USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1953 > Part 5
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Boiler failures can therefore be expected at any time in any of our buildings, and we should be prepared for replacements on short notice. It is not always possible to forsee a failure and schedule replacement during the summer vacation period.
4. SANITARY FACILITIES-These are always a primary con- sideration in our improvement program. I propose to replace all old wooden toilet seats with the modern plastic sanitary type so that parental admonitions against use of school toilets will no longer be necessary. The old type slate urinals in most schools are obsolete, cracked, and unsanitary. These have been replaced in four schools, with the Roby scheduled to receive new stall type urinals in 1954.
Recommendations for 1954
Provided that funds requested are appropriated, the fol- lowing projects are scheduled for the ensuing year:
Schools
Armitage-Replace water pipes.
Ballard-New water service and floors replaced.
Emerson-Paint interior.
Cliftondale-Paint interior, new water service, and gutter pipes.
Felton-Paint exterior, relight classrooms and paint interior roofing.
High School-Point exterior, relight drafting room, and recon- vert the boiler, in the Junior High School to oil.
Lynnhurst-New floor, large classroom, install lavatories in basement, and install new boundary line fence.
North Saugus-Paint exterior.
Roby-Relight four classrooms and new cafeteria, sink and drinking fountain in new cafeteria, connect upstairs foun- tains, replace urinals, alterations to heating system, provide second means of egress from third floor rooms, and replace floor in cafeteria.
Veterans Memorial-Waterproof exterior.
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Other Buildings
Town Hall-Complete exterior painting, and pain stair wells and corridors.
Public Works-New fence.
Library (Sweetser)-Provide second means of egress and paint interior.
Department Roster
Thomas H. Wagner Superintendent of Buildings
Mark E. Randall
Wire Inspector and Assistant Superintendent of Buildings Clerk
Mildred L. Robinson
Robert Metzler Building Maintenance Man
Ralph DeFronzo
Building Maintenance Man
Arthur Paquett
Building Maintenance Man
Everett R. Vickary
Janitor Police and Fire Station
George Wishart
November through March-Janitor at Town Hall March through November caretaker at Stackpole's Field Winnie Lipkowicz Janitress and Cleaner
The accomplishments realized in 1953 could not have been made without the cooperation received by every municipal de- partment, and particularly the School Department.
Our activities are so inter-related that we must constantly work hand in glove for the betterment of our schools. Super- intendent of Schools Jesse J. Morgan, has given many hours to help prepare work schedules, and has assisted us in many other ways. The Building Department personnel have all worked hard and conscientiously to make this a record year for improvements.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS H. WAGNER Superintendent of Buildings
PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
To the Town Manager:
The Playground Commission is glad to report a most success- ful year for 1953. Never before were the youth of the town of Saugus furnished with the recreational facilities that were at their disposal this past season. Many things, such as better play areas, good substantial equipment, expert supervision of our summer program activities, and the commission's effort to spon- sor programs for all age groups, helped attract more to our play- grounds than ever before.
Our summer program for the school age children was a huge success due to the capable instructors. A variety of games, arts and crafts programs, and athletic programs were enjoyed throughout the season by the children. The competition was
keen. A trip to a major league baseball game was enjoyed by the older boys and girls at the end of the season. The youth from all the play areas in town gathered at Stackpole's Field at the end of the season to participate in track and field events, games of all sorts, exhibits of arts and crafts and many other activities. Prizes were awarded to the winners of the different events. The day was climaxed by a stage play, puppet show, magician and other acts. Refreshments were then served.
The increase in population the past few years demands that new playgrounds be developed. The Playground Commission has pledged itself to a program of construction and repair that eventually will give every section of our town a safe and properly equipped play area.
The commission, with a minimum outlay, has built a new softball diamond at Anna Parker Playground; has started con- struction on the new Bristow Street Playground, which is ex- pected to be completed this summer; has installed new equip- ment and games at various playspots; and plans are underway for further development of Lynnhurst, North Saugus, and Stocker Street playgrounds this coming year.
We intend to have seven play areas in town under paid super- vision this coming playground season. The co-operation of our Town Manager and other town officials was greatly appreciated by the Playground Commission.
