USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1889 > Part 18
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Substitutes.
Each member may have two substitutes to take the place of call-members absent from the city or disabled by sickness. They shall be approved by the Chief of Department, and shall, if for services rendered for a period of fifteen days or more, receive the same compensation as their principal, to be deducted from their principal's pay. Any substitute serving for a less time than fifteen days shall be paid the amount of fines imposed on his principal for non-attendance at fires or alarms. Any member failing to pay his substitute on the following pay-day shall be subject to dismissal. No substitute can be assigned to duty in place of his principal during the time of a fire or an alarm of fire.
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Bunkers.
Call-men to whom beds are assigned will be required to retire at or before 11 P. M., unless excused by the engineer or person in charge of the station, and will not be allowed to use or occupy the same during the day, unless deprived of their usual rest by the performance of active fire duty, or in case of sickness sufficient to require the use of the same. No visitors will be allowed in the bunk-rooms after hours, or at any other time while the beds are occupied. It shall be the duty of the engineer or member in charge of the station, to immediately report to the Chief of Department any misconduct or violations of the rules on the part of persons occupying said beds. The occupant of each bed will be held responsible for the cleanli- ness of the same, and for any damage to either bed or bedding through carelessness. All members occupying sleeping quarters in the engine, hose, and truck stations shall vacate their beds from May 1 to Oct. 1, at 6.30 A. M., and from Oct. 1 to May 1, at 7 A. M.
Horses and Feeding.
The system of feeding shall be as follows, particular care being exercised not to feed or water the horses while too warm :-
Four quarts of oats morning and night; this, with about eight or ten pounds of hay after bedding the horses, will con- stitute the daily allowance for each horse, and must not be exceeded. But when it shall be ascertained that a less allow- ance is sufficient, the driver will exercise discretion as to the quantity. The stalls to be cleaned early in the morning ; after breakfast the horses groomed and the harnesses cleaned. Horses sick or disabled will be immediately reported to the Chief of Department. No alteration or changes in harness will be permitted, except upon authority of the Chief of Department. When horses are in the shop for shoeing, the
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drivers shall remain with them, and shall report to the Chief of Department any unnecessary delay, or any work improperly executed, and will allow but one shoe to be removed at a time.
Badges.
All members of the department shall be provided with a badge, to be known as the Regulation Badge of the depart- ment, which shall be worn in a conspicuous place during the time they are on duty ; and no member shall lend his badge on any pretext whatever. Any member losing his badge shall immediately notify the Chief of Department, and use all diligence to recover the same. He shall be required to pay for the same before another badge will be provided, the money so paid to be refunded should the badge be found. These badges shall at all times remain the property of the city. Any mem- ber loaning his badge to any person not connected with the department shall be subject to dismissal. No person will be recognized as a member of this department unless wearing his badge.
Roll-Call.
Upon returning from a fire, or an alarm of fire; the assistant foreman, or, in his absence, the foreman, shall call the roll, and report to the Chief of Department any member absent, and the excuse for the same; and in no case shall the permanent members act as substitutes for the call members, or answer for them at roll-call.
Leave of Absence.
No permanent member shall leave the city, or be granted leave of absence, without notifying the Chief of Department, and procuring a substitute to his acceptance; and the substi- tute shall be on duty before the applicant leaves his post ; and the pay of the substitute may be deducted from the pay of the principal. Any member of the call-force expecting to be absent
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from the city shall notify the foreman of his company, and procure a substitute to his satisfaction. Whenever leave of absence is granted to bunkers, they shall report the same to the person in charge of their station, and shall, in like manner, report their return.
Supplies.
No member of the department will be allowed to make any purchase for the department chargeable to the city, except by order of the chairman of fire committee or Chief of Department
Meals.
For permanent members three hours daily will be allowed for meals, and will be so arranged that there shall be at all times one member on duty.
Duties at Fires.
