USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1900 > Part 35
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Harry W. Elwell,
April 21, 1868,
Driver,
Fireman,
Hudson st.
Harry J. Locke,
April 25, 1871,
Driver,
Fireman,
Gilman st.
Fred S. Young,
Feb. 1, 1867,
Hoseman,
On water works,
Oxford st. Avon st.
Oscar J. Lingley,
April 5, 1860,
Hoseman,
Milkman,
Benjamin F. Johnson,
Nov. 20, 1864,
Hoseman,
R. R. Yard Man,
Medford st.
Sewall M. Rich,
Nov. 6, 1866,
Hoseman,
Merchant,
Medford st.
Joseph W. Mess,
Sept. 25, 1863,
Hoseman,
Pedler,
Chester ave.
Charles W. Boyer,
Dec. 23, 1871,
Hoseman,
Mech. Engineer,
Highland ave.
Melvin F. Underwood,
Nov. 28, 1873,
Hoseman,
Electrician,
Richdale ave.
ENGINE COMPANY NO. 2.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Thomas H. Daly,
April 3, 1845,
Captain,
Fireman,
Broadway.
John Frizzell,
Oct. 14, 1856,
Lieutenant,
Painter,
Everett ave.
Clarence V. Cook,
Oct. 1, 1858,
Engineer,
Fireman,
Arthur st.
Walter H. Young,
Dec. 25, 1869,
Asst. Engineer,
Fireman,
Fountain ave.
Lewis E. Seymour, Jr.,
March 25, 1873, July 15, 1863,
Driver, Driver,
Fireman,
Flint st.
William J. Logan,
July 4, 1840,
Hoseman,
Painter, Painter,
Autumn st.
Robert Geaton, Charles T. Garland,
Feb. 22, 1861,
Hoseman,
Hoseman,
Coal Dealer,
Broadway.
Edward W. Burgess,
Aug. 3, 1859,
Hoseman,
Vegetable Dealer,
Otis st.
Cornelius A. Doherty,
April 30, 1873,
Hoseman,
Milk Dealer,
Webster st.
Caleb W. Kimball,
July 16, 1874,
Hoseman,
Paperhanger,
Cross st.
Frederick W. Kimball,
Aug 11, 1866,
Hoseman,
Woodworker,
Brook st.
ENGINE COMPANY NO. 4.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
John Gillooly,
June 9. 1856,
Acting Captain,
Fireman,
Winslow ave.
Danforth S. Steele,
Sept. 9, 1850,
Lieutenant,
Fireman,
Leslie pl.
Lindorf D. Bixby,
Jan. 31, 1841,
Engineer,
Fireman,
Highland ave.
Samuel H. Stevens, Charles H Stearns,
May 18, 1842,
Act. Asst. Engin'r,
Fireman,
Highland ave.
Dec. 7, 1854,
Driver, Driver,
Fireman,
Highland ave. College ave.
Arthur M. Gilman,
Fireman,
Lineman,
Chandler st.
Eugene H. Jones, John F. Burton, James I. King,
Aug. 19, 1866, June 17, 1864, Feb. 14, 1857, March 30, 1865, April 28, 1868,
Hoseman,
Painter,
College ave.
John A. Sander,
George C. Creighton,
Sept. 18, 1865,
Hoseman, Hoseman, Hoseman,
Type Founder,
Cutter ave.
John B. Rufer,
Blacksmith,
Highland ave.
George F. Bixby,
March 16, 1869, Hoseman, March 27, 1869, Hoseman,
Salesman,
Highland ave.
George H. Moore,
June 20, 1871,
Hoseman,
Cigar Dealer,
Wallace st.
Painter,
Elm ct.
Teamster,
Elm ct.
Hoseman,
Fireman,
Flint st.
Arthur C. Sellon,
Autumn st.
Nov. 15, 1871,
27 Summit ave.
422
ANNUAL REPORTS.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 2.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Francis W. Ring,
Aug. 7, 1854,
Captain,
Teamster,
Wheatland st.
