USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1939-1940 > Part 12
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Also kept in readiness at the police station is complete equipment for the rescue of persons from water, and apparatus for locating the bodies of drowned persons. Some of the department members are blood donors in a squad composed of firemen and policemen, which stands ready to be of service to Wilmington residents.
Dramatic Captures
This police force has made dramatic headlines in newspapers oll several occasions for its quick work and daring captures. Outstanding among these was the work of Deputy Francis Hoban on Nov. 24, 1939, in promptly answering the alarm from the Mechanics Savings bank in Main street and giving chase to a bandit later identified as Edward Babson of Newburyport, who returned to the scene of a previous crime the month before and tried to make off with $2010. Pursuing the
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robber in his car in the direction of North Reading, Deputy Hoban drove the cruiser at more than 70 miles an hour to capture the youth at gunpoint when the fleeing car overturned three miles out of the Centre. All of the money stolen the second time was returned, and $250 of the first theft of $1700 was recovered. For this deed Deputy Hoban was awarded a medal by the American Legion, a medal of valor by the Board of Selectmen, and was given cash rewards by the bank and the town.
Last August Officer Waters distinguished himself by subduing a thief in a local grocery store who attacked the patrolman as he entered to investigate. Despite the fury of a fight which ripped Officer Waters' uniform past repair he suceeded in making the arrest and was com- mended by the town and presented a new uniform.
Deputy Hoban and Selectman Jerome J. O'Leary participated in a running gunfight about a year ago with two car-stealers who were ap- prehended, and since then there has not been one stolen car reported in town.
One of Massachusetts' most publicized murder cases began with the finding of a body on Kelley hill, Wilmington, in 1935, and the work of Chief Harry J. Ainsworth in helping to solve the mystery attracted nation-wide attention, and was later described in a crime magazine, illustrated with the chief's picture. Chief Ainsworth, who does the prosecuting of all cases for the department, is an expert marksman, and has won several shooting contests. A case of medals won by him and by other department members decorates the police station.
Seek Civil Service
The Wilmington police are seeking civil service protection, and on the ballot in March the status of Chief Ainsworth will be decided, and an article in the town warrant will appear in regard to civil service for the other regular officers.
Wilmington's efficient police force is a good example of the pro- tection which can be given to a town. Yes, law-breakers will do well to stay beyond its limits.
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Herewith I submit my report of the Wilmington Police Depart- ment for the year 1940.
It is a pleasure for me to report that the Town of Wilmington has been fortunate in not having any major crimes committed during the past year and the Court cases have varied with very satisfactory dispositions in all cases.
The obligation of any Police Department is for the protection of lives and property of the citizens to make the town or city a safe place at all times for its citizens, concentrating as far as humanely possible every effort for the prevention of crime, and I am sure that the Officers of this Department have fulfilled their obligations.
During the past year our cruising car has covered the entire town many times during the day and night and this department has received many complimentary letters from the ctiizens in regard to this feature, especially during the summer months when many citi- zens go away from their homes on vacations and when they arrive home they find many slips under their door showing that their homes have been checked by the Officers of this Department.
Wilmington for the past few years has been the dumping ground for automobiles stolen from other cities an dtowns and our investi- gations liave been closed for reason of lack of evidence. This past year, through the alertness of the Officers, several culprits have been apprehended and prosecuted.
You will note in my report, next attached, that drunkenness leads all other crime in the number of arrests made by this Department and in speaking of drunkenness I wish to inform you that in the eight cases we had for Operating under the influence none of the per- sons arrested secured their liquor in Wilmington but obtained it else- where before entering this town.
Automobile accidents in 1940 show an increase over the previous year and although automobile traffic is increasing tremendously I be- lieve that many of these accidents could have been avoided if the
53
operator would exercise more care in the manipulation of his car. Included in the number of accidents of the past year were 39 auto- mobiles registered to Wilmington persons and these cars are not counted in with the many accidents in other cities and towns in which Wilmington registered cars were involved so you can readily under- stand why Wilmington has such a high rate of automobile insurance. I recommend that signs for speed limit of 30 miles per hour be placed about the town, as other cities and towns in this vicinity are doing this and I understand that this feature is being taken up in the State Legislature so that this speed limit of 30 miles per hour would be mandatory throughout the Commonwealth.