DAVID R. NAGLE, Chairman
THOMAS H. QUINLAN DONALD REINIGER
JOHN MITCHELL HENRY J. IWANOWICZ
GOOD PLAYGROUNDS BUILD CHARACTER AND PREVENT SMASHED WINDOWS and other acts of juvenile delinquency. One of the reasons there is so little delinquency in Saugus is this group of five smiling photogenic gentlemen who spend all of their leisure hours in trying to provide finer and better playgrounds for the kids-yours and mine, too-in all parts of the town. Seated are Chairman David R. Nagle, left, and John Mitchell. In the rear row, left to right, are Henry J. Iwanowicz, Thomas H. Quinlan, and Donald J. Reiniger.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
First Sute
CHIEF GEORGE B. DREW
Every inch the highly skilled and trained firefighter is Saugus' Fire Chief George B. Drew, who views his department as a finely honed instrument which must be ready and alert for any emergency. Whether it is saving your home from destructive flames or your life from a paralyzing heart seizure, you can be certain that when the alarm is sounded, either by siren or telephone, that Chief Drew and his men will be on hand in a matter of an amazingly few minutes to do everything in their power to protect the property and lives of the people of Saugus.
To the Honorable Manager, Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
I hereby submit the annual report on the personnel, condi- tion, and activities of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1953.
The year 1953 brought a record breaking total for calls answered by the department. Total number was 706 calls, of these 13 were reported verbally, 57 through the alarm system, 594 by telephone, and 42 by telephone, followed by box alarms.
A total of 44 of these fires were in buildings; 378 brush or grass, 30 motor vehicles; 63 oxygen or rescue; 55 needless or special details; 84 accident or emergencies; 32 false alarms; and 20 chimney or oil burners.
The Fire loss was $149,678. on buildings; and $21,615. on contents, making a total fire loss for the year of $171,293.
The department laid 78,800 feet of three-quarter inch hose, 12,950 feet of one and one-half inch hose, 8,200 feet of two and
one-half A inch hose and 11,600 feet of one and one-eighth inch hose. 890 feet of ladders were used. 17 CO2 extinguishers and 43 medium and 17 small tanks of oxygen were utilized.
The new Aerial Ladder was used several times to great advantage.
The department purchased a drill and saw attachment to be used at accidents, which is capable of sawing through wood or metal. This saw is for use in freeing persons trapped in autos, at accidents, for opening doors, where a child has locked himself in, and for many other emergency uses.
The emergency jack which was acquired by the department during the past year is another tool for use in auto accidents. This is a jack so constructed that great leverage may be obtained from several different angles, where the standard jack would be useless. Both of the aforementioned tools are for use at auto accidents, of which we have many, with the three routes passing through the town. Both of the tools have various uses at fires also.
The Fire Department is greatly undermanned. There are 21 men in the department, including a chief, a captain, two lieutenants, and 17 firefighters. No additional men have been appointed since 1950.
I have recommended that a program be adopted whereby the addition of two men would be added to the roster annually, but no action has as yet been taken on this program.
It now becomes necessary that eight men be appointed, mak- ing it possible to have an eight man crew on duty at all times. At the present time there are occasions weekly when there are only four men and an officer protecting the entire town. This is exclusive of vacations and sickness. This situation makes it necessary for the officer and one man (a driver) to go on Engine Number 4; two men on Engine Number 3 and one man to operate the new Junior Aerial Ladder. This condition leaves the station without a man present to answer the telephone. What if your home should catch on fire at the same time?
The town has expanded in new buildings to the extent of 800 new buildings in the last 15 years. In 1938 the Board of Insurance Underwriters recommended the building of a station in Cliftondale and the addition of more men to the department. Instead of the department expanding, to be able to cope with this new building, it has decreased in the number of men on duty. Previous to 1948 there were eight men on duty in the central station.
I recommend that four men be appointed to the department this year. This would make it possible to have an officer and six men on duty day and night. I also recommend that three men be added next year, so that at least we will have the same strength in manpower we had in 1947, previous to the great expansion of the town. It should also be remembered that Sau- gus is 11 and one-half square miles in area, and that one
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Central Station protects the whole area, containing a population of approximately 18,500 people, 4500 dwellings and numerous large and small industries with only one officer and four men.
It is my desire in the near future that another lieutenant be appointed. This will enable me to have an officer on duty with each shift.
Progress is being made in communication. The chief's car is radio equipped, and it is expected that during the year 1954 two pieces of apparatus will be equipped with two way radio, which will work for more efficient operation of the department.
The Mack Junior aerial ladder truck is two years old, in very fine condition, and good for many years of service.
Engine Number Three, the Mack 1000 gallon pumper, is now 11 years old, but in very good condition, and capable of long service.
Engine Number Two, the Mack 600 gallon pumper, is now 24 years old, and not too dependable, except as a spare and for use at woods, grass and brush fires.
Engine Number Four is the combination hose and booster truck, which is the first piece of apparatus to leave the station and answers all calls. It has a chassis which is eight years old and a body which is 18 years old. Due to answering every call it is subject to much greater wear and tear than are the larger pumpers. It now becomes necessary to spend greater amounts for repairs from time to time, and I recommend that Engine Number Four be replaced.
