USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 5
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FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 01/07/1879 Page 4, Col. 5.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ITEMS.
Engineer John Graf has been suspended by the fire committee on a charge of insubordination. The council will act upon his case.
Two new horses are wanted for the use of the department.
As soon as the new steamer goes into use the Anthony Wayne will undergo some necessary repairs.
The department has about 2,000 feet of good hose, and needs 1,000 more.
The council at its next session will probably authorize the mayor to offer a large reward for the apprehension of parties guilty of tampering with the fire alarm telegraph.
The fire committee will not report in favor of any more cisterns or alarm boxes at present. The subject of distributing the fire apparatus to varions sections of the city is again being agitated, and will probably be brought to the attention of the council at an early date.
The old project of selling off the second ward engine house property is again being discussed in certain quarters.
STEAMER TRIAL.
This afternoon the new fire steamer "Charley Zollinger" was formally tested near the old Comparet warehouse, at the foot of Columbia street. The engine with three men, fuel, and three gauges of water, weighed 7,900 pounds. The net weight is 7,400 pounds. In six minutes after smoke came out of the stack twenty pounds of steam were raised. A 1 1/2 inch nozzle was used, and through 500 feet of hose a steady solid stream was thrown a distance of 180 feet. The wind was very unfavorable. The new engine works smoothly and easily, stands firmly and is a model. There was an average steam pressure of ninety pounds during the text. When the reporter left preparations were making for tests with different sized nozzles and through a longer line of hose.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 01/08/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
RANDALL AND ZOLLINGER.
THEY HAVE A COMPARATIVE TEST- THAT IS, THE ENGINES OF THOSE NAMES.
Yesterday the trial of the new steamer, after the first test, reported in last evening's Sentinel, was continued through lines of hose 150, 750 and 1,000 feet long. The maximum distance thrown was 180 feet, which was reached on the first test. The steam pressure averaged about 100 pounds and the water pressure from 250 to 275.
The Frank Randall steamer, a rotary engine built by the Silsby Company and recently rebuilt by Kerr Murray, of this city, was then brought out and did magnificent work, throwing with 90 pounds of steam a solid stream of water a greater distance than could be reached by the new engine. There was larger crowd present, and the excitement ran high, in as much as there were two factions; one favoring the "Charley Zollinger" and the other championing the "Frank Randall". The latter has been in service about seventeen years, and is now as good an engine as can be found anywhere. It only needs a new set of wheels to render it entirely serviceable.
It will be remembered that the Sentinel alone, of all the city papers, favored the rebuilding of the Randall steamer by a Fort Wayne institution, while the other papers declared that this would be a useless waste of money. The results has vindicated the Sentinel's judgement, and is a large sized feather in Fort Wayne's cap, of which every citizen should be proud.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/09/1879
Page 3, Col. 3-4.
GRIM VISAGED WAR.
BREAKS OUT WITH MUCH FURY IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 4
A "Sentinel" Reporter Investigates- Interview with Chief Vogel.
The fire department, after a long period of abnormal quietude, is again stirred up with internal dissensions arising from various causes. Chief Vogel is being hauled over the coals quite vigorously by his ancient enemies, reinforced by some former friends who are
OFF WITH THE OLD LOVE,
and by whom he is charged with divers and sundry offenses. The News, which has always adhered closely to Vogel's fortunes, seems to have soured on him, and the Gazette this morning prints an attack of nearly a column upon him. The Sentinel has no desire to mix in this fight but only cares to see fair play. A reporter therefore called upon Chief Vogel this morning, and proceeded to pump him.
"What's the racket all about, Mr. Chief?" asked the scribe in his usual fascinating manner.
"O, election is approaching, and I'm getting some free advertising," was the reply.
R .- Well, what about the Graf trouble?
V .- My letter in the News last night was correct. I didn't want to suspend Graf. I told him that he could return to work, if he would obey orders in future. He said he had never considered me his boss, and never would. Mr. McCulloch, chairman of the fire committee, then suspended him, and said if one of his employes would talk to him that way, he would be kicked out of the store.
