USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1954 > Part 2
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3,665.88
Refund Deductions Group "B"
3,225.50
Annuities Paid
4,811.70
Pensions Paid
63,302.81
Expenses Paid
3,328.55
Investment Income
7,810.15
.
468,982.70
468,982.70
* These figures are subject to market value adjustment by the Com- mittee of Insurance Commissioners.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDREW H. PATON, Chairman JOHN J. MCCARTHY, Secretary HENRY F. GALVIN
15
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Chief of Police
January 1, 1955
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to submit to your Honorable Board the report of the doings of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Number of arrests 412
Number of arrests without warrants
201
Number of arrests on capias 7
Number of summonses served
175
Number of arrests on warrants
29
Male 379
Female
33
Residents
167
Non-Residents
245
FOR THE FOLLOWING CRIMES, VIZ:
Arrested for other officers
17
Assault and Battery
3
Automobile Laws, Violation of :
Allowing improper person to operate
1
Causing property damage
6
Failing to display flares while parked
1
Failing to stop on signal of Police Officer
3
Improper lights
6
Mechanical signal, not stopping
34
Motor running
1
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating after suspension of license
2
Operating-Failing to slow down at intersection
15
Operating without registration in possession
12
Operating so as to endanger
4
Operating-speeding
32
Operating under the influence
11
Operating with unnecessary noise
1
Operating without a license
20
Operating without official inspection
28
Parking overtime
37
Refusing to show license to Police Officer
1
Refusing to show registration to Police Officer
1
School Bus Violation
3
Uninsured car
7
Unregistered car
7
Using without authority
1
Assault with a dangerous weapon
2
Assault with a dangerous weapon, attempt to kill
1
Breaking, entering and larceny in the day-time 3
16
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Breaking, entering in day-time attempt to commit larceny 1
Dangerous weapon in possession
2
Children:
Neglected
4
Delinquency, contributing to
1
Drunkenness
96
Evading Taxi Fare
1
Exposing person
2
Fish and Game Laws, violation of
5
House of Ill Fame
1
Insane
10
Larceny
11
Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
1
Malicious mischief
1
Non-support
2
Safe keeping
4
Truancy
3
Violation of probation
6
HOW DISPOSED OF :
Continued
21
Delivered to other officers
17
Discharged
1
Dismissed
10
Fines imposed
159
House of Correction
15
Insane Hospital
10
Placed on file
72
Probation
13
Released
78
State Farm
6
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
7
Suspended sentence to State Farm
2
Committed to the Youth Service Board
1
AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT
23 @ $ 2.00
$ 46.00
3 @
3.00
9.00
51 5.00
255.00
39 10.00
390.00
3 @
15.00
45.00
4 @ 20.00
80.00
19 25.00
475.00
2 @
30.00
60.00
3 @ 35.00
105.00
2 @ 40.00
80.00
6 @ 50.00
300.00
1 @ 75.00
75.00
3 @ 100.00
300.00
Total $2,220.00
17
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS REPORT
Accidents reported
461
Amount of lost property recovered
$4,069.31
Amount of property left outside of stores and cared for
323.00
Amount of stolen property recovered
$13,571.75
Bicycles taken away, no lights
2
Broken wires reported
54
Buildings found open and secured
591
Burglary (False Alarm)
38
Complaints and cases investigated
2,016
Dead and stray cats reported
58
Dead bodies cared for
4
Dead dogs reported
41
Defects in gas pipes reported
5
Defects in streets and sidewalks reported
96
Defects in water pipes reported
12
Details for public assemblages
814
Dog bites reported
54
Dogs reported killed
41
Fires discovered and alarm given
7
Fires discovered and extinguished without alarm
1
House lights reported out
80
Lanterns put in dangerous places
35
Lights found burning in buildings
14
Lost children cared for
38
Lost dogs found and returned to owners
202
Medical examiner cases
4
Obstructions removed from the streets
67
Officers at fires
177
Persons reported missing
37
Rescued from drowning
4
Runaway boys cared for
11
Runaway girls cared for
7
Serious sickness signs put out
2
Sick and disabled people assisted
552
Street lights not burning
377
Traffic signs borrowed
115
Traffic signs put on dangerous places
23
Water running to waste
15
Wires burning trees
43
Number of Police Department duty calls
54,704
Number of Light Department duty calls reported
1,277
Number of ambulance cases
472
Number of miles covered by the ambulance
4,827
Number of miles covered by cruising car #91
31,437
Number of miles covered by cruising car #92
7,887
Number of miles covered by cruising car #94
39,531
Number of miles covered by cruising car #95
6,315
Number of miles covered by old ambulance
410
