USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1882 > Part 19
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OF COES SQUARE.
MEMBERS.
Foreman, 2d Foreman, 3d Foreman,
S. A. Cushno. Oliver Dyer.
John H. Tainter. Aug. Simpson.
L. A. Fairfield.
H. R. Brown.
E. Pontbriand.
John Whitty.
John Whalen.
N. Whitty.
John Kane.
Charles Kane.
Oliver Cushno.
Aug. Sharbono, jr.
Thomas Johnson.
Frank Lobdell.
E. H. Whalen.
W. J. Eddy.
E. E. Johnson.
Anthony Fox.
T. J. Lobdell.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
-
BABCOCK EXTINGUISHER, No. 1.
House on John street. This company is equipped with a self- acting fire engine, made by the New England Extinguisher Com- pany, Northampton, Mass., in 1873. It was rebuilt in 1876, and arranged to be drawn by a horse. It is equipped with a horse and one permanent man and three call men.
MEMBERS.
Names.
Residence.
No. of Badge.
Foreman,
Wm. Flynn,
Engine House,
146
David Wilcox,
Engine House, 147
Fred. P. Dean,
Engine House, 148
F. E. Keyes,
Highland street, 149
Number of hours worked at fires during the year, 118.
293
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANIES.
J. W. LORING HOOK AND LADDER NO. 1.
LOCATED AT BIGELOW COURT.
This truck was built by Edwa .. . Leverich, of New York, in 1875. It is a patent iron trestle side truck with ladders on rollers and platform springs, and carries 365 feet of ladders, including one 75 feet extension ladder. Five men sleep in the house, including driver. Company, when full, seventeen men.
MEMBERS.
Names.
Residence.
No. of Badge.
Foreman,
J. S. Perkins,
4 Portland street, 130
Asst. Foreman, Jas. E. Kennington,
Engine House, 131
Geo. B. Sampson,
12 Front street, 132
W. L. Mclaughlin,
Engine House,
133
S. H. Whitman,
13 Layard place, 134
A. A. Shepardson,
32 Orchard street, 135
C. A. Gould,
39 Salem street, 136
H. M. Sorrell,
123 Park street, 137
Albert Young,
115 Main street, 138
C. E. Bullard,
Carlton street, 139
Henry A. Bradley,
140
E. L. Sibley,
6 Chandler street, 141
James J. Lavine,
3 Church place, 143
J. H. Makepeace,
Mechanic street, 144
C. C. Brown,
28 Chatham street,
Wm. A. Sheldon,
146
Frank B. Jones,
Engine House,
142
Driver,
Ardell M. Mills, ·
Engine House, 145
Engine House.
Number of hours worked at fires during the year, 79.
294
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
GOOD WILL HOOK AND LADDER NO. 2.
This truck is located on Prescott street. It carries two Badger extension ladders, and is in good condition. It is manned with permanent horses and driver. Company, when full, twelve men, including driver.
MEMBERS.
Names.
Residence.
No. of Badge.
Foreman,
J. P. Murphy,
Pink street,
148
Asst. Foreman, John P. Fay,
Exchange street, 149
P. Gilligan,
Engine House, 150
John O. Hern,
Eastern avenue,
151
John P. Morrissey,
Mechanic street,
152
David McGrath,
Howard street,
153
Owen McGarrell,
Hanover street,
154
John O'Connell,
Engine House,
155
John J. Horgan,
156
Thos. J. Fay,
Green street,
158
Maurice Mulcahey,
Engine House,
159
Driver,
W. H. Chadwick,
Engine House.
Number of hours worked at fires during the year, 73.
INSURANCE FIRE PATROL.
This apparatus is located in Davis court. Wagon was built by Abbott, Downing & Co., of Concord, N. H., in 1875. Drawn by two horses, carrying thirty covers and two Portable Fire Ex- tinguishers. The company is sustained mostly by the fire under- writers ; the City paying $1,200 yearly toward their running expenses ; the company when full, eight men. Four permanent and four call men. This company is stationed in the business center.
