Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-08
CITY FIRE-FIGHTERS.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD
or FIRE coMsIssIoxERs.
4 PINE FINANCIAL SHOWING.
The BOARD VIII Return $4,000 Of the
Appropriation, Leaving Every
thing in Perfect order--Many sng-
gesfions for Improved Service.

year ending December 81, 1898. OF the
president OF the Board OF Fire Commits
ssoners OF Richmond. submitted 20 the
Council at its meeting Tuesday night
The report IL interesting as a summary
OF the work OF the Richmond Fire Depart
ment, and by reason OF the numerous
suggestions made as 10 means whereby
the efficiency OF the department can be
increased. Every citizen OF Richmond is
proud Of the Fire Department not only
because OF its efficiency but because Of
the excellent manner In which les affairs
are conducted. Following is the report
Office Of Board Of Fire Commissioners,
City Hall
Richmond. Va. January 2 1899
To the Honorable the Mayor and City
Council OF Richmond Va:
Sentlcmen.-ln obedience 10 the law
the Board OF Fire Commissioners submit
their eleventh annual report Of the Fire
and F1re-AlarIn departments for the year
ending December 81. ls9e
During that time PSI alarms were re-
ceived and transmitted 70 the Fire De
partment with a loss approximating So
90. which makes the damage much be-
low former years, and indicates prompt
and effective service I'm both the Fire and
Fire-Alafm departments.
The notable fires were those Of the
Baughman printing establishment and
the Richmond Paper-Mill, and both were
restricted upon the premises. though the
loss on stock was considerable.
The violations Of discipline were not
numerous. and the punishment inflicted,
where the rules were violated. was not
OF a serious character. There were no dis
missals during the year.
NO INCREASE NEEDED.
There has been no increase IN the de- |
partment, either Ia the force numerically |
or by additions of equipment during the /
year, and the board are OF the opinion /
that the department Is sufficiently large !
and well distributed and trust while |
maintaining everything In good shape, |
making ali merited acquisitions 10 the /
rolling stock, keeping fully up 10 the |
standard, 10 return 10 your honorable /
bodies handsome surplus year by year
The past year. In addition 10 transferring /
10 the Police Department 5000 eXpenu-
ing on the recent combined police and
engine station at Brook avenue and Mar
shall streets nearly 5000, and the addi-
tion OF a new combination chemical
wagon for the East End, besides a large
quantity OF hose. always expensive they
anticipate returning from all sources at
least S3,500-leaving everything, as far as
possible, In perfect order.
tn should be q large Increase Of the
permanent force. which the board viii
doubtless do should your honorable body
give sufficient increase in the payroll. /
There should at any rate be an increased
payroll whereby Chiof-Enginecr Fuller. |
Assistant-Engineer Shaw, and the eigh-
teen valuable permanent hOscmcn could
have their pay Increased
The city can congratulate itself upon
employing the services Of Chief Fuller.
ne lends 20 the department a conscien-
tious, heroic service, which cannot always .
be obtained. and his integrity is heTalded
through the fire world, and he should be
richly compensated. Assistant Engineer r
Shaw is also inadCQuatey paid and since
IA ifnunFfgWf he
holds has given perfect satisfaction and c
mas come to be considered by Chief Pull ;
Ter a valuable lieutenant. {
In the Fire-Alarm Department, Superin- <
tendent Thompson and his assistants are | r
insuihciently paid. Mr.. Thompson has had d
increased duties imposed upon him, and ,
cally and practically he stands at the =
head OF his profession, and should be re- L
cognized substantially. =
NEW STATION ON EAST MAIN. \
he board desires TO erect a new fire. n
station in lieu Of the one now occupied n
east Main street. T
The surroundings of this property have T
made il unlnhabitable for the "
men and horses and a personal insDec-
strate II. IL is In fact intolerable. and O.
,annot be improved. You are respectfully |
urged 10 allow US 10 purchase a lot I'm
hat section out Of the appropriations reg
ilarly made. The present quarters can be n
lulized for the storage OF valuable re-
serve apparatus besides converting 10 into
J veterinary hospital. which we need.
The ordinance for the erection Of wooden m
buildings having been transferred 10 this CT
department.. has been OF great benefit 10
'ur builders. and at the same time offers Of
increased protection 20 our citizens ga
This should be followed I'm our judg- III
nent, by an ordinance putting the admin va
stration OF all laws governing electricity err
vres Inside and outside of buildings). I'm ]
ne hands OF this board for tho follow | Of
ng reasons: That you have now upon the ms
ity payroll your Superintendent of an un
ity wires. aided by four experienced cleo WI
ricians. tic
Laws should be framed guarding against In
anger 10 the citys property from cleo ne
rolysis from imperfect construction and col
Their causes electrically. All based upon OF
ne best information Obtainable which be-
his department has easy access TO- We
seard II as the duty OF the Council 20 me
lake all laws and rules and hold this de- pu
trtnent and the city electrician respOn- dei
Die Tor their fulflment. Since these /
,me conductors are prolific causes of &c
res, and since the flremen themselves are tbs
)mhating against an invisible foe be- IN,
des the lives Of our citizens I'm general ash
Is, We think. proper that the RESPONSE | res
lily should be placed here not
You are referred 10 the Chief Engineers | a n
port for detailed statements IL
me physicians report will give you in wa
resting details concerning his duties Yer
10 Is well worthy OF perusal
FIRE-AI.ARM DEPARTMENT. ~, III
The Fre-Alarm Department continues rec
perform the very best service con- hal
stent with overhead wires and though ina
csc sad conditions Of things causes Nh,
uless troubles. yet the alarms are re- ito,
wed promptly. with few exceptions n
llch Is all brought about by the IN fac
ing zeal OF the superintendent and his bel
lthtui employees. Improvements are ! coli
ade almost daily by the department he
a the Office continues 10 be the central | tha
traction In the City Hall. Two OF the the
Fgest bells are now struck electrically out
q the board Will as rapidly as possible tho
We an fire stations struck similarly wa,
The reasons for having al wires under the
ound except trolley wires. have been sol
ought 20 your attention so frequently NJ
At we think IL needless TO repeat them unc
re. 49,
'ou are referred TO the superintendent,s vii
'ort for detailed information concern can
his department. In
he thanks OF the board are due 10 his SON
nor the Mayor. and 10 your honorable eetl
lies for the patient and generous con ing
GRAFTON always granted TO the depart- AFR
M. and our thanks are especially due | Of I
the honorable Committee on Water kins
mmlttee on Gas. and Board OF Police briu
whose kindly co-oDera | shoe
q has been OF such great fssistance =. ~
respectfully submitted
JOHN VI. FRISCHKORN o.
'sioent Board Of Fire Commissioners