USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1879 > Part 23
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The City Government has shown that it feels an interest in the welfare of the Department, by responding with promptness to the recommendations of the Chief Engineer; and it is a source of pleasure and gratification to be able to say that, the condition of the apparatus is better than it ever has been since the Department was first organized. The Board will continue to exercise due vigilance by seeing that repairs are made at the right time ; that every portion of the apparatus may be ready for service at a moment's warning, in a safe and reliable condi- tion ; and the excellent care taken of the apparatus, at the dif-
361
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
ferent houses, has a tendency to keep it so, and is worthy of high commendation.
During the past year, Hose 2 has been altered from a hand to a horse carriage, which is a decided improvement, and I would recommend that the remaining hand hose carriages be changed to horse as soon as it is practicable. I would also recommend the purchase of a light truck, with two large tanks, or several small extinguishers attached, to be drawn by horse, and used in place of one of the hand hose carriages. With these alterations, and ordinary repairs which are always necessary, the apparatus of the Department will be reliable and ready for service. Econ- omy will be practised as heretofore, and all repairs will be done at the engine houses, by members of the Department, which can be attended to there.
THE WORCESTER PROTECTIVE DEPARTMENT.
The work accomplished by the Fire Patrol during the past year, has met with the approval of the Board of Engineers. This company answers all alarms, and always reports in good time at all fires, and in many instances has been the means of saving much property that would otherwise have been damaged by fire, water or smoke. Although mainly supported by the Insurance companies, the members of the Patrol do not stop to ascertain whether the property in danger is insured or not, but proceed to spread their water-proof covers, or remove and pro- tect the goods, using their own judgment, which has generally proved to be correct.
Since its existence, the Fire Patrol has been the means of saving from damage a large amount of property that could not have been removed without loss and injury, which, previous to its organization, would have fared differently. Their presence acts as a check upon thieving at fires, and it is now very rare that losses in that manner occur, as they keep objectionable persons out of the buildings and off the grounds. The Patrol has rendered valuable aid to the Fire Department, and although it receives its principal support from insurance companies, it serves the public as well as any company belonging to the reg-
362
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
ular Department. They take charge of the property and hold it until it is delivered into the hands of its owners, thus reliev- ing the Engineers and other officers of the Department from any care in that direction, giving them an opportunity to devote their undivided attention to the fire. In many cases, the Patrol act as a detective force, discovering the origin of a fire, whether it occurred by accident or design, and they undoubtedly save more for the insurance companies than the expense of maintain- ing the organization, and fill an important position acting in conjunction with the Fire Department. The record of the company has been excellent during its existence, and has been fully appreciated by the Board of Engineers, who have extended to them the encouragement which they well deserved.
HOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
One of the most essential things connected with the Fire Department, that the firemen may be enabled to successfully combat the fiery element is, that each company shall have a sufficient quantity of good, reliable hose, and I have found in all cases that the best is the cheapest; and I therefore recom- mend that 2,000 feet of first quality hose be purchased during the coming year.
A fire department may be fully equipped in every other respect ; but, if the hose be unreliable, it seriously impairs the efficiency of the organization, and nothing is so discouraging to the firemen who have made every effort to reach a fire in its earliest stages, to be delayed by and obliged to replace a length of bursted hose, during which time the fire has had an opportu- nity to gain strength, and perhaps get beyond the control in the building where it originated. If the hose is not reliable, a fire may not readily be checked, and although not at fault, the fire- men are liable to censure for allowing the fire to gain so much headway. With good hose, and the apparatus in perfect repair, ample protection is guaranteed to the property of our citizens.
HORSES.
The number of horses in the Department is sixteen: three are attached to Steamer No. 1, three to Steamer No. 2, two to
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FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Hook and Ladder No. 1, two are used by the Fire Patrol, and one each by Steamer No. 3, Hose Nos. 2, 6 and 7, and the Bab- cock Extinguisher, and one for the use of the Superintendent of the Fire Alarm Telegraph.
During the past year one horse has been purchased for Hose No. 2, which was this year changed from a hand to a horse car- riage, and the horse used by Hook and Ladder No. 1, sold, and a younger one substituted. The horses of Steamer No. 1 are getting old, and I would recommend that younger ones be pur- chased as soon as it is practicable.