The new traffic lights at Main and Church Streets as well as at Grove Avenue are a great improvement and I am sure that they will have a tendency to curb speeding along our Main Street especially in the Silver Lake section. Another feature of these lights is the pedestrian period in the traffic control system. I have asked for and have been informed that a traffic man from the Registry's office will come to Wilmington and speak to the children at the various schools on the proper method of this device and its usefulness.
At this time I wish to thank and express my appreciation to your Honorable Board, to the Citizens of the Town, to the various Depart- ments and to the Officers of this Department for the cooperation and service rendered.
Respectfully yours,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Chief of Police.
Number of Arrests
109
Males
106
Females
3
Residents
52
Non Residents
57
Causes of Arrests
Accosting
1
Assault and Battery
6
Breaking and Entering
1
Cruelty to Animals
1
Drunkenness
37
Illegitimacy 1
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Insane
2
Larceny
19
Misappropriation of Automobile
2
Non Payment of Wages
6
Non Support
2
Peeping Tom
1
Unpasteurized Milk
2
Violation of Condition of Probation
3
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws:
Operating so as to Endanger 5
Operating under the Influence
8
Failing to Stop at Intersection
1
Passing Red Light
1
Passing car at Intersection
1
Speeding
5
Causing Property Damage
1
Causing Personal Injury
1
Leaving scene of Accident
2
25
109
Disposition of Cases
Released
27
Filed
15
Discharged by Court
4
Suspended Sentence
9
House of Correction
11
To Officers of other Cities and Towns
8
Fined
21
Fines Imposed
$670.00
To Lyman School
4
To State Hospitals
2
Probation
S
Miscellaneous
Accidents Reported
55
Persons Injured : Males-35
Females-30
Total 65
55
Persons Killed.
Females-1
Total 1
Automobile Licenses Revoked and Suspended 52
Automobile Registrations Revoked
35
Buildings Found Open
13
Dogs Disposed of: Males-45
Females-33
Total 78
Complaints
445
Complaints Investigated
445
Emergency Messages Delivered
62
Persons Bitten by Dogs
38
Persons Found
9
Permits to work on Lord's Day
4
Number of Town Warrants Posted
30
Number of Notices Posted for Registrars of Voters
12
Property Found and Recovered
$4,925.00
Transfer of Automobiles 268
Warrants and Summons Served 54
Warnings for Violations of Motor Vehicle Laws 179
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AMBULANCE
Rounding out its six and a half years of active service at the close of 1940, the ambulance has rendered a great service to the citizens of Wilmington. For some time before it was purchased it was the thought of many of the citizens, that this town should own an ambulance for emergency cases, and for the convenience of the town's people in general.
The matter of purchasing an ambulance was unexpectedly brought up at this time when Mr. Edgerly of Reading offered his car for sale at a very reasonable amount. This car that we purchased is a 1928, four door, Lincoln sedan with the door on the right side cut so that an invalid basket equipment may be placed in it and a patient may be taken to the hospital in comfort.
The fact that the car, or ambulance, was for sale was mentioned by me to several citizens who before had shown interest in the town's procuring an ambulance. It was felt that a fund could be started which would take care of the purchase price, therefore contributions were immediately solicited and the generous response from the citi- zens enabled me to secure the ambulance.
A fund was started in the Mechanic's Saving Bank, and the first of July in 1934, the ambulance was placed in service. There is no doubt that this ambulance has helped to a great extent in the saving of lives, and added to the comfort of travel, for our citizens since it has been placed in service.
The ambulance has established a brilliant record for work in the town since its service first started. It shared in the honors out of town, especially at the time of the flood in 1936. At that time the am- bulance performed three days service in the Lowell Flood area. Dur- ing the Hurricane in 1938 the ambulance again proved its worth, get- ting a patient to the hospital in safety. I could cite many a case where it was necessary to exercise the utmost caution in moving the patient. Here an ambulance proved its worth.
Since the ambulance was put in service we have taken nearly five hundred citizens in ease and comfort to hospitals, and relieved much suffering. It must be appreciated that the means to travel and to handle the sick and injured afforded by this ambulance is more convenient than to carry patients in passenger cars.