R .- How about the Randall steamer?
V .- The charge that I ever placed the engine under any disadvantage is A BARE-FACED LIE.
Why, on Monday the engine didn't throw within twelve or fifteen feet of the new steamer, and, if it had been kept running four hours, it would have gone all to pieces and made nothing but a scrap pile. The boiler is leaking now so that the engine will have to be fixed before it is used again. One main objection against the engine is that it is too heavy. It weighs 9,800 pounds, 2,400 more than the new steamer, and when the roads are anyway bad or rough it takes four horses to pull it. Last night, in responding to the alarm from box 1-7, one of the wheels went through a plank and broke one of the footboards. A large force of men had to take hold and help the horses start the engine again or it would have been there yet.
R .- Wouldn't a new set of wheels make the engine all right?
V .- They would help, but Mr. Murray ought to have put them on, as he took the contract to return the steamer
IN FIRST CLASS SHAPE.
I don't say the Randall isn't a good engine in some respects, nor that it won't do good work, but I'll bet I can take the old Vigilant out and beat it.
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R .- Are you on bad terms with the fire committee?
V .- Not at all. We are on the very best of terms. I never had an unpleasant word with anyone of them, and never attempted to keep them out of my office.
R .- Do you have trouble with the men?
V .- No, sir. None of my men will complain of me. So long as they do their work well, they are always treated nicely.
R .- Does the present department work smoothly?
V .- First rate. The story that it is composed of boys is all bosh. There isn't a person employed under me who is not over twenty-one years of age. They are all good men and do their work well.
By invitation of Mr. Vogel, the reporter visited the engine house and PUMPED THE "BOYS."
All of them said they had no fault to find with the treatment given them by the chief.
Pat Bulger, the driver of the frank Randall, said so far as he knew the steamer always had a fair chance, but that the main trouble was its excessive weight.
Councilman Putnam here put in appearance and asked the chief if it were true as reported, that he sent for the city's men to come to his house and made them go and get oysters for him.
The chief laughed and said that it wasn't true. The only foundation for the story was that on a recent cold night when he was sick at home he sent for a driver on city business. Mike Connors responded, and when he left Vogel asked him as a favor to tell his (Vogel's) hostler to bring him up some oysters.
The reporter visited Councilman Vordermark, of the fire committee, and asked him
concerning the relations of the chief and the committee. Mr. Vordermark said they were entirely pleasant and satisfactory to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Councilman Chittenden, of the fire committee, said there was no serious trouble between the committee and the chief. The chief was sometimes too dictatorial and inclined to assume too much authority, but the committee was not disposed to abdicate any of its functions. Vogel was in most respects a good chief. In the recent troubles Mr. Chittenden thought both sides somewhat to blame.
Councilman McCulloch, chairman of the committee, was out of the city and therefore escaped an interview.
It was developed during the reporter's tour of investigation that Councilman Hettler and Chief Vogel, instead of being intimate friends as formerly are now bitter enemies of several months standing.
At the next meeting of the council the ordinance for the government of the department will come up, and also the Graf matter and the question of accepting the new steamer. A lively racket may be expected.
949
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/09/1879 Page 3, Col. 3-4.
The Vigilant steamer is out of repair.
Fort Wayne is the luckiest city in the country in respect to exemption from large fires.
Another false alarm- this time from box 1-7- called out the fire department last night.
The Frank Randall steamer is to be driven over the West Main street bridge Saturday, by way of test.
Louis Steup was to-day elected postmaster of the state senate, and started at once for Indianapolis to enter upon the discharge of his duties.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 01/11/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
It is stated that Kerr Murray offers to put up $500 that the Randall steamer can beat the Zollinger at any test that may be proposed.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 01/13/1879
Page 4, Col. 4.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MATTERS.
The fire committee met this morning and audited a number of bills. It was decided to refer back the question of accepting the Vigilant steamer to the council, the committee claiming that Mr. Murray did not fulfill his contract, and he claiming that he did. The suspension of Engineer Graf, with the reasons therefor, will also be reported without recommendation.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 01/14/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
Some one broke a key in fire alarm box No. 34 last evening.