Number of miles covered by motorcycle
947
18
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Number of three-way summonses issued for motor vehicle violations 748 Legal papers served for out-of-town Police Departments 312 Legal papers served in town for our own department during the year 182
Money collected at office for fines imposed by the Court $ 70.00
Money collected at office on non-support cases $3,288.00
Money collected for restitution $ 329.00
Money collected for revolver permits issued $ 86.00
Money collected on ambulance cases $ 144.00
Money collected for bicycle registrations $ 56.90
Money collected for taxi licenses issued $ 96.00
Money collected for taxi badges issued
$ 96.00
AUXILIARY POLICE
In connection with the Civil Defense set-up, the Police Department has an auxiliary force of eighty-nine men made up of citizens of this town. This force was organized in 1951 and is under the able leadership of Sergeant John M. Wenzel. These auxiliary officers are all trained in the fundamentals of police work and are ready and willing to help out in any emergency to assist the regular officers.
All these officers have had revolver practice on the range under the leadership of Instructors Maurice Lenfest and James C. Buckle who are known to be experts in the use of firearms. There are, at the present time, three revolver teams made up of auxiliary police entered in the New England Revolver League, and these teams hold competitive matches with auxiliary police teams of other departments.
All the auxiliary officers have taken the Standard Red Cross First Aid Course and several of them are qualified First Aid Instructors.
During the past year, the auxiliary officers have been used in direct- ing traffic and at the bathing beach, as well as assisting regular officers on May 30th, over the July 4th celebration, and Hallowe'en night. These officers also reported for duty during both hurricanes and greatly aided not only in police work but also assisted in clearing the streets to make them passable. These officers have worked a total of 2817 hours of po- lice duty at no cost to the town. If it had been necessary to hire reserve officers to do this amount of work, it would have cost the town $3,887.46.
I recommend that the sum of money asked for in the Civil Defense budget for police uniforms and equipment for the Auxiliary Police be appropriated in order that they may be equipped for any emergency. These men get no pay for their work and they should not be expected to buy their own uniforms and equipment.
To all members of the Auxiliary Department, who have shown a keen interest in their work and have attended semi-monthly meetings regularly, I wish to extend my sincere thanks for their efforts and time. I trust that this organization will continue to function with the same spirit during the coming year.
My sincere thanks also go to Sergeant Wenzel for the many hours of overtime he has put in to keep this auxiliary organization trained and ready for any emergency, and for fostering in this organization a spirit of willingness to be of assistance at any time it is called upon to help out.
19
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
I am also grateful to Mr. Lenfest and Mr. Buckle for the time they have devoted to instructing these officers in the use of firearms; also my thanks to James Hurton, Director of Civil Defense, for his cooperation.
CONCLUSION
In closing this report, I want to extend to the Honorable Board of Selectmen my sincere thanks for its efforts in the interest of the de- partment and for its cooperation at all times during the past year; to the Selectmen Committee on Police, Miss Catherine Simpson and George J. Gould, my thanks for their cooperation and assistance during the past year on all matters pertaining to the Police Department.
To all Town Departments, the Wakefield Daily Item and its Police Reporter, Mr. Richard W. Baker, and to all citizens who have assisted the department in various ways, I extend my thanks for their valuable service.
I also, again this year, want to thank the Wakefield Lodge of Elks which has supplied the major part of the oxygen that has been used by the Police Department on emergency cases during the year.
To the Lieutenant, the Sergeants and all members of this depart- ment, to my secretary, Mrs. Esther Ball, and to the Custodian of the Station, Clifford Reardon, who has kept the Police Station and the grounds clean and ready for inspection at all times, I extend my thanks for the faithful discharge of their duties at all times during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN G. GATES
Chief of Police
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Chief of Fire Department
Jan. 1, 1955
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1954, with the total number of alarms, and losses on same as near as is possible to obtain.