Daniel R. Spike,
March 22, 1844,
Lieutenant,
Janitor,
Broadway.
Henry A. Angier,
April 30, 1838,
Driver,
Fireman,
Jaques st.
William F. Marble,
June 22, 1852,
Hoseman,
Fish Dealer,
Derby st.
Harry V. Spike,
Aug. 2, 1873,
Hoseman,
Teamster,
Sargent ave.
Charles A. Woodbury,
Jan. 31, 1858,
Hoseman,
Foreman,
Sargent ave.
Frederic E. Cushing,
Dec. 20, 1845,
Hoseman,
Painter,
Marshall st.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 3.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Benjamin H. Pond,
Oct. 25, 1867,
Captain,
Fireman,
Bonner ave.
Frank L. Draper,
July 31, 1852,
Lieutenant,
Fireman,
Somerville ave.
Henry J. Turner,
Feb. 2, 1864.
Driver,
Fireman,
Chester ave.
Francis S. Brown,
Feb. 4, 1845,
Hoseman,
Watchman,
Columbus ave.
Thomas W. Joy, John H. Cuddy,
July 5, 1852,
Hoseman,
Park Police,
Church st.
Alfred R. Higgins,
Feb. 25, 1849,
Hoseman,
Park Police,
Prospect st.
Edward A. Parker,
Oct. 29, 1851,
Hoseman,
Park Police,
Oxford st.
Lyle Sterling,
Feb. 28, 1867,
Hoseman,
Horse Trainer,
Lake st.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 5.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Edwin F. Trefren,
March 28, 1858, Captain,
Fireman,
Somerville ave.
William J. Blaisdell,
May 16, 1846,
Lieutenant,
Painter,
Quincy st.
Martin E. Driscoll,
Dec. 21, 1872,
Hoseman,
Painter,
Somerville ave.
Horace L. Dunklee,
Dec. 12, 1854,
Hoseman,
Tinsmith,
Somerville ave.
George R. Green,
Feb. 27, 1866,
Hoseman,
Florist,
Belmont st.
Michael H. Kennedy,
July 14, 1873,
Hoseman,
Lahorer,
Somerville ave.
Otto T. Teakles,
March 22, 1871,
Hoseman,
Plasterer,
Belmont st.
Daniel W. McDermott,
March 14, 1846, Hoseman,
Painter,
Somerville ave.
HOSE AND CHEMICAL COMPANY NO. 6.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Joseph A. Cribby,
Aug. 22, 1864,
Captain,
Fireman,
Thorp pl.
George W. Bridges,
March 22, 1876,
Lieut. and Driver,
Fireman,
Westminster st.
Frank M. Ott,
Dec. 19, 1876,
Hoseman,
Light Trimmer,
Rogers ave.
Walter M. Brown,
Sept. 6, 1863,
Hoseman,
Milkman,
Hawthorne st.
Elmer C. Shiere,
Apr. 29, 1878,
Hoseman,
Clerk,
Elm st.
Frederick C. Hathaway, Feb. 11, 1876,
Hoseman,
Laundryman,
Elm st.
Charles H. Bridges,
Nov. 28, 1848,
Hoseman,
Machinist,
Westminster st.
HOSE AND CHEMICAL COMPANY NO. 7.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Jesse A. Lipsett,
Sept. 3, 1865.
Lieutenant,
Fireman,
Thorp pl.
Sept. 18, 1867,
Operator,
Fireman,
Hudson st.
June 14, 1870, Hoseman,
Electrician,
Hudson st.
March 26, 1876,
Hoseman,
Painter,
Highland ave.
Oct. 12, 1870,
Hoseman,
Mason,
Hudson st.
July 2, 1872,
Hoseman,
Painter,
Highland ave.
This company went into service December 24, 1900.
Fred W. Merrill, Harry G. White, Charles W. Hughes, Wm. E. Bucknam, Fred L. Jansen,
Feb. 22, 1856,
Hoseman,
Cooper,
Bow-st. pl.