At all fires, the first officer arriving shall, in the absence of the Chief or Assistant Chief, and until his arrival, act as Chief of Department, and be obeyed and respected accord- ingly. The men are required to move quickly, and obey orders promptly and without criticism. The officers in charge of the several companies, shall, immediately on their arrival at a fire, report to the officer in command, and remain for orders. No company shall leave the fire-grounds, or take the apparatus of which they have charge therefrom, without the order or permission of the officer in command. Any neglect of duty, disobedience of orders, or disrespect to officers, shall be reported to the Chief of Department. No member shall wilfully or maliciously direct a stream of water upon any fireman or citizen. All disputes which may arise between companies or individual firemen when on duty shall be settled by the engineer in command. Members of companies that are not in service at fires will not enter the buildings unless
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ordered, but remain convenient to the fire, equipped, and ready for orders.
Going To or From Fires.
Order and decorum will be preserved when going to or from a fire or an alarm. To guard against collision and accident when proceeding to fires, the gongs will be struck when approaching street-crossings, turning corners, and approaching the fire-grounds.
Riding to Fires.
All drivers will be held responsible for any unnecessary overloading, and will in all cases judge of the ability of the horses, the condition of the streets, and the distance to travel. The men will mount and dismount as ordered by them. Officers will avail themselves of any opportunity to ride to fires (excepting on engines), to the exclusion, if necessary, of the men.
Fire-grounds.
All engines and hose companies responding to second or general alarms will connect, but will not lay their lines until they have reported to the officer in command at the fire for orders.
Stations.
Stations of the department shall be open from 10 A. M., until 10 p. M. for visitors, and at any other time for inspection by members of the city government. On the Sabbath all stations must be closed; and it is made the duty of the engineer, or person in charge, to see that order and quiet are preserved. All work other than absolutely necessary will be omitted for the day. The permanent members of each station shall once in each week scrub the floors of their respective stations, and at all times keep them neat and clean. The members in charge of the several stations shall personally
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attend to the receiving of visitors, whether members of the city government, officers of the department, or citizens. Citizens visiting the stations shall be courteously treated, have reasonable questions answered, and any proper information given. All members detailed to sleep in the stations must be in their quarters at the time stated for closing the station, unless otherwise excused, and all other persons must leave at that time.
Drill.
Until further notice the truck company will drill once each month, from May 1 to Oct. 1, and all other companies at such times as may be ordered by the Chief of Department.
Conduct.
All members of the department are strictly required in their intercourse with each other, social, or official, to observe a courteous demeanor ; and officers or men, in addressing each other, will do so in a respectful manner. While on duty at fires, the greatest degrees of silence compatible with a proper discharge of duty will be required. No profane or ungentle- manly language, or disorderly conduct, will be allowed on the part of any officer or member of the department when on duty.
No spirituous or malt liquors will be allowed in any station of the department or at any fire. If any member shall enter any station of the department intoxicated, or become intoxicated at a fire, he shall be subject to dismissal. No gambling of any kind will be allowed in any station of the department,
GENERAL RULES.
Rule 1.
No driver of engine, hose, hook-and-ladder truck, or other vehicle, shall drive over any line of hose if it can be avoided.
Rule 2.
No company will be allowed to take its apparatus from their quarters, except in case of fire, without consent of the Chief of Department.
Rule 3.
The hose must be changed on reels once in four weeks, unless otherwise ordered by the Chief of Department, for which purpose the foreman will warn the members of his company detailed for this purpose ; and any member absent, unless excused, will be fined the same amount as for absence from fires.
Rule 4.
Any member permanently employed, who refuses or neglects to pay any just debt contracted during his connec- tion with the department, it shall be deemed sufficient cause for suspension or discharge.
Rule 5.
No permanent officer or member of the department shall attend a caucus or political convention as a delegate, distribute
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tickets at any election, or take any part whatever in political matters than to exercise a right of suffrage.
Rule 6.
All members of the department will be required to address officers by their respective titles when on duty.
Rule 7.
When any member shall leave the department, he shall thereupon return his badge, key, and copy of rules and regulations, in good condition, to the foreman of his company, who shall immediately notify the Chief of Department ; and any member failing so to do shall have the amount deducted from his pay.
Rule 8.
No balls, parties, or social gatherings of any description shall be held in any building in charge of the department, except on permission from the Chief of Department.
