USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1877 > Part 17
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matter was brought more forcibly to our minds by the actual occurrence of what we had feared, viz: a fire during the unavoidable absence of the driver and horse located in one of the houses on the west side of the city. The fire broke out in a barn situated between two large dwelling houses, both of which were greatly endangered. To make matters worse, one of those occurences which fortunately seldom occur, took place, the alarm being given from two stations at almost the same instant, thus creating a combination of numbers on the fire alarm that proved quite bewildering to everyone, and sent the Department in every direction but the right one. Fortunately however, the Chief was in the neighborhood and discovering the fire, went at once to the engine house, but to his surprise found the door locked and horse and driver gone. By forcing open a window and opening a door from the inside, he succeeded in hitching his horse to the hose carriage and took it to the fire, and with the help of the few persons attracted there, succeeded in stopping what threatened to be a serious conflagration.
After such a warning, the Board deemed it advisable to take some steps to prevent a like occurrence in future. The mate- rial needed in the construction of this Talking Circuit having
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reached a very low figure during the season, its construction was resolved upon, the entire labor of constructing it being per- formed by the permanent men in the department and the Super- intendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph.
The uses to which it can be put are so numerous that perhaps it would be well to enumerate a few of them here. The office of the American District Telegraph is connected by wire with the Fire Department Headquarters. We have a list of the boxes in each of the houses before mentioned, so that the men there stationed can become familiar with their location. Should an alarm be sent in over the wires of the American District, it is at once sent to these headquarters by striking the number of the box on the engine house gong. Should the location of the box be in the vicinity of the headquarters, the apparatus kept there would proceed at once to the fire, and no doubt, in most cases, would be able to stop any incipient conflagration that would start under these circumstances, without giving a general alarm. Should an alarm come from some other neighborhood, that of John street, for instance, where the Babcock Extinguisher is kept, they are ordered at once by telegraph to the fire. To the great mass of our citizens the advantage of this arrange- ment is not so clear as it is to this Board, but experience has proved to us that at least 95 per cent. of the losses in dwellings and stores is caused by water and not by fire.
The rivalry so necessary for the efficiency of a Fire Depart- ment like ours, like everything else, has its drawbacks; the desire of the several companies to excel in the performance of their duties sometimes prevents the exercise of good judgment, and water is oftentimes let on without due regard to the amount of good or evil it may produce ; therefore it is desirable to have one of the Board present, when possible, at fires of this kind at the earliest moment. For this reason we wish, and would re- quest those persons who have a district alarm box on their premises, to use it in case of fire before proceeding to give an alarm through the Fire Alarm Telegraph, for it will not only prevent a superabundance of apparatus and men, and conse- quently of water, but it will secure the presence of the Chief or First Assistant, one or both of whom would be at the depart-
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ment headquarters, or within easy call of the same, which would prevent the excessive use of water so much to be dreaded in such cases.
Since the erection of this line, one of the department horses was taken suddenly ill with colic; it was a very valuable ani- mal, and of course the driver was very much alarmed, as well he might be ; going to his telegraph instrument he called to head- quarters for the "Chief;" the answer went back, "he is not here; " he then communicated the condition of the horse and a request for the attendance of the Chief, who at that time was making his customary daily rounds, and his precise location at that time could not be told; he was called for by telegraph at each of the houses until he was found, and the facts communi- cated to him, when he proceeded to the spot, and by taking prompt measures for its relief, the life of the horse was saved.
During the construction of the railroad bridge on Southbridge street, either through accident or carelessness, the workmen let their derrick come against the fire alarm wire, pulling it off the pole, which caused it to hang so low over the railroad as to en- danger the lives of the brakemen on the passing freight trains. News of the accident was at once telegraphed to Mr. Brophy, who proceeded to the spot and repaired the wire, fortunately before any accident occurred. These are only a few of the cases where the Talking Circuit has proved itself of great value to this department.