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The officers in charge of the various cases in the past are to be congratulated in the manner in which they performed their part of the service. It is to their credit that, in many cases, the patients have had comfort from suffering.
During 1940 we have cared for more cases than during any other year, eighty-eight cases in all; seventy-eight town cases, eight out- of-town cases, two accident cases. Of these forty-two were welfare cases.
I will say that the Ambulance Fund has not enjoyed its public contributions as in other years. The response has not been generous and, as you know, this public convenience is dependent solely on pub- lic donations. However, in spite of the fair balance in the Mechanics Bank, this fund is constantly subject to withdrawals to meet unfor- seen emergency, and I will say at this time during 1940 we have been delayed a few times for repairs, but fortunately this delay was on return trips from the hospitals. Had such been the case when we were on emergency trip it would have been most embarrassing and uncomfortable for some unfortunate patient. In my opinion this car has outlived its usefulness as an ambulance and I feel something should be done.
At this time, I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to those who have made possible the maintenance of this valuable service.
Ambulance Cases 1940
Cases
88
Males
51
Females
37
Town cases
78
Out of Town
8
Accident
2
Ambulance Fund
Balance in Mechanics Bank December 31st, 1939 $ 179.64
Cash received
138.15
Interest
2.28
Balance
311.07
Paid out
200.99
Balance in Mechanics Bank December 31st, 1940
110.08
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Chief of Police.
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REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
We again wish to express our appreciation for the assistance of the W. P. A. in beautifying and reclaiming unused land in our cemetery.
We believe that with the completion of the present project the approach to the cemetery from Middlesex Avenue will be greatly im- proved.
This will complete most of the grading work which was planned and future improvements will be along the lines of planting and land- scaping.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS T. McMAHON, Chairman, GUY E. NICHOLS, DAVID MARTIN.
Cemetery Commissioners.
59
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD AND PARK COMMISSION
To the Board of Selectmen :---
For the first time in several years, the Planning Board expended a portion of their annual appropriation. We employed the services of a qualified landscape engineer to prepare a plan for the landscaping and treatment of Town owned property surrounding the newly con- structed School at Silver Lake.
It is the opinion of this Board that eventually this piece of pro- perty should be incorporated into the Park system and be developed for the enjoyment, health and pleasure of our citizens, young and old.
This plan calls for the development of the entire plot, with proper landscaping, so that when completed this area will be one of our beauty spots.
As most of you know, this property contains several hundred feet of shore line, which in the summer attracts hordes of out of town people who literally take possession and actually drive our own boys and girls away from the Lake. We propose to eventually develop a Town beach for the exclusive use of our townspeople and their guests. To complete this project, will of course require the expenditure of Town funds but spread over several years, it will not prove a serious matter and at the same time, will provide work for those of our citizens who need it.
All athletic clubs visiting our Town park for either baseball or football games, declare it to be the best in this section. The bleachers which were purchased this year, add greatly to the comfort and pleasure of those attending the contests. This field has been kept in good con- dition with a minimum of expense. Other Town parks have been kept reasonably neat without much expense to the Town.
The Common flag pole, must be painted this year and a new flag provided.
We appreciate the cooperation of our Selectmen, Highway and Cemetery Departments.
Respectfully submitted, E. M. NEILSON, STANLEY CADY, HERBERT R. BOUTWELL.
Planning Board Park Commission.
60
BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen, Wilmington, Mass. Honorable Sirs:
The following report of the Board of Appeals for the year end- ing December 31, 1940, is somewhat similar to the report of the preceeding year.
Many appeals have been held. with keen manifestation on the part of the townspeople at large. As time goes on it is becoming more and more apparent that the administration of the Zoning Laws has become a very important function of our Town Government. The rights and liberties of the people have been beneficially limited and defined with regard to the uses of their property, so that the greatest benefit and good for the community as a whole may be obtained to the end that Wilmington can take its place in Massachusetts as being one of the more desirable communities in which to live.