There are now twenty-six fire alarm boxes in the city. When the system was introduced there were sixteen boxes.
951
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 01/15/1879 Page 1, Col. 3.
WIND WORKS.
IN FULL BLAST AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER LAST EVENING.
THE VOGEL-GRAF TROUBLE REFERRED BACK TO THE FIRE COMMITTEE.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE VIGILANT STEAMER AFTER A WARM DEBATE.
PASSAGE OF THE ORDINANCE FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire committee reported as follows: T His Honor, the Mayor, and Gentlemen of the Common Council:
Your committee on fire department respectfully report that in the matter of the 5th section of our last report, referred back to us, in relation to the Vigilant engine, that the engineers of the department say that said engine cannot be made first-class, according to specifications and contract, without a new fire box, as that was the main cause of her needing repairs; and that the experts have no authority under the contract to accept said engine, they being only judges of material actually used and workmanship actually performed, and are not judges of the amount to be done.
The contract above referred to is hereunto appended, and made a part of this report.
Your committee, under the circumstances cannot recommend the acceptance of said engine. Respectfully submitted,
F. H. McCulloch, J. W. Vordermark,
The report was received and placed on file.
A minority report, signed by Mr. Chittenden, recommending that the entire matter be referred to the experts, Messrs. Boone and Mckean, for their opinion was received and placed on file.
The same committee reported the suspension of Engineer John Graf for cause.
Mr. Muhler moved to refer back.
Mr. Graham moved to amend by instructing the committee to report the causes of the suspension ..
Mr. Hettler charged that the committee had not acted according to law, having failed to suspend Mr. Graf by letter.
Mr. McCulloch responded that Mr. Graf had stated that he considered himself off duty, and that the committee had acted under advice of the city attorney.
Mr. Graham condemned the committee for failing to report all the facts in the matter so that the council might take action intelligently.
Mr. McCulloch said he was not a lawyer, but had taken the city attorney's advice. The committee had reported the suspension to the council, and awaited the further instructions of
952
that body. Mr. Graf had refused to obey the orders of the chief, whether right or wrong. If they were wrong he had his redress.
Mr. Graham demanded charges in writing against Mr. Graf. He wanted the matter sent back to the committee, to get written charges from the chief, investigate the case, and report fully at the next meeting.
Mr. McCulloch said that there were no charges because there was no tribunal to try them before.
Capt. Hettler made a vigorous speech denouncing the chief engineer severely and criticizing the committee for their action. He said if the principle maintained by the committee was endorsed by the council "our republic would fall to pieces." He said Graf was one of the best engineers we ever had, and that he had many times saved engines from destruction by disobeying the orders of his chief.
Mr. McCulloch thought a good deal of wind was being wasted. The gentlemen reminded him of the windbags for sale at the Fruit House, which whistle when they are squeezed. Mr. Graf had not been treated unjustly. The action of the committee was purely preliminary. The council was the tribunal to try him. It might perhaps delegate its power to a committee.
Mr. Graham said a good many little boys had been knocked over by those wind bags sold at the Fruit House, and some big boys would be knocked over by other wind bags if they were not careful. He said the council could not try Graf until the committee or the chief preferred charges, as required by law.
Mr. Cody thought no man should be hung until he had a trial.
Mr. McCulloch said he was as anxious to have Mr. Graf receive a full hearing as any member of the council.
Mr. Bash thought the matter should be referred back to the committee.
Mr. Graham's motion referring back the report to the fire committee with instructions to have the chief engineer prefer charges in writing to the committee, to take evidence and report the same and their conclusions to the council at its next meeting, was carried.
The fire committee reported in favor of accepting the "Charley Zollinger" steamer. Referred to the fire committee.
ORDINANCES.
An ordinance regulating the government of the fire department, as prepared by the judiciary committee was adopted unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS.
A resolution to accept the Vigilant steamer and pay Kerr Murray his bill was offered by Mr. Graham.
Mr. Hogan moved to adopt.
Mr. Muhler moved to refer to a special committee of three, with Mr. Graham as chairman, with power to act.