We are gratified to inform you that there has been a smaller number of alarms given during the past year than there has been during a like period since the erection of the Fire Alarm Telegraph.
HOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
There is now 4,000 feet of rubber hose, 3,000 feet of which is in good condition ; 1,000 feet is poor and unreliable for service ; 9,000 feet of leather hose, 5,000 feet of which is in excellent condition, and 4,000 feet in fair condition. During the past year 2,000 feet of leather hose was purchased of Samuel East- man & Co., of East Concord, N. H., which is of excellent qual- ity, and 1,200 feet of Sibley's cotton hose, making 2,800 feet of
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what we consider the best fabric hose in use by fire departments. There is also 1,000 feet of unlined linen hose in good condition .. We would recommend the purchase of 3,000 feet of first quality hose, without delay. The equipment of hose is one of the essentials of the Fire Department, and no objections should be urged against its purchase when required. Efforts may be made at times to postpone the buying of hose unless it can be pur- chased at a price almost ruinous to the manufacturer. Experi- ence has taught the managers of fire departments that the best is the cheapest. It is not advisable or prudent to experiment when a conflagration is threatened ; it is sometimes economical to pay the highest price, and especially should hose of proved excellence be given to the Fire Department.
For one thousand dollars saved by purchasing a poor article, may involve the loss of tens of thousands of dollars worth of property. The most important item in the equipment of a Fire Department is good, substantial, trustworthy hose; without it the best firemen and the most serviceable machinery become useless ; water may be in abundance, but of what avail is it un- less it is conducted to the place where it is most needed. Of late years great improvements have been made in the manufac- ture of hose ; the hose formerly in use, and indeed much that is made at present, cannot be relied upon in case of emergency. There is great rivalry existing between the manufacturers of hose for the reason, that in all sections of the country more at- tention is being paid to the equipment of fire departments, and the demand for the best hose is on the increase. What our fire- men want, and what we want them to have, is hose that is reliable.
HORSES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
The number of horses in service in the department is fifteen ; three are attached to Steamer No. 1, three to Steamer No. 2, two to Hook and Ladder No. 1, and two to the Fire Patrol, and one each to Steamer No. 3, Hose No. 6, Hose No. 7, the Bab- cock Extinguisher, and one for general repairs on the Fire Alarm Telegraph. Two have been exchanged the past year for horses better able to do the work required of them. Too much
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care cannot be taken in making the necessary changes in horses for the department. From the kind of duty they are required to perform, they are often driven into positions where horses ordinarily would become unmanageable; therefore good judg- ment is very much needed in making the selection. To do their work well, it is absolutely necessary that they should possess only good qualities, as in case of fire there is no time to spare to train them. Some of our horses have been in use thirteen years, and should be exchanged, although they have received the best of care from the drivers. It is very important that the r ative power used to take our apparatus to fires should be in the best condition. We would therefore recommend that when a horse shows signs of being nearly worn out, he should be exchanged for a younger and better one, capable of performing the special duty required. This Board will give this department their con- stant attention, and trust your honorable body will sanction the outlay necessary to keep the horses up to the proper standard.
WATER AND HYDRANTS.
Prompt and energetic action on the part of the Water Com- mittee and Superintendent of the Water Works has secured for service, in case of fire, a more enlarged volume of water. The Elm Street district, heretofore having an inadequate supply, has been provided for by the laying of twelve inch pipes, easterly to Highland Street, and the requisite number of hydrants have been located, so that the property abutting is afforded better protection. In our last report we strenuously urged that more hydrants be located, particularly in the business centre of the city. We believe it would be much cheaper, as it would save hose and make the department more efficient. There is also need of more hydrants in the outlying districts of the city. By the lack of hydrants, ten thousand dollars worth of property has been destroyed during the past year, within two hundred feet of our water main, and not a hydrant available. It must be remembered that the city is constantly growing, and it is the reverse of economy to fail to extend our water facilities. In accordance with this growth it is not only possible, but exceed-
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ingly probable that a single fire in some portion of the city, would cause from this deficiency, a loss sufficient to pay for hy- drants for years to come. If we are to protect the property of the whole city, we must have the means to do so. Each year should witness the location of as many hydrants as possible, until the entire city is supplied. During the past year but thirteen hydrants have been located, owing, no doubt, to our enforced economy. The people who are assessed for the general expen- ditures have a right to demand that their property should be protected. We would again recommend that more hydrants may be located where it may appear absolutely requisite.