It is of the highest importance that this branch of the service should be kept up to the standard, so that there may be no cause for delay in this direction. Great care should be used in the selection of horses for the use of the Department, that they may be sound and kind in the harness, as the special duty re- quired does not afford time to break a faulty horse. The Engi- neers will give careful attention to this branch of the service, and doubtless your honorable body will sanction the outlay that may be necessary to keep it up to the present standard.
WATER AND HYDRANTS.
This all important and indispensable branch of the service has received careful and constant attention from the Water Board and the efficient and worthy Superintendent of the Water Works, Mr. Frank E. Hall, during the past year. The supply has been ample for fire purposes to meet the contingencies that have occurred. There are certain districts not sufficiently pro- tected, and additions should be made as fast as the steady growth of the city requires, and in my opinion we cannot have too many hydrants, especially in the centre of the city. The additional water facilities thus furnished make a real saving to the city in the use of hose, and the additional protection to property will be approved, therefore, by those who favor econ- omy. I have heretofore spoken of the great waste of water by our citizens, and some measures should be adopted by which those who abuse their privilege should be made to pay for their neglect or carelessness.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
The Fire Department, during the past year, has fortunately succeeded in keeping fires within narrow limits, but other cities have not fared as well; and it may be our turn next, and our present facilities for extinguishing fires be put to a severe test. To meet such an emergency, let there be no lack of hydrants, and we believe that our city will be saved from a serious con- flagration. I would, therefore, recommend more hydrants, and that the water pipes be extended to Quinsigamond and North- ville, so that better protection may be afforded to the tax pay- ers of those localities.
No Fire Department, however efficient, can render good ser- vice without a supply of water where it can be made available.
CHEMICAL ENGINE.
We have heretofore spoken in the highest terms of the ser- vice rendered by the Chemical Engine, and it affords us pleas- ure to say that it has given entire satisfaction during the year which has just closed. Although its location is not the most favorable, still it has responded with promptness to all alarms, and rendered valuable service at fires, having in several instan- ces extinguished them, thus avoiding the necessity of flooding the building with water. It is not our intention to depreciate the value of our Steamers, Hose Companies and Hook and Lad- der Companies, as their services could not be dispensed with ; but the true policy is to extinguish the fire with the least pos- sible loss. Before the introduction of the Chemical Engine, in many cases more damage was done at small fires, by water, than by flames. On such occasions the services of the Chemical Engine are indispensable, and it has many recommendations in its favor, one of which is, it can be worked by a small force. We, therefore, remain of the opinion that no Fire Department is complete without one or more Chemical Engines.
I am now placing one or more small extinguishers on each of the Hose Carriages, as I think they can be worked to advantage in telephone alarms, when only the services of Hose Carriages are called, when they can, in many cases, extinguish small fires without giving a general alarm.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT.
LADDERS AND FIRE ESCAPES.
There is a greater tendency to build stores, workshops and fectories five or six stories high, as the land in the central por- tion of our growing city becomes more and more valuable, which increases the amount of work to be done by the Hook and Ladder Companies, and adds to the many dangers they are called to encounter in the performance of their duty.
The members of this branch of the service, together with the hosemen, are especially liable to loss of life, or injury from fall- ing walls. They may at any time be called upon to rescue per- sons, who are unable to escape without assistance, from the upper stories of high buildings, and should be furnished with the best means of reaching the desired height with the least possible danger to themselves.
Several of our manufacturers have attached fire escapes to their buildings, for which they are entitled to commendation, but still there are many localities where they are very much needed, and the owners should be compelled to maintain fire escapes, as they have no right to thus endanger the lives of their operatives, when much of the danger could be removed at an expense comparatively trifling. Because Worcester has for years escaped having a disastrous fire, while Boston, Baltimore and other cities have not been so fortunate, still such a fire may occur here, when we shall find ourselves deficient in the num- ber of long, serviceable ladders, and shall regret, when too late, that the emergency had not been provided against.
In another part of this report I have recommended the pur- chase of a light Hook and Ladder Carriage, with extinguisher attached, and I would also call your attention to the propriety of strengthening this important branch of the service, by the addition of one or more extension ladders.
HOUSES.
