Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-01
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WICHITA FIRE
COMPANIES.
FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE !
January i. 1882. !

FIRE MAESHAL'S OFFICE
January j. 1889.
Members Of the FIRE Department Of wichita,
Kansas:
Fellow Firemen-As we are entering
upon new year feel that in some way |
should communicate to the department
my appreciation of the commendable aud
meritorious work done by you in the past
year.
Not only should you be praised for the
work done while responding to an alarm
or fighting the flames, but for your con-
duct and respectful obedience when at
tending the duties of ''tiremen In quar-
tiers"
| am pleased to note that in the past
year we have not through the fatality of
sickness or injury at Il fire, lost member
of the department. for which we all should
feel very grateful; and, further. no menu
Der has so improperly conducted himself
or by inattention to duties warranted his
dismissal.
/ am certain from such department and
prompt attention to duty you are by the
community recognized as being worthy
the favorable mention you have at various
times received through the press, and by
substantial Acknowledgements from many
of the foremost citizens of the city which
you serve ! believe the community, as
well as myself, think you have done well
the duties assigned you as firemen, the
great interest You take in your work Is
made manifest by the good work accom-
plished.
All are aware that our department is
small and many times we labor under a
disadvantage, yet we feel assured that
what we have is first class in every par
ticular, and we have demonstrated
its effectiveness; yet, Notwithstanding
our good showing in the
past there are many details which require
much thought aud study, also matters we
should refer to in order not TO loose sight
of which are most important TO Us that we
may bettea perfect ourselves in the duties
we owe the public, reference 10 the follow
ing is done with view 10 improve in the
interest of good work. system organization
etc; it is the duty Of every fireman, not
only drivers, to acquaint themselves thor
oughly with the location of hydrapts,
names and locations of streets. the ar
rangement and construction of public aud
business buildings, best and most avail
able means of reaching any part Of build
ings so that when called by an alarm we
fully understand how best TO arrange our
apparatus and work TO an advantage that
can not possibly be done otherwise.
a word TO the drivers of the several
teams may not be amiss, AS there IS al
ways vet something to learn in every
VOCATION. / regard the position
of driver one Of the most
important in connection with the depart
ment, their Judgment must be cool, de
liberate and practical: they should
acQuaint themselves with the best and
nearest route to where the alarm il given,
and the most accessible Ere plug where an
attachment can be made. without con
flicting with other companies 0 that each
may suffer no delay in getting water; and
in answering a call IL IS not TIE driver
who goes at utmost speed that uses best
Judgment, for wreckless and fast driving
IS attended with many dangers, not only
the loss of life to both men and horses,
but injury 20 the apparatus that may
render II useless, and many times not get
TO the fire at all
The care OF horses, careful attention TO
the condition Of harness are important
duties Of the drivers. Other members Of
the companies are responsible for The con-
dition OF the hose. apparatus and spfsef-
tenances belonging 70 their respective
companies. all OF which the foreman has
entire control.
Another very important feature that re-
suits q good 10 that of courtesy, not only
TO each other, bat 20 every citizen OF the
community. We must remember that ve
are servants Of the public and IN our de-
partmeut is placed the confidence Of The
public 70 protect their property from de-
struction By fire; and their lives when b.
the same manner endangered, is IL not
compliment from the pubic that you and
I have been selected 20 guard their inter
escs in this wayt Then Il il bat al hum
bic return that we should be courteous:
and the same is due syery fireman la re-
turn from the citizens when frsnen have
deported themselves properly. | only
speak % these matters. not because they
have rot been done but that we may not
lose sight Of them; for ia referring 20 these
matters We refresh our thoughts upon sub
jects Of great importance 20 Is, and We
have entered upon uew year. our
purpose should lie 20 perform our duties
that we may a. tie end o. the present fear
look back upon cur work - we low ssew
the svorkLof tie year izst passed.
Another matter i that Of Discipline
strict ard respectful obsdsenSs 20 the rules
OF the department sb51id be observed. also
the orders Of the con2anIesi officers rsns.
b. recoxufzesi Unless such government
ex5sss We would rot BE- al Organization
BIZ. simply a gathering that would soon
become 1arnanazs2hse and would loose -
usefulness There Is no humiliation ia
any reasonable requirement.
frog ycur superior II authority, for ycu
are simply doing = duty yo1 have obii-
gated yourself 20 do. OCs raor1sat q
rezSo1sbss thinking Will dizrell any
th0agist 20 the contrary.
Another very important factor "a making
an organization effective ard lasting Is
lha. % harmony. Every nsenb@r should
strive 20 Be on friendly terms With ether
ngnbs-s o. the department., fog 81 oTyKni