423
CHIEF ENGINEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
CHEMICAL ENGINE COMPANY A.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Wilfred Young,
Aug. 7, 1874,
Lieutenant,
Fireman,
Highland ave.
John T. Coneeny, Charles H. Timson,
Nov. 2, 1876,
Operator,
Fireman,
Aldrich st.
May 27, 1861,
Driver,
Fireman,
Medford st.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 1.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Melvin B. Ricker,
Aug. 30, 1841,
Captain,
Fireman,
Prospect st.
Horace P. Ewell,
Feb. 28, 1857,
Lieutenant,
Carpenter,
Bow-st. pl
Richard F. Clarkson,
May 18, 1859,
Driver,
Fireman,
Homer sq.
William A McLane,
Jan. 7, 1860,
Ladderman,
Engineer,
Clark st.
Patrick J. Fallon,
March 3, 1860, Nov. 25, 1860, Oct. 18, 1863,
Ladderman, Ladderman, Ladderman,
Paperhanger, Painter,
Somerville ave.
George A. Page,
Aug. 19 1853,
Ladderman,
Laborer,
Webster ave.
James E. Thompson,
Sept. 1, 1869,
Ladderman,
Laborer,
Broadway.
John H. Ford,
July 16, 1859,
Ladderman,
Painter,
Oak st.
Robert W. Jesson,
May 10, 1873,
Ladderman,
Teamster,
Putnam st.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 2.
NAME.
BORN.
RANK.
OCCUPATION.
RESIDENCE.
Horace W. Hutchins,
Aug. 26, 1866,
Captain,
Fireman,
Hudson st.
Charles E. Shaw,
Oct. 13, 1854,
Lieutenant,
Paperhanger,
Eastman pl.
Harry F. Bucknam,
Sept. 21. 1872,
Driver,
Fireman,
Highland ave.
John E. Hill,
Dec. 25, 1845,
Ladderman,
Salesman,
Cherry st.
Clarence H. Alley,
March 16, 1869,
Ladderman,
Carpenter,
Highland ave.
Thomas McNee,
Nov. 14. 1857,
Ladderman,
Roofer,
Hersey st.
Clarence T. Conant,
Dec. 10, 1866,
Ladderman,
Salesman, Plumber, Painter,
Alpine st.
John H. Givan,
June 9, 1865,
Ladderman,
Grocer,
Crocker st.
George F. Hughes,
Oct. 6, 1852,
Ladderman,
Painter,
Highland ave.
Abner Peterson,
Feb. 28, 1879,
Ladderman,
Salesman,
Porter st.
Laughlin Black,
Oct. 12, 1870,
Ladderman,
Painter,
Cedar st.
RELIEF DRIVER.
Hudson st. Alpine st.
William J. Kennedy,
Le Baron Emery,
March 19, 1865, May 11, 1866,
Ladderman, Ladderman,
Laborer,
School st.
James D. Perkins,
Concord ave.
Martin S. Lacy,
George R. Dale ; born, Jan. 22, 1871; residence, 25 Newbury st.
-
424
ANNUAL REPORTS.
IN MEMORIAM.
JOSEPH W. HAYDEN. February 25, 1862 --- July 12, 1900.
Joseph W. Hayden, hoseman of engine No. 1, was burned to death at the oil car fire on the Boston & Maine railroad, July 12, 1900. Mr. Hayden was a man held in high esteem by all the department members, especially by the members of his own com- pany. His open, frank, honest nature made him a favorite with all who knew him. He was the only member of the department killed in service during my term as chief. It is a great satisfac- tion to me that I did not order him to go to the place where he lost his life. He went there to assist the railroad employees, hav- ing been formerly employed with them for a number of years, and possessed a thorough knowledge of the business. Great, big- hearted fellow that he was, he could not for a moment hesitate to lend a helping hand to assist his old comrades and fellow work- men,- that was Joe Hayden, who lost his life while assisting others.
DAVID A. SANBORN. April 21, 1828-September 11, 1900.
David A. Sanborn, for many years an active member of the Somerville Fire Department, and its chief from 1865 to 1872, died at his residence, 35 Prospect street, September 11, 1900.