During the year this department has responded to 619 alarms, which are divided as follows: 124 Box Alarms and 495 Still Alarms.
Estimate of Property Endangered 249,550.00
Loss on Same
38,515.64
Insurance Paid on Same 37,620.97
Insurance on Same
378,650.00
Transit Value
7,400.00
Transit Loss
599.75
At the Annual Town Election this department was placed under Civil Service. Qualifying examinations for Captain, Lieutenant, Me- chanic, Firefighter and Call Firefighters were held on November 20, at the Wakefield High School. The results of these examinations have not been received as of the present date but should be received within the next 20 days.
During the year a 750 gallon American La-France pump and an 85 foot American La-France ladder truck were purchased. The pump has arrived and will be put in service shortly after the first of the new year. Delivery of the ladder truck will probably be made in April of 1955. These two pieces of apparatus should greatly increase the efficiency of the department.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For 1955 I recommend that the town purchase a 750 gallon pump to replace Engine 2. This machine was purchased in 1929 and has outlived its usefulness. Parts for this machine are not stocked, thereby increas- ing the cost of same.
The town should purchase the ladder truck now being used in the department until the arrival of the new ladder truck. This ladder could be used in case of breakdowns and multiple alarms. The cost of this truck is very reasonable and it would be a great asset to the de- partment.
I also recommend that the town repair Engine 5 which was in a col- lision with the ladder truck. This engine could be put in first class con- dition for about one half the cost of a new brush fire wagon. The pres- ent brush fire wagon should be replaced, it being purchased in 1941.
Five hundred feet of 11/2 inch hose should be purchased in 1955. In some occasions wet hose is used to reload wagons, there not being enough dry hose. From a fire department standpoint this is not good practice.
21
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to extend to the Honorable Board of Selectmen my sincere thanks for the interest and cooperation manifested by them in all matters pertaining to this department.
To George J. Gould and Matthew P. Curran my thanks are extended for their cooperation on matters pertaining to the Fire Department.
I wish to express my appreciation to the call force for their coop- eration at all times; also the officers and members of the permanent force; to the auxiliary firemen who have given so freely of their time and efforts, and to all other town departments for their assistance and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
CAPT. ROBERT P. MacDONALD, Officer in Charge
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Forest Warden
January 1, 1955 Gentlemen:
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the year there was a total of 109 woods and grass fires. Respectfully submitted, CAPT. ROBERT P. MacDONALD, Deputy Forest Warden
Report of Building Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending December 31, 1954:
Building permits granted
444
Sets of plans for new houses, schools, alterations, and additions approved
321
Building inspections made
1,962
Inspections with State Inspector
46
Buildings condemned
4
Inspections with Fire Chief
56
Inspections with State Fire Marshal's Office
1
Complaints investigated
183
Complaints investigated regarding Zoning By-Laws
141
Violations of Zoning Laws checked
119
Public halls inspected
4
Carnivals inspected
3
Elevators inspected
22
Lodging houses inspected
6
Shingle permits issued
33
Sidewalk permits issued
33
Fire escapes inspected
27
Sign inspections
64
Notices posted on dangerous and unsafe buildings
4
Insulation condemned as dangerous
2
Fire inspections
26
Buildings razed
22
Buildings moved
1
Convalescent home inspections
6
Permits refused
37
January 12, 1955
23
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
Miles driven
4,994
Board of Appeal hearings attended
22
Calls received at home before and after hours
356
Total valuation of permits granted Permit fees received
$1,400.00
PERMIT VALUATIONS FOR PAST SIX YEARS
1949
$1,475,201.00
1952
$2,012,544.00
1950
2,368,580.00
1953
2,629,161.00
1951
1,464,545.00
1954 2,310,200.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. TREDINNICK, Building Inspector
January 12, 1955
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Building permits granted
444
Sets of plans for new houses, schools, alterations and additions approved 321
Total valuation of permits granted
$2,310,200.00
Permit fees received $1,400.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. TREDINNICK, Building Inspector
Report of Wire Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Wakefield, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Permits granted
1,037
Inspections made
1,271
Fees collected January 1, 1954 to December 31, 1954
and deposited in Wakefield Trust Co. $1,306.50
$2,310,200.00
January 14, 1955
24