However much that could be done has been left undone because of the fact that we are without the necessary funds to work with. Under the State Laws we are obliged to send notices of hearings to be held to all persons deemed to be affected; and also notices of our decisions to all such persons deemed to be affected, as well as a re- ported decision of our Board to the Town Clerk to be filed in the Town Records. All this requires a great deal of clerical work, and this year we are still indebted in the amount of $10.00 for unpaid clerical services; and also for about $10.00 for printing matter, a bill for which has not as yet been received.
Investigations should be made of each particular parcel of land as well as the locality in which the parcel is situated, so that a more intelligent and just decision may be reached with regard to the in- terests of both the person appealing to us and the Town of Wilmington.
The Board of Appeals advocated in the past and still advocates a budget of at least $150.00 with which to do its work. All members of the Board carry out their duties without pay, and do the work with a warm zeal because of civic pride. We ask in return only the co-operation of the Town in supplying us with the necessary funds.
In conclusion may we say that the Board of Appeals will carry out its sworn duties in the future as it has in the past without regard to individualism, but only with the thought of benefitting the Town as a whole.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID I. ELFMORE, Chairman, Board of Appeals.
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REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for year 1940.
Sealed
Adj. Condemned
Platform Scales over 10,000 lbs.
1
1
Platform Scales 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
Platform Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
11
2
Counter Scales 100 1bs. or over
2
Counter Scales under 100 lbs.
12
3
Spring Scales 100 lbs. or over
7
Spring Scales under 100 lbs.
35
11
2
Beam Scales 100 lbs. or over
1
Beam Scales under 100 lbs.
2
Computing Scales 100 1bs. or over
1
Computing Scales under 100 lbs.
20
4
Personal Weighing Scales
2
Prescription Scales
3
Avoirdupois
50
Troy Weights
3
Liquid Measures
28
Meter 1 inch inlet
16
8
Oil Measuring Pumps
11
2
Grease Measuring Pumps
9
Quantity Measures on Pumps
13
Sealing fees collected and turned over to Town Treasurer
$68.12
The following are weights of commodities for immediate de- livery :
-Incorrect-
Tested
Correct
Under
Over
Beams
19
17
2
Bread
39
21
18
62
Butter
21
15
6
Coal in Paper Bags
39
26
13
Confectionery
39
21
18
Lard
21
14
77
Lard
21
14
7
Fruits and Vegetables
11
8
3
Meats and Provisions
7
5
2
Potatoes
7
7
Number of Licenses Inspected
S
Hawkers and Pedlers Seals
1
Junk Dealers
1
Clinical Thermometers
9
Expenses of Department are as follows:
Appropriation
$330.00
Total Expenses
299.09
Unexpended Balance
$30.91
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL P. PIKE,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
January 20, 1941.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
No slaughtering inspected during the year of 1940.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. ODIORNE,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Wilmington, Mass., Jan. 6, 1941.
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following is my report for the year 1940.
The total number of permits granted is 76.
43 were new construction.
33 were alterations.
The total estimated cost of construction is $81,210.00.
Permit fees amounting to $59.50 were collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
I wish at this time to thank the Police Department for the co- operation given me.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. CRISPO,
Inspector of Buildings.
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WILMINGTON FIREFIGHTERS
Standing beside three of the pieces of fire apparatus housed in the Church street station are Se- lectman Jerome J. O'Leary, Fire Chief Edwin L. Day and Assistant Fire Chief Winfred W. Rice. The latest and largest truck, in the centre, was purchased last July. It is a triple combination apparatus and is the last word in modern firefighting.
WILMINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT By RICHARD F. DAVIS
The Wilmington Fire department, organized in 1903, is today a skilled and scientific organization of which the town is justifiably proud. Five pieces of apparatus, the largest acquired as recently as last July, stand ready to protect its widespread territory under the capable direction of Fire Chief Edwin L. Day and his assistant, Win- fred W. Rice, both of whom have been members of the department since its beginning.
Not as old as fire organizations in some of the Greater Lowell towns, Wilmington's has probably been one of the fastest growing, and its present equipment stands in sharp contrast to that of only 38 years ago when 60 volunteer firemen had to find a horse before they could answer an alarm.