Captain Sanborn was an enthusiastic and intelligent fireman, and took a deep interest in the department. During his adminis- tration the department was changed from one hand engine con- pany to a steam fire engine, three hose companies, and a ladder company ; the old central station on Central hill was built, the department completely reorganized and the foundation of the present department laid. He originated and organized the Fire- men's Relief Association, and was its president for the first three years, and subsequently vice-president from 1877 to 1889, and its treasurer from 1889 to 1899.
425
CHIEF ENGINEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Fire Department Account.
CREDIT.
$58,000 00
Appropriation
Receipts :-
Board of 2 horses, used in the Electrical Department
312 00
Total credit
$58,312 00
DEBIT.
Expenditures :-
For salaries of permanent men and substi- tute drivers
$33,878 42
Salaries of call men .
12,980 63
Improvements and repairs of apparatus and vehicles
1,491 89
Hay and straw
2,358 10
Grain and feed
1,010 41
Horseshoeing
861 25
Horse medicine and doctoring
164 50
Harnesses and repairing same
1,981 02
Washing and ironing
371 02
Ice
72 06
Fire extinguishers
104 90
Telephones
213 56
Supplies
447 44
Incidentals
1,011 02
Total debit
57,224 75
Balance unexpended
$1,087 25
Fire Department, Fire Apparatus for Ladder Two Station.
CREDIT.
Appropriation
Transfer from Fire Station, Clarendon Hill
32 72
Total credit
$3,032 72
DEBIT
Expenditures :--·
Charles T. Holloway & Co., chemical and hose wagon
$1,950 00
Welch & Hall, 2 horses
335 00
D. J. Bennett, harnesses
50 00
Henry K. Barnes, hose
652 00
Incidentals
43 00
Total debit
3,030 00
Balance unexpended
.
$2 72
.
$3,000 00
278 53
Hose and repairing same
426
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Fire Department, Fire Station No. One.
CREDIT.
Appropriation
DEBIT. $1,000 00
Expenditures :---
Trustees of Mt. Benedict Land Co., 937 feet of land in rear of Fire Station No 1, at $.75 per foot 702 75
Balance unexpended
$297 25
.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES R. HOPKINS, Chief Engineer.
POLICE STATION, BOW STREET, 1874.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE, - January 7, 1901.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen,-Herewith I respectfully submit a report of the important work of the police department for the year ending De- cember 31, 1900, with some recommendations and suggestions, which I deem necessary for the successful and economical man- agement of this branch of the public service in the future.
The following roster of the department gives some informa- tion which may be of interest to you in considering some of the recommendations :-
Roster.
CHIEF.
Melville C. Parkhurst, appointed patrolman May 29, 1868, promoted to captain April 4, 1870, and to chief January, 1872; born April 26, 1842.
CAPTAIN.
Robert R. Perry, appointed patrolman September 6, 1867, promoted to captain February 1, 1873; born August 16, 1842.
SERGEANTS.
Edward McGarr, appointed patrolman March 1, 1871, promoted to ser- geant September 1, 1884; born February 13, 1837.
Christopher C. Cavanagh, appointed patrolman June 1, 1869, promoted to sergeant August 10, 1885; born September 6, 1838.
Dennis Kelley, appointed patrolman April 20, 1881, promoted to sergeant May 10, 1892; born July 5, 1845.
Eugene A. Carter, appointed patrolman April 1, 1884, promoted to ser- geant February 10, 1893; born September 20, 1860.
Charles E. Woodman, appointed patrolman February 8, 1888, promoted to sergeant October 20, 1899; born November 19, 1858.
PATROLMEN.
Phineas W. Skinner, appointed July 23, 1872; born April 24, 1843. John Hafford, appointed January 3, 1873; born November 13, 1845. Albion L. Staples, appointed January 10, 1875; born September 14, 1837. George W. Bean, appointed January 10, 1875; born January 7, 1839. John E. Fuller, appointed January 10, 1875; born February 11, 1844. George H. Carleton, appointed January 9, 1883; born May 2, 1853. Edward M. Carter, appointed April 15, 1883; born October 20, 1856.
