New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-07-31
Local Intelligence.

fremcn and police have worked together in
the utmost harmony, each important body
serving the other while essaying to save
persons and property from fire. This
plra5aut state of affairs has been the sub
iect OF much congratulation. and has often
been alluded to pleasantly by our best citi-
zens. but it appears that the amicab.e rela-
tons were deeper than was supposed
About SIX o'clock yesterday evening the
Office Of Superintendent Badger was the
scene of pleasant nature, not often seen in
that locality. All the captains of the vari-
Gus precincts were on hand, and several of
the members of the board. They had met,
some accidentally and others on business.
1t was finally whispered among them that
the time had come for special compliment
to be paid to the Chief of the Fire Depart
meut of New Orleans Superintendent
Badger immediately sent his cab for Chief
Engineer O'Conner. This gentleman was
found at his house, lying on a sofa. recu-
perating lost sleeping time wasted at
the fire yesterday morning. The cab
man informed the chief that Captain
Badger wanted to see him. and added. You
had better bring some of your friends
The Chief innOcently asked whether he
would have to give bond, and was Informed
by the cabman that he knew nothing about
that. Feeling as if he were in arrest. Mr..
O'Connor finally jumped into the cab and
started for the Superintendent Office.
When he arrived there he found the office
filed the chairs occupied by captains and
commissioners, and he was astOnished when
Captain Badger advanced toward him. not
to arrest him, but to present him with "A
solid gold badge and chain, bearing all the
insignia of Chief Of the New Orleans Fire
Department. The Superintendent, in max
ing the presentation, made also an excellent
extemporaneous speech for the occasion.
This completely dumbfounded Chief
O'Conuor. Always equal to the emergency.
however. as he has proved himself ON many
occasions when the flames were raging. the
Chief answered in appropriate terms a
speech he had never expected to hear.
Captain Lewis of the Fifth Precinct.
stated that he could tell how this presenta-
ton had been arranged. He knew all
about it and was thoroughly posted on the
subject There had been a bad feeling
against the Metropolitan Police in the com
uunitv. and parties had endcavorcd to
make tiremen participate in this bad feeling
while they were Oh duty as tiremen. There
was once fire in the ninth district as far
back as the beginning of 1869, and he, upon
arriving ON the ground, found the Chief En-
cineer there before him. They had talked
together and he found that the Chief En-
gineer not only thoroughly understood the
duty of firemen, but also appreciated the
the position of a policeman, especially new
policeman, or green one. Whatever diff
culties outsiders had endeavored to stir up
between the police and the fire department
had proved failures and they had proved
SUCH in great measure, because the chief
of police had frowned down and checked
the growth of such feeling. To-day the
fremen and the police met as cOadjutOrs at
fires not as opponents. They helped each
other, and to Chief O'Connor was due no
small share of the credit that such a result
had been arrived at No man ever yet re-
ceiyed testimonial more honestly or more
nobly earned.
DR.. Cooper spoke at some length. He
reviewed the late State affairs, made many
complimentary remarks to the tiremen
and stated that Chief Engineer O'Connors
reputation was SO well established and so
far spread, that he had imagined him an
old acquaintance. He had met him to-
night personally, and he should never
regret the meeting. He felt proud in being
permitted to participate in such a presenta-
ton.
Commissioner Robinson made few re-
marks, expressing at once his appreciation
of the Chief Engineer as a man and an
officer, and his satisfaction in being present
on such an occasion
Captain Gibney said that this was the
first occurrence i'll his remembrance when
the fire department and the police depart
ment came in contact such an occasion,
and that he was satisfied that the presenta
ton was one well deserved by the recipient
on this occasion.
MrOConnor was called again to the floor
He said that if Captain Gibney proved to
day as efficient captain of the police as he
had proved himself to be a fireman, there
could be no possible complaint made against
him.
After some scattering remarks, the party
finally adjourned not, however, before hba
tons to Bacchus had succeeded the proceed
ings already reported.
The badge presented was manufactured
by Mr.. J. C. Meyer, of 32l Old Levee, a
member of Hook and Ladder No. 3. 1t is
OF excellent workmanship and of heavy
gold, made in the shape of shield The
design on the face is crowned with fine
cap, resting on hook and ladder truck
In the centre is pictured large Amoskeag
engine surmOunting a crescent. At the
bottom is the title, Chief Engineer. The
crescent comes into play with the word city.
making the reading Chief Engineer
Crescent City"
On the back of the shield is engraved the
following inscription: Presented tG
Thomas OConnor, Chief Engineer of the
Fire Department of New Orleans, by the
metropolitan Police, as a testimonial of es
TEEN and appreciation of him as an officer
and gentleman, July 80, 1870"
FIRE IN CUsTOMHOUsE STREET.-AbOuI
haif-past three o'clock yesterday morning
IRE was discovered in the tin shop O
michael Ryan. No. 8 Customhouse street
next door to the corner Of Front street. TIL.