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
In this report I would like to express my appreciation for the co- operation extended this department by Michael Collins, Manager of the Municipal Light Dept., Frank Tredinnick, Building Inspector, and Capt. Robert MacDonald of the Wakefield Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. CURRAN Wire Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending
December 31, 1954:
Permits granted
1,037
Temporary service permits
55
Inspections made
1,271
Inspections approved
972
Temporary approvals (houses under construction)
186
Installations not passing inspection
43
Installations rejected, corrected and passed
39
Wiring without obtaining permits
12
Permits refused
2
Changes in service (two to three wire)
75
Notified for non-payment of fees
61
Inspections of convalescent homes
6
Inspections in public schools
6
Public buildings inspected
4
Meetings on job with electricians
84
Property owners notified to make wiring changes
3
Complaints received from Fire Chief
1
Inspections made with Fire Chief
4
Fees collected January 1, 1954 to December 31, 1954 and deposited in Wakefield Trust Co. $1,306.50
In this report I would like to express my appreciation for the co- operation extended this department by Michael Collins, Manager of the Municipal Light Dept., Frank Tredinnick, Building Inspector, and Capt. Robert MacDonald of the Wakefield Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. CURRAN,
Wire Inspector
January 14, 1955
25
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Plumbing Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1954 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
442
Number of fixtures installed
1,908
Oil Burner Storage-Hot Water Heaters
2
Gas Storage-Hot Water Heaters
32
Electric Storage-Hot Water Heaters
33
Hot Water Heaters
20
Tankless
170
Water Closets
346
Lavatories
337
Bath Tubs
230
Showers
39
Urinals
5
Sinks
262
Sump Pump
1
Trays
123
Dental Unit
1
Dishwashers
4
Washing Machines
39
Disposals
3
Drinking Fountain
1
Soda Fountains
3
Traps
7
Drains
11
Air Condition Systems
4
Stack
1
Vents
2
Refrigerator Compressors
2
Repiping
1
Sewer Connections
139
Cesspools
90
Amount of Plumbing Fees
$1,248.75
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW, Inspector of Plumbing
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Dog Officer
January 4, 1955
Honorable Board of Selectmen: Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report of the duties performed by me as dog officer for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Answered ten hundred eight (1008) calls.
Canvassed town twice (2) for unlicensed dogs. One hundred sixty-nine (169) were picked up. Eighty-six (86) were returned to their owners.
Eighty-three (83) were humanely disposed of.
One hundred seven (107) stray cats were picked up.
Three (3) were returned to their owners.
One hundred four (104) were humanely disposed of.
One hundred twenty-seven (127) dead animals were picked up on the highways.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS, Dog Officer
Report of Animal Inspector
January 4, 1955
Honorable Board of Selectmen: Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report of the duties performed by me as animal inspector for the year ending December 31, 1954.
One hundred six (106) animals were quarantined as a precautionary measure against rabies.
One (1) animal died while under quarantine and was taken to the Wassermann Laboratory for further examination. (It proved negative).
There were no cases of rabies in Wakefield during the year 1954.
All cattle and their quarters were inspected and found satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS, Animal Inspector
27
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Dec. 31, 1954
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the following report for the year 1954.
Adjusted Sealed
Condemned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
6
1
Scales 5,000 to 10,000 Ibs.
2
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
9
40
Scales under 100 lbs.
25
131
1
Avoirdupois weights
3
169
Linear measures
2
Gasoline meters
3
82
14
Vehicle tanks
11
37
Bulk storage
1
5
Gasoline pumps
5
82
Leather measures
1
Cloth measures
2
Measuring equipment adjusted
57
549
16
Reweighs on meats and vegetables-247
Fees collected-$369.10
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. DEVLIN, Sealer
Report of Director of Civil Defense
January 12, 1955
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The Civil Defense Agency, a wholly volunteer organization, with only one paid worker has completed a busy year.
On April 24, 1954 and again on June 14, 1954 State and Nationwide air raid alerts were held. The first test resulted in movement of equip- ment and personnel to the City of Everett which had been the theor- etical target. The nation-wide test proved that less than 40% of Wake- field is adequately covered by the present air raid system.
The July 4th celebration saw the Auxiliary Police and Fire Depart- ments and Medical Services again in action.