428
ANNUAL REPORTS.
George L. Smith, appointed November 19, 1883; born November 22, 1855. Francis A. Perkins, appointed December 18, 1886; born April 14, 1854. William H. Johnston, appointed February 13, 1887; born June 29, 1863. Charles S. Thrasher, appointed February 23, 1887; born December 5, 1859. Arthur E. Keating, appointed January 16, 1889; born September 27, 1862. John G. Knight, appointed May 8, 1889; born April 18, 1863. Jacob W. Skinner, appointed October 23, 1889; born November 30, 1854. Theodore E. Heron, appointed March 26, 1890; born May 10, 1861. David A. Bolton, appointed November 13, 1891; born March 28, 1868. James M. Harmon, appointed May 11, 1892; born December 14, 1860. Michael T. Kennedy, appointed May 11, 1892; born October 25, 1860. Ira S. Carlton, appointed May 11, 1892; born June 15, 1864.
Ulysses G. Skinner, appointed May 11, 1892; born December 11, 1865. Charles W. Stevens, appointed May 11, 1892; born September 1, 1857. Ezra A. Dodge, appointed May 11, 1892; born August 31, 1859.
Eugene H. Gammon, appointed May 11, 1892; born January 28, 1854. James J. Pollard, appointed February 23, 1893; born October 23, 1861. Daniel G. Simons, appointed February 23, 1893; born October 10, 1868. Samuel Burns, appointed April 25, 1894; born April 4, 1867. Frederic H. Googins, appointed April 25, 1894; born August 28, 1860. Jotham Chisholm, appointed May 9, 1894; born October 24, 1858. William J. Davidson, appointed June 12, 1895; born November 30, 1866. Elmer E. Drew, appointed July 24, 1895; born December 17, 1861. John A. Dadmun, appointed June 10, 1896; born April 26, 1866. Eugene A. Woodsum, appointed March 10, 1897; born July 6, 1863. George L. Rice, appointed July 28, 1897; born August 17, 1863. Myron S. Gott, appointed May 22, 1900; born January 6, 1866. John A. Ray, appointed May 22, 1900; born November 8, 1872. Herbert Hilton, appointed May 22, 1900; born December 7, 1866. Charles W. Rieck, appointed May 22, 1900; born November 15, 1864.
Reserve Police.
The following Acts and Orders are self-explanatory :-
[Acts and Resolves of Massachusetts, 1895, Chap. 197.]
An Act to provide for the appointment of a reserve police force in the City of Somerville.
Section 1. The Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Somerville may, front time to time, and under such rules as the civil service commis- sioners of the Commonwealth prescribe, appoint suitable persons to con- stitute a reserve police force for said city, who shall at no time exceed ten in number, and who shall be subject to such rules and regulations as the Mayor and Aldermen may from time to time prescribe, and who may be removed by the Mayor and Aldermen for any reason satisfactory to them. Said Mayor and Aldermen may assign the members of said reserve police force to duty in said city whenever and for such time as they shall deem necessary, and when on duty they shall have and exercise all the powers and duties of the police of said city.
Section 2. All appointments upon the regular police force of said city shall be made from the reserve police force, under such rules as the civil service commissioners of the Commonwealth may prescribe; and service on the reserve police force for not less than six months shall be deemed to be equivalent to the probationary period now required by the rules of said Commissioners.
Section 3. The members of the reserve police force shall be paid when on duty such compensation as the City Council may from time to time, by concurrent vote, prescribe.
Section 4. This act shall take effect upon its passage. Approved March 30, 1895.
429
CHIEF OF POLICE.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, 3
May 22, 1895.