HOUSES.
The most of the houses are in good repair, although a moder- ate outlay will be required to keep them in good condition. The permanent men of the department are detailed to do most of the work for the repairs of the several houses, when it can be done without impairing their efficiency in their several stations. This, we think, but right, that the city should have the benefit of their skill when occasion requires it. The headquarters of the Department, No. 80 Front Street, are in good condition at this time. This house is occupied by the Board of Engineers, the battery and machinery of the Fire Alarm Telegraph, the Gov. Lincoln Steamer Co. No. 1, and Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, and the horses for drawing the same. The building is warmed by steam from a boiler in the cellar. In addition, it contains a work and store-room, six bed-rooms and two bath rooms. The bed-rooms are furnished with double beds for the members of the two companies, and are all occupied. The house of S. E. Combs Steamer Co. No. 2, is in good condition, and contains three bed-rooms, with double beds, which are occupied, and a bath-room. The stable contains five stalls for horses. The house of A. B. Lovell Steamer Co., No. 3, is in good condition. This house has been provided with a stable to accommodate three horses, which is a great improvement, and has been long needed. A permanent man has been stationed there, and a horse to draw the hose carriage, greatly relieving the fire risk
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in that locality. Two more horses should be added at an early day, and a permanent man to care for them. This locality is being built up with large blocks and manufacturing establish- ments, and permanent men and horses are needed in this section as much as any other in the city. The hall of this company is very tastefully furnished by the company. A Library has re- cently been added, it being the first introduced into the depart- ment, the company obtaining it by a popular vote at the Grand Army Fair, held Dec. 4th. We hope that this rivalry will con- tinue until every company in the city will be the owner of one, and thus leisure hours be pleasantly and usefully employed, while the donors would have the satisfaction of knowing that their donations had contributed to increase the usefulness of our fire- men by placing within their reach the means to attain a greater degree of intelligence, and thereby the proper discharge of their duties as citizens and firemen.
The house of Rapid Steamer Co., No. 4, is in poor condition, the room being too small to accommodate a steamer and hose carriage, and we recommend that better accommodations be furnished that company as soon as circumstances will admit. The house of City Hose, No. 1, is in need of repairs to give bet- ter sleeping accommodations, and should be attended to at once. The house of Hose Co., No. 2, is the poorest engine house in the city. When it was built it was only for temporary use, or until such times as it should seem expedient to erect a more. suitable building. As it now remains, it is no credit to the city.
The houses of Hose 4, 5, 6 and 7, are in excellent condition .. Hose 3 and 5 have been newly fitted up the past year, and provided with better sleeping accommodations and bath-rooms. These companies with the assistance of their friends, have furnished their hall very nicely, which is a credit to those popular organizations.
All the Engine Houses, with but two exceptions, are pro- vided with sleeping accommodations and bath-rooms. We. believe that the better the houses are furnished, the better the class of men that can be obtained. When their houses are cheerful, the members like to visit them with their friends, thus creating an interest that is of the utmost importance in a
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Fire Department. No thoughtful citizen will object to the expense necessary to make comfortable the houses of these constant guardians of our lives and property. These faithful men are required to be at their post, and at the tap of the bell fearlessly expose themselves to the dangers that surround them; and after battling for hours, perhaps in Winter, against the devouring element, their clothes frequently frozen solid to their persons, it is no more than humanity and justice demands, that when they return from their duties, they have comfortable quarters. In so providing, a superior force is secured, and more creditable to the City of Worcester.
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT.