During the year a new heavier chief's car was purchased to replace a 1950 Chevrolet, which was very light for its duties, and shortly to need expenditures for repairs.
The metal boat purchased in 1938 is in fine condition and used on various occasions during the year for rescue work and for bridge fires.
The lighting unit purchased with the new junior aerial ladder was used at numerous fires, and also to furnish power in the Fire and Police Station during emergency, when public service failed.
The Fire Department uses a great amount of oxygen each year for administering to heart, asthma, asphyxiation and num- erous other sicknesses when called upon at any hour of the day or night. The resuscitator used in connection with these duties is seven years old and I recommend the purchase of a new one in the near future, as this is a vital piece of equipment when a life is at stake.
The portable pump purchased in 1952 has been an asset to the department on several occasions, such as at several under- ground fires, woods fires, and for pumping out sinking boats. This pump is still in very fine condition.
The smoke ejector purchased in 1952 is in very good working condition, and has been a great asset to the department on several occasions.
I recommend that 2500 feet of two and one-half inch hose, 2000 feet of one and one-half inch hose, and 1000 feet of one and one-eighth inch hose be purchased so as to enable the department to reload the apparatus with dry hose. At present wet hose has to be reloaded on apparatus as there is no reserve in the depart- ment. Reloading of wet hose means much faster deterioration by mildew and rot, and the possibility of broken hose lines at fires.
The department expended $7,223.04 for expenses, and $76, 239.70 for salaries. The amount for expenses includes $2600. for hydrant rental, which if deducted from total expenses, only leaves $4,623.04 for regular expenses, which without a doubt is a very small amount for a department covering such a large area, and number of runs answered annually.
Recommendations for the coming year by the Town Manager include: Salaries $81,062., Expenses $8,321. for a total of $89,383.00.
I recommend the installation of several new fire alarm boxes and additional hydrants in several locations throughout the town.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, Superintendent of Public Works, Chief of Police, all town officials, members of the Fire Department, and the citizens of Saugus, who by their cooperation have aided this department in maintaining a high degree of efficiency.
ROSTER
Chief George B. Drew
Captain Joseph L. Maguire Lieutenants
Albert Jervis
Norman T. Hull
Permanent Firefighters
Harold Atkinson
Charles Ryder
Warren Newhall John LaViska
George Parrott Leslie Hitchings
Leo Cahill Walter Wetmore
Guy Collins
George Berrett
Frank Beckford
Joseph Champoux
Robert Jacobs
Robert Champoux
George Howard Thomas Nolan
Melvin Lawton
Call Firefighters
Lewis Gray Arthur Gustafson
Randolph Popp Joseph Vatcher
GEORGE B. DREW, Chief of Fire Department
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EXITI
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AT THE FIRST PIERCING SHRIEK OF THE FIRE ALARM SIREN, these Saugus firefighters are sliding down the pole, climbing onto the kit, and off to save your home, or possibly the lives of your wife and children. Saugus is proud of its highly-trained and well equipped force, which keeps fire losses at the absolute minimum. Shown are, front row, left to right, Private Harold Atkinson, Lieutenant Norman Hull, Captain Joseph Maguire, Chief George B. Drew, and Lieutenant Albert F. Jervis. Rear row, left to right, Privates George Berrett, Robert Jacobs, George Howard, Leo Cahill, Joseph Champoux, John Laviska, Robert Cham- poux, Melvin Lawton, Walter F. Wetmore, Leslie Hitchings, Thomas Nolan, Charles Ryder, Guy Collins, George W. Parrott, and Warren Newhall.
SAUGUS' FINEST-EVERY MAN A CREDIT TO HIS TOWN-Posing for this group picture of the Saugus Police Department are all regular members of the force. Front row, left to right: Sergeant Ernest A. Dunham, Sergeant James F. Maher, Captain Fred Forni, Chief Roland E. Mansfield, Sergeant Charles N. Wormstead, 3rd, and Sergeant Carl W. G. Pearson. Rear row, left to right: Safety Officer Walter J. Elsmore, and Patrolmen Edward J. Koschei, Edgar T. McKenney, Ralph E. Pace, Joseph F. Taajes, William F. Cahill, John J. Mclaughlin, Edward F. Newbury, William D. McNulty, Joseph P. Collette, Joseph Mar- kowski, John W. MacGlashin and Roy A. Bucchiere.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF
CHIEF ROLAND E. MANSFIELD
Every inch the ideal executive head of the Police Department, he is the son of a former chief, Roland L. Mansfield, who at 87 years and enjoying excellent health, watches the career of his son and namesake with pride. Combining a rigid sense of duty with under- standing and compassion for the frailties of human nature, Chief Mansfield runs his department with economy, efficiency, and the complete loyalty of his subordinates.