MEMBERS.
PERMANENT.
Names.
Residence. Patrol House.
Merritt C. Vail,
Patrol House.
Albert Converse,
Patrol House.
Herbert R. Shippee,
Patrol House.
CALL MEN.
James C. Luby,
Patrol House.
Leroy M. Alexander,
Patrol House.
George W. Carr,
Patrol House.
J. Frederic Carr,
Patrol House.
Captain, Assistant Captain, Driver,
Hiram R. Williamson,
RUNNING CARD.
No. of Box.
Steamer 1.
Steamer 2.
Steamer 3.
Extinguisher.
Hose No. 1.
Hose No. 2.
Hose No. 4.
Hose No. 5.
Hose No. 6.
Hose No. 7.
Hose No. 8.
Hook & Ladder 1.
Hook & Ladder 2.
ENGINEERS.
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1
CHIEF ENGINEER'S OFFICE, WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
OFFICE HOURS :
DAILY-9 TO 10 A. M., 2 TO 3 P. M.
1. The Companies are ordered to go to alarms of fire given from boxes as indicated in the annexed table.
2. The Chief Engineer and Insurance Fire Patrol will answer alarms to all boxes.
3. Upon an alarm, all Companies not called to that box will report to their Engine House and remain thirty minutes, unless dismissed by the signal on the bells.
4. Drivers, with their horses, will report the same as other mem- bers of the Department. Hose carriages to go in advance of Steamers to which they belong, in all cases.
5. After an alarm has been given, one stroke on the bells will call for the Hook and Ladder remaining in the house.
6. When a first alarm of fire is given, all companies not responding will be governed by Telegraphic signals, viz: two blows upon the engine house gongs and alarm bells will be understood as proclaiming the fire extinguished, and the Companies in attendance at liberty to answer other alarms. Three strokes will constitute a general alarm, and all Companies will report immediately. After a first alarm is given, and before the re-call signal is struck, should an alarm be given from another box, all unemployed first and second alarm Companies will respond. Should another alarm be given from yet another box, previous to the re-call signal being given, all unemployed Companies will respond.
7. When a Telephone Alarm is given from beyond the vicinity of hydrants, Steamers No. 1 or 2 will respond.
S. E. COMBS, Chief Engineer, OFFICE, NO. 10 BIGELOW COURT.
Worcester, March 1, 1881.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS
OF THE
WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RULE 1. The Board shall meet at their office on the second Monday of each month, and oftener if necessary, at 8 o'clock P. M., for the transaction of such business as shall come before them, and three members shall constitute a quorum. All meetings of the Board shall be private, unless a majority of the members otherwise determine.
RULE 2. On or before the first Monday in January they shall organize by the choice of a Clerk and Treasurer. And all communications to the City Council, and all orders from this Board to the officers, members and com- panies for their government, shall be given over the official signature of the Clerk of the Board.
RULE 3. They shall appoint annually, on or before the first Monday in January, a foreman and assistant foreman, an engineer and assistant engineer of Steamer companies, a foreman and assistant foreman of Hose and Hook and Ladder companies, and a foreman of Chemical Engines. They shall at the same time appoint as many permanent drivers, and other permanent em- ployés as the Board of Aldermen shall direct. And any vacancy occurring shall be filled at the next regular or special meeting of the Board.
RULE 4. It shall be the duty of the Board to furnish annually, in the month of December, to the Committee on Fire Department, an estimate of the expenses of the Department for the year next ensuing.
RULE 5. Should the Chief, from any cause, suspend a member from the Department he shall, within three days from the date of such suspension, call a meeting of the Board and report the same, together with the reasons there- for, and the Board shall determine what penalty, if any, shall be imposed.
RULE 6. Special meetings of the Board shall be called by the Chief, when- ever he may be requested to do so in writing, by any two members of the Board.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
OF THE
WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT. ·
In the exercise of the powers conferred upon the Board of Engineers by the statutes of the Commonwealth, and the city ordinance, the following Rules and Regulations are hereby adopted for the government and discipline of the fire department of the city of Worcester.