The houses of the Department, with a single exception, are in better condition than ever before, and will require but a moderate outlay to keep them in good repair. A new house
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
has been built during the past year, for Hose Company No. 2, which gives good satisfaction. The members of this company have fitted up their hall in a tasty manner, and members of this, as well as other companies in the Department, take a commend- able pride in showing visitors over their houses.
The Board of Engineers have encouraged and fostered this spirit of improvement manifested by the men, as the more attractive the houses are made, the higher the standard of the Department is likely to become. The companies have mainly done this out of their own funds, although they may have re- ceived some contributions from their friends. As the perma- nent men have to spend all their time at the houses, they can- not, at best, secure all the comforts of ordinary homes, but can be made as home-like as possible, and they should not be ex- pected to do this out of their own earnings, but should receive due consideration from your honorable body.
I would recommend that the house of Hose Company No. 5 be altered to accommodate a horse to draw the carriage; and I would especially call your attention to the house of Steamer Company No. 1, on Front street, which should be remodeled so that the men may have better sleeping accommodations ; also, that the stalls be altered so as to front the apparatus, and the horses have a straight run, and swinging harnesses provided. This house is centrally located, and the companies have more fire duty to do than the others, except the Chemical Engine and Protective Company, and therefore should have every facility afforded them possible.
FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH.
This indispensable aid to the Fire Department has worked exceedingly well during the past year. Its superiority over the old system is acknowledged by all, as there is not the least difficulty in ascertaining the exact locality of the fire, and only the companies located within a reasonable distance are called at the first alarm ; and, if additional apparatus is needed, and the fire proves to be a serious one, a general alarm calls out the whole Department, which, owing to the vigilance of the force,
367
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
rarely occurs. The many improvements which have been made in the Fire Alarm Telegraph, and the introduction of the Tele- phone, place the Fire Department in direct connection with the Chief Engineer, so that he can communicate with each com- pany, and call as they may be needed, and in some instances without giving an alarm. By the use of the Telephone, in many cases questions may be answered from headquarters which re- quire prompt attention, and much time and travel is thus saved. Too much care cannot be taken to ring in an alarm from the nearest box to the fire, as it is of the utmost importance that the firemen should not be sent in the wrong direction.
That the Fire Alarm Telegraph may at all times, and under all circumstances, be perfectly reliable, is rendered secure by the valuable services of Assistant Engineer William Brophy, the Superintendent. His position is a responsible one, as he is liable to be called upon at all hours of the day or night, when by accident a wire is broken, as it must be repaired without de- lay, so that all the wires may be in working order in case of fire. The performance of this duty is attended with danger, as he is obliged to climb to the tops of houses, thus endangering life and limb. A delay of a few moments, caused by the wires failing to work, might result in an extensive conflagration. The advantage to property owners, and the firemen, through the Fire Alarm is very great, and the services of Mr. Brophy, to the Fire Department, are fully appreciated by the Board of Engi- neers.
During the past year four new boxes have been put in, and I would recommend the addition of more alarm stations the coming year. The Telephone has proved itself very valuable, and could not well be dispensed with, and with the additions of the new stations asked for, the condition of our Fire Alarm Telegraph will be in every respect satisfactory.
The large fire alarm bell has been sent to the foundry and made into three bells, which give much better satisfaction.
Two large annunciators have been added during the year, and I would recommend the addition of three more as soon as possible. In order to save time, the horses are now unhitched by electricity on the first stroke of the gong, and trained to
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
take their places at the poles or shafts. The noise made by them often prevents the counting of the strokes of the gong, and the time saved by the unhitching device is often lost in waiting for the next round of the box. The annunciator, placed where the driver can see it, shows in plain figures the number of the box from which the alarm is given, and thereby prevents the possibility of such delays.
EXPENDITURES.
The expenditures of the year have amounted to $40,452.81; the revenue, $935.64. The appropriation for the year was $43,000.00, which, with the revenue added, makes $43,935.64; which, after deducting the expenses of the year, leaves a bal- ance of $3,482.83. The amount expended may seem to some of our citizens large, for carrying on our Fire Department, but it is small compared to the value of the property which they stand ready at a moment's warning to protect from the fiery element. That property owners should feel secure, it is essen- tial that the Engineers should have a force large enough upon which they may call to meet any exigency that may arise, and it would not be true economy to allow the Department to be crippled for want of means. The liberal appropriation made by the City Government, in past years, has brought the service to its present high standard, and it is the opinion of this Board that the money has been judiciously expended, as we believe that our city has a Fire Department which will bear comparison with, and is fully equal to that of any city of the same size in the country. It is a source of gratification to the officers and members of the Department that their services are fully appre- ciated by your honorable body and the citizens of Worcester, and it will be the aim of the Board to keep the expenses as low as possible, consistent with the well being of the Department.