Dear Mr. Manager:
Once more it is my pleasure to tender you the annual report of the Police Department, together with its doings, for the year ending December 31, 1953.
The roster of the department is as follows:
Chief Roland E. Mansfield Captain Fred Forni Sergeants
James F. Maher
Charles N. Worinstead 3rd.
Carl G. W. Pearson Ernest A. Dunham
Regular Patrolmen
William F. Cahill
Edgar T. McKenney
Rosario A. Bucchiere
Edward F. Newbury
Walter J. Elsmore
William D. McNulty
John J. Mclaughlin
Ralph E. Pace
Edward J. Koschei
Joseph F. Taatjes
Joseph P. A. Collette
Joseph Markowski
John W. MacGlashing
Reserve Officers
Richard R. MacDonald James Monico Richard T. Eichel
John S. Reynolds David C. Osgood
Special Officers
Frank A. Bond
Minor Brown
*William A. Calhoun
Albert S. Coffin
*John G. Cowan
Douglas Day
*Robert S. Dalton Charles C. DeFronzo
*Clarence W. Howard
*Benjamin A. MacGlashing
*John E. Mansfield Benjamin J. Obdens Thomas Quinlan
*Lloyd W. Reynolds
*George E. Robinson
*George F. Sullivan Joseph Vatcher
*Leroy Valyou
*Everett Vickary
(* Uniformed)
School Janitors
Robert Bertrand
Ernest Coy
Andred Keech
Benjamin J. Obdens
Ludvico Sullo
General Electric Co. Guards (For company property only)
Leslie E. Clover
Bernard A. Conrad
Richard A. Girard
Arnold C. Hult
Alfred J. Hutchinson
Cornelious McCool
James J. McMullen
Raymond E. Morrison
James E. Pollard
Ralph P. Richards
Evan B. Roberts
Frederick C. Steele
Lloyd F. Tuttle
Harold E. Tyler
Frederick C. Walz
Uniformed Auxiliary Police
Earl Anthony
LeRoy C. Banks
Arthur T. Benway
Marshall Campbell
Morris A. Cherkofsky
Irvine Chisholm
Norman Clark
Luther Cluff
Curtis Dalton
Robert S. Dalton
Warren Denley
Leo P. Dupuis
Stanley Edgecomb
Frank Evans 3rd
Freeman Gallant
Willard Hall
Roy A. Hellmer
William T. Hussey
Francis Kennedy Jr.
Warren P. Lovell
Robert Lumsden
Robert J. Maguire
James McGill
Robert Mills
John J. Mitchell
Harry Nelson
Joseph H. Newman
Joseph J. Panarello
Gilbert E. Randall
Ernest Redman
Colin Rees
Joseph Robertson
George H. Ross
Fiori J. Sacco
James O. Smith
James E. Stevens Jr.
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Gordon A. Sim Harry Soper
*Milton R. Moore Richard Porter
*John M. Robertson John V. Spencer
Ervin Bowley Edmund Gibbons Thomas McDonough
Richard Curra
Frederick Leary
Adelbert Libby
During the past year the Police Department made 601 arrests, divided as follows: 550 males, 51 females; 46 juveniles; residents, 196 and non-residents, 405.
The offenses for which arrests were made were: Adultery, 3; assault and battery,13; breaking and entering, 1; delinquency, 17; disturbing the peace, 2; unlicensed dog, 8; drunkenness, 170; illegitimacy, 2; lewdness, 10; open and gross lewdness, 8; lewd co-habitation, 2; malicious injury to property, 1; manslaughter, 1; non-support of wife, 1; non-support of children, 7; peddling, no license, 1; receiving stolen goods, 1; robbery, 4; stubborn child, 1; vagrancy, 2; violation auto laws, 246; violation by-law, 18; viola- tion health laws, 3; operating under influence, 32; violation Lord's Day, 2; violation Chapter 140, (licenses), 6; larceny, 12; violation true name law, 4; soliciting for prostitution, 1; insanity, 3; attempt to rescue prisoner, 1; forgery, 1; sodomy, 1; neglect of minor child, 2; A.W.O.L., 7; making threats, 1; kidnapping, 1; violation of probation, 1; fugitive from justice, 1; illegal possession and sale of cigarettes, 2; default, 1.