Members of the force should understand that these Rules and Regulations are not intended to cover every case which may arise in the discharge of their duty. Something must necessarily be left to the intelligence and discretion of individuals; and according to the degree in which they show themselves possessed of these qualities, and to their zeal, activity, and judgment on all occasions, will be their claims to future promotion and reward.
CHIEF ENGINEER.
The Chief Engineer shall have and exercise supreme command at all fires over the engineers, officers and members of the department.
He shall be the chief executive officer of the Board of Engineers, and see that all the orders and regulations of the Board are strictly enforced.
He shall see that proper discipline is maintained and observed by the officers and men, and shall make monthly report of the condition of the several houses, horses, apparatus and equipments to the Board. He shall visit each department house as often as practicable, and inspect the men, horses and equipments, and see that the houses are properly conducted and everything in good order.
He shall, if possible, be at his headquarters daily from 10 to 12 A. M., and 2 to 3 and 5 to 6 P. M., Sundays excepted, and shall issue to the department forthwith all orders emanating from the Board of Engineers.
SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM.
The superintendent of fire alarms shall have charge of the fire-alarm tele- graph, and be responsible for the care and good condition of the instruments, wires, and property of all kinds belonging to it.
He shall have personal supervision over the operators and line men, see that all rules of the department are enforced, and that everything is done to keep the telegraph in thorough repair and in complete working order.
299
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
He shall report monthly to the Board of Engineers the number of alarms and signals given; the damage, if any, to the telegraph; the nature of the work done by the line men and employés for the previous month; and the reports of defective fire-alarm apparatus and his action thereon; and make such suggestions as he may think will add to the efficiency or usefulness of that portion of the department under his charge.
He shall keep an account of all materials issued, and charge them to the special work for which they have been used, and he shall see that at all times supplies in sufficient quantities are kept on hand.
He shall examine, or cause to be examined, each fire-alarm box at least once a fortnight, and oftener if necessary, especially after a severe storm.
He shall attend all alarms of fire with the necessary tools and appliances to repair any break or cross that may be caused by accident or otherwise to the telegraph lines, boxes or other instruments.
Whenever practicable he shall employ such members of the permanent force as shall have been detailed for that purpose by the Board of Engineers to assist in the performance of such work as cannot be done by himself and assistant.
CLERK OF BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
The clerk of the Board of Engineers shall keep, or cause to be kept, a record of all official action of the Board, and the custody of papers connected therewith.
A book alphabetically arranged, in which shall be entered the name of every member of the fire department force, together with his age, residence, num- ber of badge, and company assignment.
A book containing the signatures of all appointees to an agreement to abide by and conform to all the Rules and Regulations established, or which may be established by the Board of Engineers for the government of the department, and that they will be subject to the penalties therein.
Records containing a description of the horses, hose, and apparatus of the department.
Books covering requisitions for supplies, repairs and purchases for the department.
Books containing the monthly expenditures for the department, showing the original appropriations and the balances unexpended.
A file of all general and special orders issued by the Board.
A file of all agreements made for taking horses for their keeping for winter service.
A file of all agreements made by and between the Board of Engineers and other parties concerning the department.
ASSISTANT ENGINEERS.
Each assistant engineer will be assigned, by the Board, a certain number of companies over whom he shall exercise a direct personal supervision.
He shall be held responsible for the discipline of all companies under his command, and the strict compliance by them with all Rules and Regulations
300
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
and report promptly all disobedience of orders, violation of rules, or neglect of duty by any officer or member of the force. He shall visit, at least once a week, each department house under his charge, inspect its condition, and see that the horses, apparatus and equipments are, at all times, in proper con- dition for efficient service. He shall transmit to the companies under his command, all orders received from the Board or chief engineer, and forward to headquarters all reports, requisitions and communications, with such com- ments as they require.
He shall instruct the officers and men in all branches of their duty when he deems it necessary. He shall inspect the sleeping rooms, beds and bedding, and see that they are kept neat and clean.
FOREMEN.