THE WORCESTER FIREMENS' RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
This Association was organized for benevolent purposes in 1874, and received its Charter from the State in 1878. The
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FIRE DEPARTMENT.
main object of the organization is to afford relief to any of its members who may be injured while doing fire duty. The As- sociation has a fund from which money is drawn to aid members who may need assistance. This fund is not very large, but is increased by donations from our citizens who approve of the object of the Association. We would call the especial attention of our benevolent citizens to the merits of the cause in which its members are engaged -that of aiding sick and disabled fire- men. The thanks of the Board of Trustees are tendered to those who have kindly interested themselves in its behalf. A movement has been made in Boston in favor of pensioning dis- abled firemen, and those who have become superannuated by long service. If our city is not prepared to take such an ad- vanced step, let those who have abundant means assist the fire- men in creating a fund by which they can help themselves, when they have received injuries while endeavoring to save the prop- erty of their fellow citizens.
CONCLUSION.
Before closing this report, I desire to say that the Board of Engineers have availed themselves of every opportunity to gain information on all matters that would have a tendency to im- prove and advance the best interests of our Fire Department, and have given careful consideration to all measures presented to them for adoption ; also have used their best endeavors to prevent serious loss of life and property by fire, in which they have met with a fair measure of success. We take pleasure in acknowledging the earnest and faithful support of the officers and members of the Department who are entitled to high com- mendation for the very satisfactory manner in which their arduous duties have been performed, for which they have doubt- less had the approval of their fellow citizens. The people of Worcester join with visitors from abroad in expressing their admiration of the working of, and the excellent condition of the members of the Department. While we have given details, recommendations and suggestions in this report, we have also given each subject the space it seemed to require, and too much
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
praise cannot be bestowed upon the discipline and efficiency of the force, and if we have earned the approval of your honora- ble body and the citizens of Worcester, we are satisfied. To his Honor the Mayor, I desire to express my thanks for the uniform courtesy and interest manifested by him, at all times, in the Fire Department. The City Marshal and Police Depart- ment, Mr. Frank E. Hall, Water Commissioner, and Charles H. Peck, Superintendent of Public Buildings, one and all have my hearty acknowledgments for their kind assistance, and the good feeling manifested toward me and the Department during the past year. My sincere thanks are due to the Standing Com- mittee of the Fire Department of the City Council for their cor- dial support of all matters brought to their attention, for the benefit of the Department. I am under many obligations to the Honorable City Council for the generous support given to measures for the improvement of the Department, which I have had the honor to recommend.
Respectfully submitted.
S. E. COMBS,
Chief Engineer.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT.
EXPENDITURES.
S. E. Combs, salary as Chief Engineer,
$1,109 87
William Brophy, salary as Assistant Engineer,
1,000 00
John W. Loring,
66 66
200 00
Samuel H. Day,
66
66
and clerk,
250 00
Gilbert N. Rawson,
66
66
66
200 00
Pay roll of Steamer Co. No. 1,
1,157 08
66 66 . 2,
1,046 67
66
66 66 " 3,
1,271 67
60
66
4,
1,274 00
City
Hose Co. No. 1,
878 34
. €
Ocean
2,
888 33
66 Eagle 66 66
3,
895 00
Niagara 66
66 66 4,
903 33
66
Yankee
5,
920 00
66
Tiger
66
6,
855 00
Protector "
66 7, .
855 00
Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, .