Rule 9.
No property belonging to the city will be loaned for any purpose whatever, except upon written order of the Chief of Department.
Rule 10.
No hoseman or truckman at call shall be entitled to pay for less than fifteen days' service. All appointments shall, as far as practicable, be made to date from the first or fifteenth day of each month.
Rule 11.
In the use of hydrants all members of the department are instructed to use great care in the opening and closing of the same, and to see that each cap is properly adjusted before leaving. The first company connecting with a hydrant in case of fire will leave one member in charge of the same;
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should a second company or line desire connection, it will not be made until the line is complete to the fire, and orders given for water. Exceptions to this are ordered for engines, which will be given immediate connection (if ordered into service), and the hydrant left in charge of the engineer.
Rule 12.
Officers of companies, hosemen, and laddermen will wear their fire-hats when on duty.
Approved by Board of Mayor and Aldermen, April 19, 1880.
Attest : EDWIN O. CHILDS, Clerk. H. L. BIXBY, Chief Fire Department.
BILL OF DRESS FOR UNIFORMED FORCE OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF NEWTON.
Fire-Cap.
For Chief of Department .- A white leather cap with eight cones, having a white leather stitched front depending from a gilt eagle head, and attached to the front of the cap, with the word "Chief" in black letters stitched on white ground, with "Fire Department" in the centre, and the word "Newton" at the bottom.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for the Chief of the Department, except that the rim and cape will be black on both sides and lettered "Ass't Chief, Fire Depart- ment, Newton."
For Officers Engine and Hose Companies .- Same as Chief of Department, except that it will be of black leather, and have a white leather stitched front, with the letters and figures cut out of it on a background of black patent leather.
For Officers Truck Company .- Same as officers engine companies, except that the letters will be on red ground.
For All Members Engine and Hose Companies .- Same as officers, except that the front will be of black patent leather, with letters on background of white patent leather.
For Members Truck Companies .- Same as for officers of
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truck companies, except that the fronts will be of red patent leather, with letters on background of white patent leather.
Fatigue Caps.
For Chief of Department .- Of United States Navy pattern, made of dark blue cloth, pure indigo dye, with band one and one-half inches, and quarters one and three-quarter inches high, stiffened with hair-cloth sewed into the seam of top and quarters, the sides to be ventilated, a narrow welt around bottom and top seam of cap, the inner band to be of strong, serviceable leather, the visor to be plain, solid, black patent leather, two inches wide, with rounded corners, the chin straps of black patent leather one-half inch wide, with slides of same material, straps to be fastened to cap on each side with small regulation button.
The insignia of rank to be placed on the quarters in the centre of the front, the lower part resting nearly on the upper edge of band.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for Chief of Department.
For Engineers Steamers, Drivers, Etc .- Same as for Assistant Chief, but omitting insignia of rank, and substitut- ing therefor a white metal badge, as per pattern at head- quarters, to be fastened to the cap, with the lower end resting upon the upper lower edge of band.
For winter service, caps known as "Scotch Havelocks" may be substituted for the "Regulation Cap."
Hats for Summer Wear.
For Chief and Assistant Chief of Department .- Light- gray felt helmets, with black silk band one inch wide, rim bound with the same, with insignia on the front and just above the band, to be ventilated each side, the sweat-band to be of leather one and one-half inches wide and ventilated.
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For All Other Members .- Of brown Mackinac braided straw (braids about five-eighths of an inch wide) ; sides about three and one-half inches high, slightly tapering at crown, with black ribbed-silk ribbon band one and three-quarters of an inch wide, tied in a single bow knot on left side, brim about two and one-quarter inches wide, bound with seven-eighths-inch black ribbon ; the sweat-band to be of leather about one and one-half inches wide, the bottom of crown to be lined with paper. The badge as prescribed above to be worn upon the ribbon in front.
Coats.
