, 1891-12-14
FIREMEN ACTIVE.
THEY WILL PROBABLY INCORPO-
RATE FOR BETTER SERVICE.
Urgent Needs of More Funds for
the Proper Equipment OF
the Department.

A decided effort is OH foot for the re-
organization Of the three fire companies Of
olympia, and their incorporation as the
Olympia fire department. The volunteers
feel that this is the only method by which
they can receive the recognition to which
they are justly entitled and hope further
that the movement will be an initial one
toward instituting paid department
With this object in view, committees have
been appointed from Columbia No /, City
OF Olympia No. 2, and the Barnes Hook
and Ladder Company, for the purpose of
discussing the best method Of attaining
the desired ends This evening Columbia
Company No. 1 will hold special meeting
for the purpose, among other matters, Of
reviewing and receiving new constitution
and bylaws.
The men feel that the present neglected
condition OF the companies make this
more essential. Columbia Engine Com
pany No, is utterly untitled for service
| because OF the poor equipment. Ithas but
a hand engine, which has been in use for
nearly % years. 1t is heintention of the
members to use their personal funds for
| the improvement of their personal quarters
|
and readir adding carpet and fur
Iltnre IN feel THAT sleeping acl
4 eommoda nshould be provided in con-
/ nection WISH the fire headquarters, for the
use OF such members as are without homes
IN order that they can be on hand mmedi-
ately in response to an alarm
City Of Olympia No. 2, whose headquar-
ters are at the engine house at Columbia
and Fourth streets, are somewhat better
provided for, but much IS yet necessary to
complete their improvements. Sleeping
apartments have been provided but they
remain unfurnished for lack of funds. The
city surely should look to this Not evena
cot for the use Of the men is provided.
Matters have reached such state with
the hook and ladder company that inter
est is rapidly abating and it is even diff
| hcult to get a meeting. The iremen are
encouraged to no extent whatever, and sell
dom is it considered to what extent they
sacrifice their personal funds in paving for
damaged clothing, to say nothing Of the
hardshlps attendant upon fire. About
the only thanks are heaps Of abuse from
by-standers. Some of the companies are
financially embarrassed and are at q stand
still.
'"The work Of the department at one
fire, " said an old volunteer today, "would
cover all we ask. Certainly it is little
enough, for our services are just as much,
and, III fact, of far more Importance to the
public than any other dept. of the city.
| You will some day see Olympia wiped out
! like q flash. Then the council and
the people will want to know where the
fire department is. Just look at those
sheds and shacks along the water front
and IN the business center of the city.
How could we ever hope to control a blaze
with such surroundings. 1t is not only
the loss to property, but the lives of resi-
dents are endangered. We have board of
fire wardens here and their first duty
should be to order the immediate removal
OF all dangerous or unsued frame build
ings. They only increase the rate Of i'll
surance,, and discourage adjoining property
owners from making improvements.
"Who will be the next chief of the fire
departmental was asked.
THAT is a puzzle. The department
elects man, and the council approves or
disapproves of the election. it will lie
between the present chief, Sam Nc
Clelland, and Joe McCarrogher who
constitutes the greater part of the
hook and ladder company. Sam Nc
| Clelland is Jealous, energetic and a con-
stant worker. He has done much for the
department, but has been handicapped by
the continued lack of funds. McCarrogher
Is equally active and energetic. OF course,
/ both of the aspirants have their friends
and in my opinion it will be a mere matter
OF toss up as to who will be the choice of
the department. There are now about SO
men on the rolls of the three companies.