1,755 00
Babcock Extinguisher Co.,
291 67
Ste wards and drivers,
6,421 00
New apparatus,
44 87
Repairs of apparatus,
740 81
" houses,
1,714 98 41 00
Material for, and repair of telegraph,
1,526 99
Hose, ·
1,055 49
Hay, grain and straw,
1,604 32
Horses for drawing apparatus,
578 50
Harnesses, blankets, and repairing same,
240 01
Repairing wagons and carts,
129 45
Medicine and attendance for horses,
21 15
Oil, soap, brushes, &c.,
250 84
Fuel,
671 64
Gas,
350 68
Advertising,
6 75
Printing,
102 46
Blacksmithing,
272 73
Freight and trucking,
26 62
Furniture, fixtures, and repairing the same,
263 36
Washing of bedding,
228 07
Express, stamps, &c.,
21 85
Hardware, tools and iron,
676 73
Ice.
7 56
Paints and oil,
43 75
Horses, and pasturing horses,
536 25
Wagon,
110 75
Rent of shop,
100 00
Hack hire for inspection,
43 00
.
Medical attendance on Michael Henry,
9 00
66
2,
1,275 00
Alarms for fire,
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
Rent of telephone, and repairs of same,
126 00
Exchange and mounting alarm bells,
380 60
Fire alarm indicator,
200 00
Fire extinguishers,
174 00
Striker for fire alarm,
474 20
Traveling expenses of engineer,
52 82
New engine house, Grafton street :
Engineering and plans, .
114 87
Digging and stoning cellar,
563 00
Contract, paid Charles A. Vaughan, .
3,180 00
Mason and carpenter work, and extra labor,
263 57
Weather vane,
25 00
Grading, stone and gas pipe,
32 08
$40,452 81
REVENUE.
Appropriation,
. $43,000 00
Received for labor of men and teams,
610 00
manure,
176 87
60
material sold,
29 42
66
use of steamer,
12 00
66
Amounts refunded,
17 35
66
flushing sewer,
3 00
66
use of roof of engine house,
12 00
$43,935 64
40,452 81
Balance unexpended, .
$3,482 83
66
horse,
75 00
ALARMS OF FIRE.
Jan. 1, 9.25 P. M. Box 15. An unoccupied two-story dwelling. Number 91 Lin- coln street. Owned by G. W. Smith. Cause of fire, incendiary. No insurance, loss $10. Extinguished by the Extinguisher and Fire Patrol. Engineers attend- ing, Chief Combs, Loring and Rawson. Companies attending, Steamers 1 and 3, Hose of Steamer 2; Hose 1, 2 and 4; Hook and Ladder 2; Extinguisher and Fire Patrol.
Jan. 5, 8.40 P. M. Still alarm, from a dwelling house. Number 51 North Ashland street. Owned by C. O. Wheelock, and occupied by Joseph McBride. Cause, children playing with matches, loss trifling.
Jan. 21, 12.15 A. M. Still alarm, from a slaughter house on Forest street. Owned and occupied by Edwin R. Morse. Cause, unknown. Real estate insured $2,300, loss $1,500. Personal estate insured $546, loss $500.
Jan. 31, 10.20 A. M. Box. 46. A two-story frame house. Number 8 Harrison street. Owned and occupied by John Fitzpatrick. Cause, defective chimney. Real estate insured $1,500, loss $9.15. Personal estate insured $200, no loss. En- gineers attending, Chief Combs, Brophy and Rawson. Companies attending, Steamer 1; Hose of Steamer 2; Hose 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7; Hook and Ladder 2; Extin- guisher and Fire Patrol.
Feb. 3, 6.40 P. M. Still alarm. A two-story frame building. Numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 Myrtle street. Owned by James H. Harrington Occupied by C. Sullivan. Cause, unknown. Extinguished by Hose 5. Real estate insured $1,500, loss $20. Per- sonal estate not insured, loss $40. Company attending, Hose 5.
Feb. 9, 2.28 P. M. Still alarm. Water pipe burst in Gross and Strauss block, Nos. 458, 460, 462 Main street. The stock of dry goods covered by the Fire Patrol, and a large loss from water prevented. Dry goods owned by John McInness.
Feb 9, 4.5 P. M. Box 35. A two-story house. Number 32 Richland street. Owned and occupied by Owen Digman. Cause, sparks from chimney. Real estate in- sured $2,500, loss $18.50. Personal estate, no insurance, no loss. Engineers attending, Chief Combs, and Rawson. Companies, Steamers 1, 2; Hose 2, 3, 7; Hook and Ladder 2, and Fire Patrol.
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