For Chief of Department .- A double-breasted, close- fitting sack coat, made of dark blue cloth, pure indigo dye, cut to button close to the neck, with rolling collar, and to reach to a point midway bewteen the hip-joint and the bend of the knee ; to have eight medium-sized regulation buttons on each breast, grouped in pairs ; the cuffs to be made to fit the wrists, and to be closed with three small regulation buttons ; a blind pocket on each breast, with plain flaps; two inside breast pockets ; the sleeves to be cut so as to be conveniently worn inside the overcoat; the coat to be lined with black Italian cloth, and the sleeves with linen. The prescribed insignia of rank to be placed in the end of collar on each side.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for the Chief of Department, except that there will be seven buttons placed equidistant, and the insignia of rank as prescribed.
For All Other Members .- The coat will be single- breasted with six medium-sized buttons.
For Summer Wear .- A coat may be worn of dark blue flannel, indigo dye, and in all other respects as above, but without lining.
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Overcoats.
For Chief of Department .- A double-breasted frock coat with rolling collar, lap seams, of best heavy, dark blue cloth, pure indigo dye, in length to reach below the knee, to button close up to the neck, with eight large regulation buttons on each breast, grouped in pairs, three on each skirt behind and three of small size on each sleeve at cuff, the skirts to be open . behind, blind pockets on each skirt inside, with flaps, also on breasts, and two inside breast pockets.
The skirts to be lined with black Italian cloth, and back with red twilled flannel, sleeves with linen.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for Chief of Department, except that there shall be seven large regulation buttons on each breast. placed equidistant.
For All Other Members .- Same as for Chief of Depart- ment, except that the seams will be plain, with six large regulation buttons on each breast, placed equidistant.
Vest.
For Chief of Department .- A single-breasted vest made of same material as coat, without collar, and to button with eight small regulation buttons, grouped in pairs ; inside to be lined with light-colored silesia; back to be made of black twilled silesia.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for Chief of Department, except that there shall be seven small regula- tion buttons, placed equidistant.
For All Other Members .- Same as for Chief of Depart- ment, except that there shall be six small regulation buttons, placed equidistant.
For Summer Wear .- A vest may be worn made of light cloth or flannel, dark blue, indigo dye, and in all other respects as above described.
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Trowsers.
For Chief of Department .- To be made of same material as the coat, with a lap seam ; to be cut to fit close around the waist, but loosely around the hams and legs to admit of their free use.
For All Other Officers and Members .- Same as for Chief of Department, except that they will be made with plain seam.
For Summer Wear .- Trowsers may be made of lighter material (dark blue), in the manner prescribed above.
Shirt. For Chief and Assistant Chief of Department .- White linen or muslin, with rolling or standing collar.
For All Other Members .- To be of white cotton or linen, with rolling collar.
Cravat.
For All Officers and Members .- A small necktie of black silk, to pass once around the neck, and tie with a double bow and flat knot in front, the ends to extend not more than three inches from the knot.
Change of Clothing.
Summer clothing will be worn from June 15th to Septem- ber 15th, inclusive, unless otherwise ordered from headquarters.
Insignia of Rank.
For Chief of Department .- Embroidered upon dark blue cloth in silver, five trumpets, measuring one and five- sixteenths inches, each crossed with bells outward and project- ing beyond mouth pieces, so as to form a design one and one-half inches in diameter.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for Chief of Department, except that there shall be three trumpets,
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measuring one and one-half inches, each crossed with bells downward.
For All Other Members .- A white metal badge of the prescribed pattern.
Coat Badge.
For Chief of Department .- A gilt badge from the department die, as follows: In semi-circle at the top the words, "Chief Fire Department :" in the center, and resting on a ladder, the city seal ; beneath, over crossed trumpets, the word "Newton :" below this, the monogram "F. D .; " the whole badge to be two and one-half inches long by one and one-half inches wide, to be fastened with a pin and improved catch.
For Assistant Chief of Department .- Same as for Chief of Department, except to prefix the word "Assistant."
For All Members Engine Companies .- Same as for Chief of Department, except that the badge will be of white metal, with "Newton Fire Department" at the top, below the seal the word "Engine," and beneath this the registered number.
For All Members Truck and Hose Companies .- Same as for engine companies. except that "Truck" and "Hose" will be substituted respectively above the registered number ..
Buttons.