The apparatus and general equipment of the Department have been maintained, and a standard of effectiveness preserved. No new apparatus has been purchased during the year, and repairs have only been made when found absolutely necessary. The steamers are generally in good condition, except steamer No. 3, which will require a new boiler at an early day. Perhaps it would be economy to exchange it for a new and improved pattern. This engine has been in constant use twelve years. All the other apparatus remain the same as in our former report.
It is an important duty, on the part of the city, to keep the Department equipped to the highest degree of efficiency. Re- pairs of apparatus when needed, should be made at once ; due economy, however, should be and is observed by having the men in the Department make all such as can be conveniently done in the engine houses. The repairs to engines, hose car- riages and hook and ladder carriages, have been merely inciden- tal the past year. A new hose carriage is required, and should be built the present year, to take the place of one worn out by long service; and the hose carriage of Steamer No. 1, will require thorough repairs. It is the intention of the board to keep the apparatus in good repair; contingences are constantly occurring, and require constant watchfulness to provide against and remedy.
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SUGGESTIONS.
In this connection we beg leave to make a few suggestions, which we respectfully submit for your consideration. The tendency in this city, as well as in other Fire Departments, is to place them on a permanent basis, and by removing it as far as possible from political change, create a sense of personal respon- sibility, and retain the service of competent and faithful subor- dinates, so long as it may be of interest to do so.
It is impossible to secure the highest degree of efficiency for the Fire Department of any city, so long as politics are allowed to influence appointments or elections therein. Every fireman, be he chief in command or the cheapest private, should hold his appointment so securely that, so long as he performs his duty honestly and faithfully, all the politicians in the country combined could not secure his removal. They should be inde- pendent of everybody but their immediate superiors ; officers should secure their own appointments, without knuckling to the politicians. Their ambition should be to secure the best men for the several positions in the Department, making "merit," rather than efficiency as political wire-pullers the test by which all applicants be tried. It is generally the case that a good politician makes a poor fireman.
We think it would be for the best interests of this Depart- ment, to have the officers of the several companies appointed by the Board of Engineers, subject to the approval of the Mayor and Aldermen, to hold their positions until removed by promo- tion or otherwise, and we think they should be removed only for cause.
EXPENDITURES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
In this connection, I will state that the utmost possible economy has been exercised during the past year, in order that our expenses should be brought within the limits of our means. It is impossible to further reduce our expenses without seriously affecting the efficiency of the Department. The expenses have not exceeded the estimates for the year, as will be seen by table accompanying this report.
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The expenditures for the year have amounted to $39,760.75. Revenue, $909.40, leaving an unexpended balance of $3,148.65. The test which the board are most anxious about, is whether the expenses have been proper, and the city received the equiva- lant for the money expended. Their aim has been to save money by judiciously expending it, to ask for less money than would be required would be folly on our part, and troublesome to the City Council.
The Protective Department, organized and mostly supported by the Insurance Companies, have been allowed $70 per month, and that amount has been charged to the appropriation of the Fire Department. The protective Department has worked in entire harmony with the members of the Fire Department, and are fully entitled to the commendations so generously accorded them. We think few cities of our size have a Fire Department superior to ours, and one that is maintained at as little cost as ours at the present time. The city has expended large sums in years past to bring the Department up to a high standard, and the result has been secured. The past year, the expenses of the Department have fallen considerably under the appropriation, and this saving does not seem to have been caused by any injudicious crippling of the necessary appliances. It is a matter of great gratification to the Board of Engineers, as well as the officers and members of the Department, that they are held in such high esteem by the citizens, while its support and main- tainance necessarily involves a large expenditure of money. The tax-payers cheerfully contribute the amount required, feeling that the protection afforded, is ample return for the outlay.