28
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
August 26th saw the arrival of the new rescue vehicle voted at the Town Meeting. With its arrival came two disastrous hurricanes and had the town been forced to pay for the hire of equipment used on this vehicle and the volume of volunteer manpower over the three week period, then this truck would have virtually paid for itself.
The hurricanes proved some interesting points.
1. Reliance on telephone would have left virtually no communica- tions. The radio-telephone systems being inaugurated carried its share of work and proved its need and reliability.
2. Lack of emergency power supplies.
3 Lack of emergency portable pumps.
4. Lack of radio controlled equipment and control stations.
The First-Aid Program again proved its worth with a record of pos- sibly one life saved through artificial respiration and many cases where- in trained first-aiders were at the scenes of accidents and made use of their knowledge.
The Municipal Light Department has received and is in process of setting up a two-way radio-telephone network of their own, with equip- ment purchased under the Matching Funds Program.
It should be noted that if the town had to pay for the services ren- dered by the various division of the Civil Defense Agency and the money saved by the procurement of equipment through the Matching Funds Program, the entire cost of the Civil Defense Agency has been returned to the town.
In closing, may I point out to those who called requesting assistance during emergencies and found that the services were not available, it is because they have not volunteered to man these services.
May I thank Selectmen Harry H. Denning, members of the Board and all town departments and agencies for their help and cooperation in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES F. HURTON, Director of Civil Defense
Report of Board of Health
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield:
The Board of Health submits its annual report for the year 1954.
There were more cases of mumps reported in 1954 than in previous years. The upward trend began in the spring of '53, the peak was reached in March of '54 but by September of this year the disease was once more at a low level. Measles was also prevalent this year, showing a definite increase in December. During the year 1954 there were re- ported 3 cases of poliomyelitis (non-paralytic) 1 case of salmonella (para-typhoid) 3 cases of infectious hepatitis (yellow jaundice) and 28 cases of scarlet fever.
29
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
Due to the fact our immunization program now includes both pre- school and school clinics, diphtheria has been reduced to the vanishing point. The State Department of Public Health is now planning a suit- able program for immunizing high school children. 102 children were given a series of 3 inoculations for protection against diphtheria, whoop- ing cough and tetanus. 366 children received "booster" shots for pro- tection against these diseases.
Mrs. Ernestine Nardone, R.N., Public Health Nurse, reports the tuberculosis case register for 1954, field trips and visits made.
Tuberculosis Case Register
Cases on register January 1, 1954
27
Number moved in from other places
4
New cases reported during the year
5
Number of re-active cases
1
37
Deaths during 1954
0
Diagnosis revoked
1
Number placed on inactive list
2
Number of patients moved away
0
3
Number remaining on Register December 31, 1954
34
Number of patients hospitalized in 1954
10
Number of visits to tuberculosis patients
46
Communicable Diseases
Paratyphoids
16
Scarlet fever
15
Poliomyelitis
3
Premature baby investigations
5
Inspection of kindergartens
4
Number of tbc interdermal skin tests read
17
Number of X-ray appointments
67
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT DUTTON, M.D., Chairman ROBERT G. REED, Secretary EVAN FAIRBANKS
Report of Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield:
The Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the fiscal year of 1954.
The year 1954 proved to be uneventful with no great changes indi- cated in the overall picture of Public Assistance. The case load in Old Age Assistance maintained itself; there was a lowering of the number receiving Aid to Dependent Children, and a normal increase in those re- ceiving Disability Assistance. General Relief and Town Home expendi-
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
tures were very close to estimate. Total expenditures for all relief in Wakefield, including Town Home and Administration amount to $451,- 042.57. We had returned from all sources $327,422.98 which left a net cost of $128,619.59, or, 27.4%.
Of 43 property owners receiving Old Age Assistance at the beginning of the year only 2 cases were closed and the sum of $4,936.50 was recov- ered.
General Relief
There were four hospital and nursing home cases aided in this cate- gory which were of long duration and used a considerable portion of the annual appropriation. Beyond that six full time and 72 part time cases were aided which resulted in using the total appropriation.
Aid to Dependent Children
This program showed a decline from 22 cases, at the beginning of the year, to 13 cases, at the close. We added six cases to the rolls and closed fifteen cases for the following reasons:
Moved from this community 3
Husband now supporting family 3
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