Fire Chief Day recalls the years when this town had no protection against fires, and a burning building would have to wait until help came from out of town, perhaps from Woburn. Following a disastrous blaze in a block of stores at the Centre, a town department was formed in 1903 with handtubs, one in Wilmington, and one in North Wilmington, as the only pieces of apparatus, and caps and coats for the men as about the only equipment.
"Kingdom for A Horse"
The hand-tubs served actively for several years and involved diffi- culties, chief of which was the problem of getting them to fires on time. Alarms from the central section would come in by telephone to the store where Mr. Day then worked, and he and other members would have to locate a horse to hitch to the tub wagon. Sometimes the store delivery horse could be obtained, and sometimes a bakery team or milk wagon would be flagged down, and the horse "borrowed" for the emergency. A man who drove a candy wagon, and had had his horse requisitioned on immediate notice several times before, would turn around whenever he heard the alarm and try to get out of the vicinity of the fire station before any volunteer spied him.
The first motor-propelled piece of apparatus was added to the department after about 11 years of the hand-tubs. This model-T Ford is now semi-retired, and is occasionally used for brush fires, being
65
equipped at present with a pump, hose, shovels and brooms. It was sent to Lowell for several days, following the great flood, where six men operated it in pumping out cellars.
The regular apparatus now housed in the station in Church street comprises three modern engines, one brush fire truck, and two triple combinations. The oldest of these, a combination, was purchased about 13 years ago when town water connections were completed. It is equipped with a 450-gallon pump, 1200 feet of 21/2 inch hose, and a 65-gallon booster pump. It carries two "pony" extinguishers, a 30- foot extension ladder, and a 16-foot roof ladder.
The next of these trucks was purchased in 1930, and is used in brush-fire work. It carries a portable 100-gallon pump, 1800 feet of 11/2 inch hose, a 35-gallon booster pump, 150 feet of one-inch hose, gas masks, hand extinguishers, shovels and pump cans.
Latest Acquisition
The latest acquisition, only a few months old, is a triple combina- tion truck voted in town meeting at a cost of $7500. The large engine carries a 600-gallon pump, a 150-gallon booster tank, 150 feet of booster hose, 1850 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 700 feet of 11/2-inch hose, a 24-foot extension ladder, a 12-foot roof ladder, gas masks, apparatus for ex- tinguishing gasoline and oil fires, two pony extinguishers, and first aid equipment. The new truck has made two out-of-town runs to Billerica and has responded to every house fire in Wilmington since it was put into action.
Full inhalator equipment is stored at the Church street station, for use of both Fire and Police departments. At North Wilmington, where one piece of apparatus is housed in the town water pumping station, a combination truck, built in part by the 10 members who guard that section, carries a 500-gallon pump, 1000 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 1000 feet of 11/2-inch hose, a booster tank of 210 gallons capacity, a 30-foot ladder, gas masks, and hand extinguishers.
First Aid Experts
Twenty-three members of the department have received certificates from the American National Red Cross for successfully passing a standard course of instruction in first aid to the injured. A group composed of 20 firemen, policemen, and a civilian, have formed a blood donating squad, for the protection, primarily, of Wilmington residents, and last year answered 13 requests for patients in hospitals of Lowell, Winchester and Boston. This squad was organized by Assistant Chief Winfred W. Rice.
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The Fire department is especially on the alert during summer dry seasons when a fire patrol man cruises throughout the town to spot blazes and to investigate fire permits. This practice is believed to have reduced the hazard greatly.
In 1940 the fire record was held low. The department answered 132 calls, 90 of which were still alarms, and 42 of which were blown in. During those calls a total amount of hose was laid as follows: 10,450 feet of 21/2-inch hose. 25,850 feet of 11/2-inch hose, and 6525 feet of 1-inch hose. The alarms are operated from the station house in Church street, simultaneously blowing in a whistle mounted on the town hall and a siren at the North Wilmington water works.
Acts of Valor
Among the many acts of valor performed by members of the Wil- mington Fire department was one in 1930 which won the first award of its kind presented by a Boston newspaper. Norman W. Perry, still a department member, saved the life of Jerome J. O'Leary, now a select- man and at that time a private in the Fire department, by rescuing him from a burning house in Westdale avenue where he had been over- come with carbon monoxide fumes, and working on him with scientific methods for half an hour until O'Leary recovered.
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