THE WORCESTER FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
This benevolent association was organized in June, 1874, for the purpose of affording relief to such of its members as should receive injuries while in the discharge of their duties. The association still continues to render relief to its members when necessity requires it. The association has a small relief fund deposited in the Peoples' Saving Bank, from which aid is ren- dered. The fund has been increased from time to time by small
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donations of citizens, who have in this manner expressed their approbation of a worthy organization. We would recommend this association to your especial notice, as we consider it in every way worthy of public notice ; and the Board of Engineers, in behalf of the members, return thanks to those who have in any way aided them. They have done a noble work by substan- tially aiding the sick and disabled firemen.
The casualities for the past year have been, Mrs. Philip Bel- laire, was fatally burned by the upsetting of a kerosene lamp, her clothes taking fire. Several slight accidents by burning of lesser magnitude have occured among our citizens which I will not note here, but will proceed to enumerate the casualities among the members of the Department, who by their arduous duty performed, have met with quite serious injuries, as follows :
F. W. Buxton, of the Fire Patrol, injured in the back by falling with an Extinguisher, while working at a fire Jan. 15th.
O. W. Lounsbury, Captain of Hose Co. No. 4, died March 10th.
W. S. Hall, a member of Hose 3, injured when responding to an alarm of fire March 30th.
Robert Gill, a member of Hook and Ladder No. 1, died May 11th.
F. W. Buxton, of the City Patrol, injured while working at a fire August 4th.
John H. Riley, Assistant Foreman of Hose 7, severely injured by falling from the roof at a fire, August 4th.
John Madden, Clerk of Hose No. 7, injured at a fire Aug. 4.
E. O. Green, a member of Hose No. 3, slightly injured pro- ceeding to a fire, August 24th.
L. W. Benson, member of Hook and Ladder No. 1, severely injured by a falling beam, while in the discharge of his duty at a fire, August 24th.
Charles M. Mills, Captain of Steamer No. 3, injured by falling from a roof, lost a portion of his left ear, while working at a fire September 26th.
Thomas Burton, Clerk of Babcock Extinguisher No. 1, severely injured in the back by falling from a ladder, while in the dis- charge of his duty at a fire, September 26.
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Charles Chew, of Hose No. 1, slightly injured by being thrown from a Hose Carriage, while responding to an alarm from Box 25, October 14.
The receipts of the Association since its organization have been $4,295.81, and the expenses for the same period $2,583.36, leaving a fund of $1,712.45.
The officers of the Association are as follows :
President, S. E. Combs; Vice-President, William Brophy ; Secretary, Samuel H. Day; Treasurer, J. W. Loring ; Trustees, from the Board of Engineers, G. N. Rawson; Steamer No. 1, Charles Allen ; Steamer No. 2, Carl Noyes ; Steamer No. 3, Charles M. Mills; Steamer No. 4, George W. Dickinson ; Hose No. 1, George Hartwell; Hose No. 2, David Boland ; Hose No. 3, William Wheclock; Hose No. 5, Joseph Bolio ; Hose No. 6, George D. Ballow; Hose No. 7, K. G. Kendall ; Extinguisher, William Flynn ; Hook and Ladder No. 1, L. W. Benson ; Hook and Ladder No. 2, John Horgan ; Fire Patrol, Hiram Williamson.
CHIEF ENGINEERS' CONVENTION.
By request of His Honor the Mayor, and Committee on Fire Department, I attended the Fifth Annual Convention of Chiefs of Fire Departments of the United States, assembled at Nash- ville, Tennessee, September 4th, and respectfully submit the following report:
The members present were not as numerous as I expected to find there, but marked intelligence characterized their proceed- ings. The cordiality of my welcome was so marked as to afford no pretence that any consideration personal to myself inspired it. I accepted it as testimony of the esteem in which our Department is held abroad. The addresses and proceedings were mostly engrossed with the subject of improved apparatus, and while no suggestion or design in this direction escaped my closest attention, I am not prepared at present to recommend any radical changes in our own Department. Prominent Chiefs from all the leading Fire Departments were present, and the topics discussed were of the first importance to all firemen, as well as every one interested in the matter of Fire Departments. .
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