Ordered: In pursuance of the authority conferred by Chapter 197 of the Acts of the Legislature of 1895, that the reserve police force, as therein provided for, shall, until the number shall be further increased by order of this board, consist of eight men, to be forthwith nominated by the Mayor, and appointed by this board, and all vacancies to be filled in like manner, when they shall occur; that such reserve police force is hereby assigned to duty in this city, but the members thereof shall only be paid for the time during which they respectively shall actually be em- ployed in active service under the orders of the Chief of Police, as herein- after provided; that such reserve police force, as to the wearing of badges and uniforms and the carrying of weapons and equipments and other- wise, shall be subject to the ordinances of the city in regard to the Police Department, and the rules and regulations of the Mayor and Aldermen for the government, disposition, and management of the police, so far as said ordinances, rules, and regulations shall be applicable to such reserve police force; that each member of said reserve police force shall be pro- vided with the articles and equipments required by section thirteen of chapteer eighteen of the ordinances of the city to be furnished to police officers, and is authorized to carry such weapons and equipments; that each member of said reserve police force shall report to the Chief of Police for active duty, when and for such time as the Chief of Police shall notify such member that his services are so required, and shall not be required to devote his time to the service of the Police Department, ex- cept when required by the Chief of Police, as aforesaid.
In Board of Aldermen, May 22, 1895. Read twice and adopted.
GEORGE I. VINCENT, Clerk.
Approved May 22, 1895.
WILLIAM H. HODGKINS, Mayor.
ROSTER OF RESERVE POLICE FORCE.
Charles E. Byrnes, appointed April 3, 1899; born September 4, 1867. Thomas Damery, appointed April 3. 1899; born August 24, 1872. Frank C. Hopkins, appointed April 3, 1899; born May 30, 1869. Clifford B. True, appointed October 11, 1899; born August 27, 1867. Hudson M. Howe, appointed March 22, 1900; born October 25, 1862. Charles W. Allen, appointed March 22, 1900; born June 3, 1869. Frederic J. Balcom, appointed March 22, 1900; born October 31, 1866. Ernest S. Goff, appointed March 22, 1900; born May 26, 1866.
Patrol.
The street patrol force is divided into three divisions, one day division of thirteen men, and two night divisions of fifteen men each, with time of service arranged to cover the twenty-four hours of the day.
430
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Arrests.
The following is a comparative table of arrests made for the offences named during the last five years :-
OFFENCE.
1896.
1897.
1898.
1899.
1900.
Abandoning child
Abortion
.
.
. .
1
1
Assault and battery
124
97
113
126
115
Assault felonious .
3
6
3
7
6
Bastardy
8
5
5
10
9
Breaking and entering
25
22
41
29
29
Common railer and brawler .
. .
. .
1
1
Contempt of court
2
1
2
.
Crime against nature
1
1
.
. .
. .
Cruelty to animals
11
2
2
2
Defrauding innholder
2
34
17
13
16
Drunkenness .
1,148
1,036
823
846
771
Eavesdropping
1
1
. .
. .
Evading railroad fare
5
2
2
3
Embezzlement
6
S
7
S
. .
. .
4
1
3
. .
Fraud
2
7
6
4
3
Having concealed weapons
1
. .
.
. .
Keeping unlicensed dog
. .
· ·
1
4
Keeping milk below standard
. .
. .
.
. .
.
. .
·
. .
2
Kidnapping child .
3
Larceny .
63
72
74
6S
112
Lewdness
.
3
3
S
4
Malicious mischief
25
13
6
30
22
Murder
1
. .
1
Neglected children
2
9
18
11
3
Neglect to support family
11
14
6
12
21
Peddling without license
36
23
2S
17
27
Present where gaming implements were found
. .
.
. .
.
15
Receiving stolen property
3
3
3
1
3
Selling milk below standard .
. .
1
·
. .
Selling adulterated food
.
·
5 COLA CI-I.
12
Threats .
11
4
4
4
5
Trading in registered bottles
. .
.
. .
·
.
29
3S
49
36
80
Violation of caucus laws
. .
. .
. .
Violation health laws
.
.
S
13
Violation Lord's Day
30
22
10
33
27
Vagrancy
13
28
24
15
22
Willful trespass
5
7
17
14
65
Walking on railroad track
6
11
13
13
75
Total .