The foreman shall have immediate command of his company, and be held responsible for its discipline and condition. At fires, when his apparatus is the first to reach the fire, he shall assume command of the force that may come, until relieved by an engineer; he sball then resume command of his company. He shall report monthly to the Board of Engineers, the names of all members absent at fires or alarms of fire, together with the cause of such absence, and the name of the substitute, if any, who performed the duties of the member absent; also the number of hours the company was in actual service.
ASSISTANT FOREMEN.
The assistant foremen, in addition to their duties as hosemen and ladder- men, shall, in the absence of the foreman, perform all the duties and exercise the authority of the foreman, and be held to a like responsibility.
ENGINEMEN.
Each engineman shall have the care and management of the engine. He must see that it is always kept in good order, and ready for immediate use, with all the necessary supplies. He will be held responsible for its condition in the house and at fires. He shall make such repairs upon his engine in the engine house as he can conveniently. He shall have charge of the engine at fires, shall make connection to the nearest hydrant or reservoir, but shall not disconnect any line of hose to make such connection, without orders from an engineer. After making connection with hydrant, reservoir, or other water supply, and no hose has been attached, he will give notice of the position of the engine by blowing four sharp notes on the whistle, at short intervals, until he attracts attention, or until a line of hose is attached. He will then work the engine until dismissed by the engineer in charge.
When it is evident the engine will not be needed, he will report to an engi- neer and remain until dismissed, when he will see that the engine is returned to the house and put in readiness to respond to the next alarm.
301
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
ASSISTANT ENGINEMEN.
Each assistant engineman shall, under the direction of the engineman, assist in the care and management of the engine, and perform such other duties as may be required by his superior officers; and in the absence of the engineman shall perform his duties and exercise his authority, and be held to a like responsibility.
DRIVERS.
Each driver shall, under the direction of the chief engineer, feed, groom and exercise the horses, at stated hours, and have the care of the house and all of the property of the city contained therein. He will be held responsible for having the horses at all times ready for immediate use, and must not drive them faster than is consistent with the safety of the public, and of the apparatus of the department, and he will be held responsible for any damage caused by him, or carelessness displayed in conveying his apparatus to or from a fire.
Racing to or from fires will not be allowed under any circumstances; and if the apparatus of two or more companies shall proceed to a fire on the same street, they shall do so in single file.
Any driver of the department driving over a line of hose, unless it cannot be avoided, shall be subject to dismissal.
Drivers shall do such other duties as may be required.
CHEMICAL ENGINES.
That portion of the force employed on chemical engines shall be subject to the same rules as other officers and members of the department, so far as said rules are applicable.
MEMBERS.
The members of the several engine, hose, and hook and ladder companies shall, whenever a fire breaks out in the section of the city to which they are assigned for duty, repair promptly to the place of the fire in as orderly a man- ner as may be, and exert themselves in the most efficient manner possible, in working and managing the engines, hose, hooks and ladders, and other apparatus, and in performing any duty that may be required of them by an engineer or officer in command; and they will be subject to a fine for any failure to report for duty with their company. They shall remain on duty until relieved by orders to return, which shall be given only by the officer in command, when they shall repair to quarters and answer to roll-call, when they shall be dismissed.
The members of companies, whose apparatus does not respond to the first alarm, shall assemble at their respective stations, and wait thirty minutes before calling the roll. Should the re-call be sounded within thirty minutes, the roll shall not be called in less than twenty minutes from the first alarm.
Members of the several companies of the department, call as well as per- manent, must remain in their respective districts when a fire is in progress in
20
302
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
any other district, unless the apparatus to which they are attached is called thither. The necessity for this requirement must be evident, in view of the possibility of two or more fires occurring at the same time in different parts of the city.
HORSES.
The chief engineer shall have general supervision and direction in the care and management of all the horses belonging to the department; causing such medical and surgical attention as may be required.
All horses of the department will be numbered, and a record kept at head- quarters of the same, and all communications concerning them must note the number.