The above cases were disposed of as follows: Discharged, 38; filed, 72; dismissed, 20; fined, 265; held for Grand Jury, 5; placed on probation, 40; released out of court, 124; sentenced to House of Correction, 14; sentenced to State Farm, 3; sentenced to Youth Service Board, 6. Eight cases were appealed and are awaiting trial at the Superior Court.
Under the heading of miscellaneous duties are to be found the following: Complaints received, 5316, of which 618 were in- vestigated; accidents reported, 258; animals reported lost, 261; animals found, 125; animals killed or injured, 254; doors and windows found open by police, 423; defective street lights re- ported or discovered, 373; defects in sidewalks and streets, 75; dog bites, 80; fires discovered or responded to, 119; lanterns placed in dangerous locations, 30; missing persons, 91; missing persons found, 59; runaway children picked up, 10; property lost, 98; property found, 134; notified or investigated for other au- thorities, 241; disturbances, 267; autos stolen, 97; stolen autos recovered, 30; larceny, 177; breaks, 60; property damaged, 234; domestic trouble, 79; prowlers and peepers, 30; lights found burn- ing, 67; assaults, 27; women and girls accosted, 8; drunken per- sons, 56; summonses served, 812, all others, 732.
During the year 1953, 332 conveyances by ambulance were handled by this department consuming 372.63 man-hours, or ap- proximately 48 days.
Inspector
Sergeant Ernest A. Dunham, inspector, in his report sub- mits that during the year just ended he investigated approxi- mately 350 cases, of which he has satisfactorily closed 60 per cent, which is an excellent record. The crimes which were in- volved in his investigations are many and varied, running nearly the gamut of our statutes and the people of Saugus are fortunate
in having such an inspiring accomplishment, and must realize that the duties of an inspector require that much police work be done after regular hours for which little or no compensation is received.
Sergeant Dunham further reports that in the course of his police work he has driven his personal automobile 4,000 miles during 1953. This imposition will be taken care of to a very great extent if the additional automobile requested in the police budget, is provided.
Safety Officer
During the latter part of 1953, Patrolman Walter J. Elsmore was assigned to safety work, particularly in our schools. It is my hope that all the citizens of Saugus will realize the great im- portance of this work. By contacting the school children from the time they enter school until they graduate from High School.
WHO EVER SAW A COP WITHOUT A RAINCOAT ON A WET DAY? Certainly not in a modern town like Saugus, and these beaming members of the Safety Patrol at the Roby School in Saugus Center, shown in their handsome rainy-day equipment provided through the efforts of Safety Officer Walter J. Elsmore and the Parent-Teacher Association, will do a finer job, if possible, in the future than they have in the past. Eventually, all school patrols will be so equipped. Incidentally, did you ever see a finer group of policemen, including Jerry Wolfe, in the front row, who has a band-aid under his right eye due, undoubtedly, to his running into a door in the dark? In this picture, Safety Officer Elsmore, left, is accepting a generous check from Mrs. George Y. Tudal of 7 Julliette Road, president of the Roby Parent-Teacher Association, toward the cost of the raincoats. The Safety Patrol includes, front row, left to right, Jerry Wolfe and Michael Mahoney. Second row, left to right, Christopher Bentley, Lawrence Fullerton, Reinhold Ricker and Daniel Badger; and rear row, left to right, Harry Hitchings, Brian Cunningham, and Edward Murray.
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with the proper approaches and instruction, they become safety minded, thereby savings lives and injuries. This work is among the most important of police duties and Patrolman Elsmore is do- ing an excellent job, as is attested to by the letters of commenda- tion received by him from school authorities, civic organizations and private citizens. The value of his lectures and instructions are clearly reflected by the fine results obtained so far.
Safety Officer Elsmore reports that he has at present, safety patrols in each school in town with the exception of the High School, and he expects to have one there in the near future. There are 139 boys and girls in these patrols, all with the writ- ten consent of the parents, which relieves the town from any civil liability.
On October 31, 1953, with the permission of the School Com- mittee, the members of the several patrols marched behind the High School Band to Stackpole's Field, where seats were re- served for them to witness a football game. They also par- ticipated in the Santa Claus parade sponsored by the Town Beautiful Committee. These small attentions are extremely beneficial in creating and maintaining interest in the work of the patrols.
Patrolman Elsmore has talked to several civic organizations and has lectured to all the pupils in town, with the exception of those at the High School. He has distributed 11,300 pieces of safety literature, which would indicate that all pupils and most of the parents are now aware of the work being done and the end in view. This literature is obtained from State and national safety organizations and also consists of pamphlets of local origin. These latter were sponsored and paid for by the Saugus Chamber of Commerce, for which Patrolman Elsmore and the Police Department are greatly appreciative.
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