1,641
1,555
1,299
1,349
1,503
.
. .
1
. .
1
. .
Arson
..
. .
. .
1
Keeping common gambling joint .
. .
. .
Keeping horse with glanders
·
. .
.
Disturbing the peace
26
.
. .
Forgery
Stubborn ness
4
10
Unlawful use of registered bottles
21
Violation of city ordinance
2
3
Violation liquor laws
33
16
1
14
3
. .
1
2
2
431
CHIEF OF POLICE.
The population of Somerville has increased in the last five years 9,443.
There were one hundred and ten more arrests for the last two named offences on the table this year than any previous year, which accounts for the great increase in the aggregate over the last two years.
Miscellaneous Work.
Alarms given for fire
3
Buildings found open and secured
411
Disturbances suppressed
15
Defective streets reported
2
Insane persons committed
340
Amount reported stolen
$8,078.45
Amount recovered
2,078.86
Obstructions in streets reported
236
Street lights reported not lighting
8,992
Water pipes reported dangerous
64
Police Signal and Patrol Wagon.
Number of on duty reports
176,846
Number of runs with wagon
986
Number of prisoners conveyed to station
1,134
Number of miles run with wagon
1,6271/4
Number of telephone calls
.
14,827
Ambulance Service.
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
Number of persons carried
131
161
191
212
269
·
Gaming and Sale of Liquors.
Of the enforcement of the laws relative to gaming and the sale of intoxicating liquors,-
Five years ago, on February 10, 1896, I detailed two officers to devote their entire efforts toward the detection of violators of the laws relating to gaming and the sale of intoxicating liquors, and they have with good success continued such duties to date. While it is the duty of every officer in this department to enforce these particular laws, there are times when the officers assigned to regular routes and regular hours, and in full uniform, are placed at a disadvantage, and an artful violator of liquor laws finds time to replenish and hide his stock of liquors while the offi- cer is on another part of his route. These two officers, not in uniform, have watched by night, at times, as well as by day, not only the stores and kitchen barrooms where suspicion attracted them, but the liquor expressmen, also, and I can say sincerely
1,453
Fires extinguished without an alarm
40
Larcenies reported
432
ANNUAL REPORTS.
that during the last year, 1900, I believe less intoxicating liquors have been sold illegally in this city than during any one year since it became a city. The table of arrests shows the number of prosecutions for violating the above laws during the last five years.
Recommendations and Suggestions.
I would respectfully recommend that the number of the force be increased by the appointment of three new patrolmen, which would make the force number fifty-five officers. By increasing the force enough each year to keep pace with the increase in population, a force will be maintained sufficient to prevent the commission of serious crimes. This seems safer, better, and more economical than to risk the possibility of having to double the force for the apprehension of criminals after crimes have been committed.
I would also recommend that larger and more suitable quar- ters be provided for the use of the department's officers and men in the way of sleeping rooms and closets. I have contemplated for some time arranging a system whereby the night men when not on street duty could be kept at the station during certain hours, and, so assembled, could be dispatched upon short notice to any part of the city, leaving the regular patrolmen on their routes. This system is in operation in Boston and other cities, and will, when established in this city, greatly increase the effi- ciency of the night force.
In General.
By referring to the foregoing roster of police officers of this city, it will be seen that nine of them have served more than twenty-five years. Four of them are over sixty years old; but the Acts and Laws of this Commonwealth authorizing the pen- sioning of such officers and placing them upon a retired list only apply to cities of over seventy-five thousand population. I would earnestly request that some action be taken by the Board of Aldermen, in the near future, for the passage of a general law authorizing cities of over sixty thousand population to appropri- ate money for such purpose. The age and number of years of service are not the only reasons why some of these men should be retired. Some of them are veterans of the civil war, and have wounds received in battle, which, with age, incapacitate them for police service; others, while doing their duty, have received hard knocks from the hands of criminals, and should be retired upon a small, but living, pension. This would make room for younger and more active men, and keep the efficiency of the force up to standard, without increasing the number.
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