The matter was discussed by Messrs. Muhler, Graham, Hettler and others.
Mr. Graham claimed that the contract had been fulfilled.
953
Mr. Vondermark said the contract called for the engine to be placed in first-class condition. The flues leak and the fire box is in bad shape, and the committee does not consider that "first- class condition."
Mr. McCulloch said Mr. Murray had admitted that the engine needed a new fire box, but wanted the committee to have him put in a new fire box and allow him $175 therefor, although the contract provided that Mr. Murray should not be paid for any extra material or work.
Mr. Graham read the contract and insisted that the council had no alternative but to accept the engine.
Mr. Hettler said the council ought to take action and accept the engine at once.
Mr. Muhler said the chief engineer, two fire committees and the city attorney had all reported against the acceptance of the engine. He said the experts had never made any official report to the council.
In response to Mr. Hettler's reflections upon the fire committee, Mr. McCulloch said he thought the committee was doing as well now as when Mr. Hettler was chairman.
Mr. Chittenden, referring to the contract said that the specifications were like the flues- they leaked.
After further discussion, the question on Mr. Muhler's amendment to refer to a special committee with power to act, was lost by a vote of 4 ayes to 14 noes.
Mr. Graham's resolution was then adopted by the following vote: Ayes- Bash, Breen, Chittenden, Fox, Graham, Hettler, Hogan, Holmes, Leinker, Putnam, Reese, Reidmiller and Wilkinson- 13.
Nays- McCulloch, Muhler and Vordermark- 3.
954
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 01/15/1879
Page 4, Col. 4-5.
The fire committee will meet this evening to take action in the Graf matter as directed by the council.
The alarm this afternoon was caused by a small blaze in Mrs. Dr. Green's house on West Main street. Damage small.
FIRE.
An alarm was turned in this morning at 3:30 from box 2-4, caused by a fire in the one-story frame dwelling house of Fred. Guth at No. 2 Hanna street. The damage done was about $50; insured for $300 in the Home of New York. The fire was caused by hot ashes. The box was broken badly in turning in the alarm.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/16/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
At the council meeting Tuesday night Mr. Hettler stated that we have no lega first and second assistant chief engineers of the fire department. Chief Vogel having failed to make his appointments last spring, as required by law.
955
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 01/21/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
Chief Engineer Vogel has preferred charges against John Graf, and the matter will be investigated by the fire committee on Friday evening.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/23/1879
Page 4, Col. 4.
The new heater was attached to the Randall steamer to-day, and worked well.
The fire committee will meet to-morrow evening to investigate the Graf case.
The paid members of the fire department drew an undershirt and a bottle of perfumery in the lottery.
956
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/23/1879
Page 4, Col. 5.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
TEXT OF THE NEW ORDINANCE REGULATING ITS GOVERNMENT.
The following is the full text of the ordinance regulating the fire department recently passed by the council.
AN ORDINANCE
Relating to and regulating the government of the Fort Wayne fire department, and defining the powers and duties of the members thereof:
Section 1. Be it ordained by the common council of the city of Fort Wayne, that the fire department of said city shall consist of a chief engineer, a first and second assistant chief engineer, as many foreman, enginemen, hosemen, truckmen and other persons as may be deemed necessary by the common council; to be divided into companies as the number of ยท engines and fire apparatus, belonging to the city in active service, shall from time to time require.
Sec. 2. The fire committee shall consist of three members of the common council, to be appointed by the mayor. It shall be their duty to examine and report to the council upon all matters relating to the fire department referred to them by the common council. They shall at all times have free access to all and every portion of all the engine houses, rooms, stables and premises, and power to examine and report upon the condition of all fire apparatus and property of said department. And upon receiving notice of suspension of any member by the chief engineer, said committee, together with the mayor, shall give such suspended member a fair and impartial trial, and shall not remove any such member without first giving him an opportunity to be heard and defend his case. The said committee, together with the mayor, shall have power to suspend, expel, fine or reinstate any such suspended member. They shall have power at all times to purchase all feed, fuel and supplies necessary as the same from time to time are needed. And in case of emergency shall have power to have any of the Fire apparatus repaired sufficiently to keep them fit for service.