All horses of the department shall be exercised daily, when the weather permits, excepting upon those days when they are called out upon an alarm of fire. In exercising they are not to be taken beyond the radius of an eighth of a mile from their respective houses. The board of engineers will deter- mine for each company in their respective districts the proper hours for exer- cising, having in view the health of the horses and the proper protection of the city.
On Sundays, and at times when sufficiently exercised by recent responses to alarms of fire, and stormy weather, also very bad going, the exercise may be omitted at the discretion of the driver in charge.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FORCE.
The officers of the Fire Department shall take rank in the following order:
CHIEF ENGINEER, SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS, ASSISTANT ENGINEERS, FOREMAN,
ASSISTANT FOREMAN.
No person shall be appointed in the department force unless :
1st. He has never been convicted of crime.
2d. He is less than forty -five years of age.
3d. He is of good health, and sound in body and mind.
4th. He is of good moral character and habits.
Applicants for appointment will be required to fill out the blank form furnished for that purpose.
Every officer and member before entering on his duties shall sign an agree- ment to be deposited with the Board, that he will abide by and conform to all the rules and regulations established, or which may be established by said Board, for the government of the Fire Department, and be subject to the penalties named therein.
No person shall be eligible for reappointment to any service, either as substitute or otherwise, who has been discharged from the department for cause, except in the manner prescribed by the ordinance governing the Fire Department.
303
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
DISCHARGES AND RESIGNATIONS.
Whenever any member of the permanent force resigns his position, he shall forward a written communication to the Board of Engineers (giving two weeks' notice), which shall be duly endorsed by the Assistant Engineer in charge of the company to which he is attached. Other members of the force can resign by giving notice to the foreman.
Whenever charges are pending against a member, the Board will not entertain any request for a resignation from said member.
Whenever any member of the department resigns or is discharged, or in any way vacates his office, he shall surrender to the Chief Engineer all the property in his possession belonging to the department, before he receives payment of the sum due him for services in the department.
CHARGES AND PUNISHMENT.
Violations of any of the Rules and Regulations of the Board may be punishable by reprimand, fine, suspension or dismissal; and it is made the duty of all officers and members of the department to take notice of any such violations, and prefer charges against the person violating, forwarding them through the regular channels.
Charges may be drawn on either of the following offences, to wit :
Intoxication.
Neglect of duty.
Violation of rule No. -.
Absent without leave.
Disrespect towards a commanding officer.
Conduct prejudicial to good order.
Cowardice and shirking duty at fires.
Neglecting or refusing to pay a debt for uniform clothing, or for rent, or necessaries of life.
And the specifications, one or more, will contain a simple recital of the facts and circumstances which make up the offence; also the fact of any prior charges having been preferred against the member.
Complaints against superior officers may be made by members of the force personally or by letter to the Board.
Any member of the department who being under charges, shall, either before trial or judgment, cause any person to interfere personally or by letter in his behalf with any of the Engineers, shall be reported to the Board, and thereupon be tried on the charge of conduct unbecoming a member.
No counsel will be allowed either for the complainant or defendant.
Judgments of the Board of Engineers, fining, reprimanding or discharging any member of the force shall be in writing, and the substance thereof read at the next roll-call of the Company.
CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS.
There shall be two classes of members in the department :
Those permanently employed and known as the " Permanent Force." Those who are to answer bell alarms, and known as the " Call Force."
304
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
Each member of the permanent force shall give his entire time to the nterests of the department, and shall always be at or near the engine house where he is employed, except when assigned by the Board or Chief Engineer to other duty, or on leave of absence.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE.
All applications for leave of absence from officers or members permanently employed will be decided by the Chief Engineer, and must be made, if possi- ble, twenty-four hours in advance, with the reasons for making the request; and the name of a substitute must accompany applications from company officers and members for approval by the Chief, and the substitute shall be on duty before the applicant leaves his post.
No officer of the call force shall leave the city without first notifying the Chief Engineer, and procuring a substitute to his acceptance; and any other member of the call force expecting to be absent shall be required to procure a substitute, subject to the approval of his foreman; failing to do which he will forfeit one month's pay.
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