying to comprehend and cope with the loss of two of their own by a smoky fire that engulfed a two-story house in Port Richmond on Friday night.
The firefighters, 32-year veteran Capt. John D. Taylor, and Rey Rubio, a member of the department for 12 years, were responding to a call on the 3600 block of Belgrade St. and became trapped in the basement during firefighting efforts.
"The fire department lost two good members," said Lt. David Linn, of Ladder 10 at Kensington and Castor avenues, on Monday. "And when you know the individuals personally, it’s a sad feeling. I’ve had a sad feeling in my gut. It’s like you can’t believe it happened."

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Woodhaven critic

hits the road

The founder of a Northeast Philadelphia civic organization leading the effort to prevent construction of the highly controversial Woodhaven Road extension has resigned as president of the community group, citing his "change in availability" to the group.
Retired Philadelphia police officer Jim Weldon said he expects to stay involved with the Citizens Alliance for Westwood, which he created with the assistance of other concerned residents early last year in response to continued progress in project planning by state transportation officials. Gary Peterson, the former CAW vice president, will now head the group.
"I believe in what I’m doing," Weldon said. "I will still be involved in the organization.
"I’m still driven by my passion for the issue."


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