Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-05-04
PRESENTED WITH A badge.
A HaDpy Affair at the Niagara Engine
House Yesterday.

House Yesterday.
Chief Kieves is Presented win a
Beautiful Solid Gold Badge, Hand
somely Engraved, by the Mem
hers Of the Fire Department Tho
Entire Department Present on the
Occasion - Thomas O'Brien Jr.'
Makes an Eloquent Presenta-
ton Speech-The Chief Replies
Appropriately.
Yesterday afternoon at three O'Clock d
most pleasant event occurred at the
NIAGARA engine house. on Twenty
fourth street. in which Chief Klieves
and all The members of the Fire Depart
ment figured prominently. The Chief
was The happy recipient Of a very beau
tifuI gold badge. presented TO him by
the fremen as a token OF their esteem
and regard. The presentation had been
arranged to take place at the Niagara
house. and shortly before the time APP
pointed the various fire companies ar
rived. Many people supposed that
fire was in progress and tiocked TO the
spot. The apparaJuses had all been
given an extra cleaning and shine for
the occasion. and the iremen looked
nobby in their handsome new uniforms
Mayor Butts had Chief Klieves in
tow and the two were in the Sixth ward
looking at some property about which
there had been some complaint when
the fire engines began to show up. The
Chief was NOT able 10 account for the
affair and was told by the Mayor that
there was a fire and that he had better
hurry TO it. Clearly surprised and not
being aware of the truth the Chief has
tened with the Mayor to the Niagara
house. where the fremen were awaiting
him. He was apprised Of The fact that
the fremen had some business with him
but was still in the dark until the
badge was presented to him in brief
bur glowing speech by Thos. O'Brien,
Jr. clerk of the First Branch Of Coun-
Gil.
The entire Fire Department and 9TH
ers who were present all adjourned to
the second floor of the engine house,
where the presentation took place. The
room was filed by the fremen. city off,
Gals and a number Of the residents Of
the neighborhood. The ladies' were also
well represented. among whom was the
wife Of the Chief
Clerk O'Briea's speech was a splen-
did effort and was admirably adapted to
the occasion. He spoke eloouently and
was warmly applauded. He said he
bespoke the sentiments of the commun-
ity when he declared that Chief Klieves
had been elected to the head Of the Fire
Department as the choice of The people
of Wheeling. He assured him Of the
mems regard for him and that they
were ready at all times to follow him
into the midst Of confagration to save
the lives or property of the people OF
Wheeling. In appropriate words the
sneaker presented the badge. suggesting
that the recipient wear it on his lapel,
over the heart with the engraved words
as an Inspiration from his fremen in
times Of emergency and danger.
Chief Klieves was much moved as
well as surprised. ard in reply said hat
he could not alternately express his ap-
probation. hut wished to tender the FIRE
men his heartfelt thanks. The Chiefs
speech was followed by another rourd If
applause and the people present pressed
forward to inspect the solid gold badge
Of which the Chief was Enthusiastically
proud. IL was a most handsome piece
Of jewelry and intricate workmanship.
It was secured from and was the design
Of J.. Becker. the Eighth ward jeweler.
On If were engraved the words ioblue
enamel: To the Chief of the Fire De
pa1tment Of Wheeling and below
From the Members of the Depart
ment. In the centre of the badge is an
impression of a fire engine. and at the
bottom is the freman's cap ard repre-
sentauon of a hose nozzle. The badge
was much admired and is highly priced
by its owner on account Of lis beauty
AL in appreciation Of it as a gift from
his tremen.