For All Officers and Members .- To be of white metal of the following description : For overcoat (except the cuffs) to be round, one inch in diameter, with convex roughened face, having the initials "F. D," in block letters one-quarter of an inch high, in the centre, the words "City of" at the top, and "Newton" at the bottom, in block letters one-eighth of an inch high, near and parallel to the rim around the button, which rim is to be bright, and about one-sixteenth of an inch wide,
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the button to be attached to the coat by means of an eye of white metal wire securely fastened to it.
For the coat (except the cuffs) same as for overcoat, except that it is to be three-quarters of an inch in diameter, with the dimensions of all the parts described proportionately reduced in size.
For vests, cuffs of coat, and fatigue cap, same as for over- coat, except that it is to be five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, with the dimensions of all parts described propor- tionately reduced in size.
All officers and members will be held responsible for the safe keeping, proper use, and return of the articles above enumerated, and they are liable to the following penalties for the loss of either of them: For the loss of coat badge, $3.50. For the loss of cap badge, $1.00. For the loss of fire hat, $4.50. For the loss of buttons, $0.05 each. No part of the uniform prescribed in this order is to be loaned to any person, whether in or out of the department, or used for any but legitimate purposes of the same. This order is imperative.
All members shall wear the uniform prescribed in the above order when on duty, except while cleaning apparatus, quarters, etc., when old clothing may be worn. The purpose of this regulation is, that the officers and members of the department may at all times, except when in the performance of necessary labor in quarters, appear in proper dress. No officer or member in uniform shall smoke in the streets, or public places, or upon the apparatus floor, where smoking rooms are provided. Officers and men, when upon leave of absence, must wear the uniform entire, or no part of it. Whenever the uniform is worn, it must be in an unsoiled condition, coat buttoned to the neck, buttons, badges and boots properly polished, and their persons at all times neatly and tidily dressed. While actually wearing the overcoat, the
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under coat may be dispensed with, and a cardigan jacket substituted, but the overcoat must be buttoned at all times when on the street or on duty, and no part of the uniform will be laid aside until bedtime.
The Assistant Chief of Department shall inspect all uniforms or parts of uniforms before they are worn, and reject all found not in conformity to the provisions of this order.
To take effect on or before September 1, 1887.
In the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, April 4, 1887. Adopted.
HENRY L. BIXBY, Chief Fire Department. I. F. KINGSBURY, Clerk.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ORDINANCES.
ORDINANCE XXIV, Buildings.
SECTION 1. No person shall erect, alter, rebuild, or essentially change any building or any part thereof, for any purpose other than a dwelling-house, without first obtaining in writing a permit from the board Permit. of aldermen. The application for such permit shall specify the location and size of said building, the material of which it is to be constructed, and the use for which it is intended.
SECT. 2. No person shall use any building, or part thereof, for any purpose rendering said building or buildings adjacent thereto, hazardous, unsafe, or liable to be destroyed by fire, or dangerous to persons or property, without first obtaining a permit, as named in Section 1.
SECT. 3. All chimneys hereafter erected shall Chimneys and be built of brick, stone, or other fire-proof, non- brick flues. conducting material. All brick flues shall be smoothly plastered inside with mortar from top to bottom, and outside below the roofing. In no case shall chimneys rest upon any flooring without a footing of masonry or iron, supported by iron beams, having a secure bearing on iron at either end.
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Hearths of fireplaces or grates shall be laid upon brick or other trimmer arches, or upon bars of iron supporting a bed of brick-work.
No wood-work of any kind shall be placed at a less distance than one inch from the outside brick- work of any flue, and in no case shall a nail be driven into the masonry of any flue.
No wood-work shall be placed at a less distance than one inch from any tin or other metal flue or flues, pipe or pipes, used or intended to be used to convey heated air or steam in any building, unless such flues or pipes be cased with metal, leaving a free circulation of air all around the same.
Smoke-pipe.
No smoke-pipe shall pass through any stud or wooden partitions, whether plastered or not, with- out being guarded either by a double collar of metal, with at least four inches air-space and holes for ventilation, or by a soapstone ring not less than three inches in thickness and extending through the partition.
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