Sec. 3. The chief engineer shall keep a record of all doings and workings of said fire department subject at all times to inspection. He shall semi-annually in the months of April and October, at its first regular meeting in each month, make an accurate report to the common council of the doings and condition of said department. And shall make special reports at such times as the common council shall by resolution require. He, together with the fire committee, shall have the appointment of and entire control over the employes and property of said department. The chief shall have power to suspend any employe for cause, and in case of the suspension of any employes, it shall be his duty to at once notify the fire committee thereof in writing, giving his reasons therefor. The chief engineer shall be held accountable for the safe and proper care of all city property in his custody as such chief. He shall make such rules and regulations for the government, discipline and good order of the department as he may from time
957
to time deem expedient; such rules and regulations before taking effect to be first ratified and approved by two-thirds vote of the council. He shall at fires have sole command over all officers, employes and persons who may be present. It shall be his duty to examine into the condition of all cisterns, fire apparatus and houses connected therewith and report the same to the fire committee of the council. He shall, upon dereliction of duty, malfeasance in office, or the violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance or the rules and regulations governing the said department be removed by the common council at its pleasure.
Sec. 4. The first and second assistant chief engineers shall be appointed by the chief engineer at the first meeting after his appointment, and such appointments to be confirmed by the common council. The assistant engineer shall assist the chief engineer and obey his orders, and in the absence of the chief engineer take command according to rank, and perform the duties and have the powers of the chief engineer at fires and on other occasions.
Sec. 5. The chief engineer, or in his absence the person acting as chief, with the concurrence of the mayor, or in his absence with the concurrence of any fire councilman, may direct the firemen to take down, blow up, or cause to be blown up or destroy, any building or erection during the progress of a fire, for the purpose of checking or extinguishing the same.
Sec. 6. The officers and employes of said department with their apparatus shall, at all times when on duty, have the right away over and across any highway, and shall have power to stop any train necessary when going to or working at a fire, except such trains as carry the United States mail: and any person in or upon any such highway or train who shall refuse such right of way or willfully obstruct any fire apparatus, officer or men, shall, upon conviction, forfeit and pay a fine to said city not to exceed one hundred dollars.
Sec. 7. No person shall go over any hose of the fire department when laid down to be used with any vehicle without first having obtained the consent of the chief engineer or officer in command.
Sec. 8. The chief and assistant engineers shall have all the power of police officers during the continuance of a fire, to suppress disturbances and to arrest any person who may commit any breach of the peace, or any depredation or injury to the property of another or who shall refuse to obey any order or direction lawfully given by said engineer or his assistants, and to conduct the offender before the mayor or other proper magistrate, or if necessary to commit him to the county prison or jail until a hearing can be had.
Sec. 9. All members of the department shall be furnished by the chief with a copy of the fire ordinances and rules and regulations of said department to be provided by the city, and a copy of said ordinances, rules and regulations, shall be framed and placed in a prominent place in each engine house, and it shall be the duty of all officers and members to conform to all the requirements of such ordinances, rules and regulations.
Sec. 10. The mayor shall have the power at any time to offer such reward as he may deem necessary for the detection of persons tampering with or in any manner injuring the fire alarm telegraph, and in case of the arrest and conviction of any person for such unlawful acts, they shall be fined in any sum not less than one hundred dollars, and stand committed until the same is paid or replevied.
Sec. 11. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any of the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Sec. 12. This ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its passage and legal publication.
958
Done at the council chamber in the city of Fort Wayne this 14th day of January, 1879. Attest: C. A. Zollinger, Mayor. John H. Trentman, City Clerk.
1
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Page 4, Col. 3.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 01/25/1879
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ROW.
ENGINEER GRAF'S TRIAL ON A CHARGE OF INSUBORDINATION.
Last evening Councilmen McCulloch and Vordermark, of the fire committee, tried John Graf, late engineer, on a charge of disobedience of orders on the 2d of January, preferred by Chief Vogel.
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