Wichita eagle., 1886-09-07
A PRESENTATION.

The newly elected Chief of Fire Department
Mr. A. G. Waldren, was on Saturday even
ing the recipient of an elegant gold badge
from the members of Independent Hose com
pany No. =
After short session at their hall on South
Topeka. the company marched to the pleas
ant home of Mr.. Walden on South Ernpo-
ria, where Mr.. Harris, member OF the city
council presented the badge with the follow
ing appropriate speech:
Mr. A. G. Waldren, a compliment has been
paid me this evening-whlch l suppose Is
owing to the fact of my being chairman OF
the fire committee of our city council-by
being allowed to make known the high APP
probation of the fire department for you
their chief marshal, by a substantial testi
monial. before presenting which l desire tc
express sentiment of my own, however
crude it may be, for it is not expected tina.
representative men of our city should possess
the qualifications of practical civil engineer
, or head of fire department. Therefore, am
free to acknowledge my experience is
limited and l am unable to even
offer you suggestions, Mr.. Chief. We
look for the reorganization of the depart
ment. Let, then, your organization be full
and complete, but let economy be your
watch word | have observed this young
city in all her channels of advancement and
enterprise. and having been connected with
municipal government since ~ have been
proud with others to say Wichita has always
been self sustaining; that is it has not be-
come necessary TO have bonds issued Tor puo-
lie improvements or other expenses pertain
ing to the city.
Now we are entering upon new era. w
are a CITY of the first class IL this new role
we expect great things of you This token
of respect is pledge to YOU or the esteem
and support of the company and department
of which you are chief.
Mr.. Walden it is with pleasure on behalf
of the fire company present you this badge
Nav you serve it with credit to yourself
honor to the city you represent, and the de
partment of which you are the head.
Mr.. Walden replied in the following neat
speech:
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen CT Hose Co. No, p
There is no way for Inc to express Tie
sincerely of my thanks in return for this
beautiful testimonial. l am proud of it and
value it, not for its intrinsic value, but be
cause of its being emblematic of friendship
and good will. The best way for me to show
how fully l appreciate your kindness Is by
proving myself worthy of it by effort and
energy in promoting and benefitting the SER
vice which it represents. As soon as Is pos
sible to reorganize we will have fire de-
partment that " ichita will be proud OF and
her citizens will have a fire protection second
to none in the state. Again thank you for
the interest you manifest in my behalf and
the substantial encouragement it gives me. l
welcome you here this evening and will at all
times be glad to extend the Inequalities of
my home.
Supper was then served, after which the
boys were treated to some elegant piano
music by Mrs. Walden.
All in all it was a most delightful evening
and one most heartily enjoyed and long to be
remembered by the participants.
The badge, which is beauty, is made of
gold, has center figure of fire engine and
the words "Chief of the Fire Department"
enameled in black on the face On the re-
verse side: Presented TO A. G. Walden by
Independent Hose Co. No. 2; W. w. Furrow,
foreman: W. W. Toy, Secretary; g. F.
Richards, treasurer"