Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-09-14

Wednesdays parade of the Police and
Fire Departments was revelation not
only Ito the hundreds of visitors but
also to thousands of the people of
Wilmington, who had no idea of the
magnitude, equipment and discipline
of those departments. Most of the
citizens have seen police pasades and
parades Of firemen before, but never
before has there been such fine
demonstration of the city's department
nf public safety. 1t was gratifying
to the people Of the city to know
that the turnout was all our OVID and
that there was no assistance whatever
form any other place. 1t was a sur
prise to many TO know that it was
about mile in length, for compare
lively few of our own citizens were
aware that there were so many police
men or SO much fire and police ap-
paratus. Then the discipline was an
other surprising feature, and the officers
Of both departments, as well as the
men, we're complimented on all sides
for the fine exhibition of efficiency.
Chief Of Police Dolan rode at the
head of the line and made a fine
showing. He directed the movements
of the Police Department ard was
ably assisted by Capts. Chambers and
Kane, each of whom was in charge
of a division, and the 10 sergeants,
each of whom was in command Of u
squad OF men. The mounted and bicycle
policemen also attracted great deal
Of attention, as they like Chief Dolan,
rode like veterans. Only one patrol
wagon was in line, the other being
in use by the men on duty about the
city,. The one in the procession was
| the newer of the two and was exceed
ingly pretty.
The Fire Department, which fol-
| lowed the conserpators of the peace,
made great showing. Chief Sasse
\ and Assistants Joyce and PURCELL rode
| in, their respective wagons, the chief
being at the head of the department
and each Of the assistants in charge
of division. Each carried hand
some bouquet and made a fine appear
abce. The companies were in line
according to their numbers, Friend
ship, No, /, being first, and Liberty,
No. o, being last. All of the apparatus
had the appearance of being brand new
and was as fine an outfit as any city
could desire, while the men on each, IL
could be plainly told, were genuine,
business like firemen, from the soles
OF their shoes to the tops of their
heads. They were some of the men
| who do the work at fires and were
entitled to the positions they occupied.
Nearly all of the apparatus was hand
somely decorated, bouquets aud FORA
designs being largely IN evidence.
Each company had out all Of its
apparatus, in order to give the citizens
/ Nd useft 80 20 tt,ct
what machinery there is in the depart
ment, and each machine was drawn by
horses which are credit to the de
partment, aud each horse appeared tc
realize that it was on parade.
There were no marching men in the
Fire Department portion of the pro
cession, except delegation from the
Phoenix Co., which made favorable
impression. They we're fully uniformed
for parade and marched we'll. They
were a fine body of men and were
frequently applauded. The company
also had another special feature in tht
shape of the ambulance and ambulance
corps, the members of which appeared
10 new uniforms. being attired in duel
trousers, blue coats aud blue caps.
The First Regiment Band ant
Hyatt's Military Band of this city ant
Independent Band OF Marshallton
which furnished music, did themselves
credit. Thousands of people were oil
the streets, probably more than eve
saw parade in this city before anC
there were frequent outbursts of ap
plause. The local and visiting officials
policemen and firemen and members o
the Association of Municipal Elec
tricians and Knights of Malta, VIII,
were the guests of the city, viewed tn
parade from the reviewing stand oil
the Court House green atsEleventh an,
King streets, and, judging from tn
| comments, all were delighted. Man,
of them complimented our city official
, uponith fine body of men which com
posed the Police Department and tn
fine looking apparatus and men in tn
| Fire Department. In addition to tn
policemen and firemen and apparatus
the members of the Board Of Polio
Commissioners took part in the parade
being taken over the Troute in ba
{ rouche. Eighty-five policemen were il
line. Each wore bouquet on hi
l coat above his star and all had Of
: white gloves. The bouquets had bee
! arranged for the men by the natrons
Mrs. Wogan, and Mrs. White. As tn
parade moved along Chief Dolan wa
kept busy acknowledging the salute
Q of friends. This was also true Of tn
9 other police officials and officers of til
! Fire Department and men ON the ap
, paratus. The remodeled truck of th
3 Delaware Fire Co. was an object G
special interest, being practically
Q new piece of fire-fighting machinery
o The apparatus of the other companies
/. | r,bfrb alcn lpolrol nau tupra oh tart
= of admiration and pride.
o II. Paul Moore, son of DIR. II. c
9 Moore, member of the Water Vito
q Co., was the youngest fireman in line
Attired in fireman's uniform, wit
a regulation helmet, the little fellow
who is only two years old, occupied
g prominent position on the chemica
I engine Of the company.
9 General Manager Lugar and Super
: intendent Vandegrift of the City Rail
:; way Co., saw to it that the cars di
+ not interfere in any way with tn
!. parade Superintendent Vandegrift CAV
]. the matter his personal attention an
G had all Of the cars taken off the street
over which tho parade passed for tn
time being.
After the parade Chief Sasse of tn
t Fire Department publicly. expressed hi
i thanks to all of the members of tn
Q department for the fine showing eac
Y company made. "The.impression mad
h upon the visitors TO this city, h
IS said, tcannot but help to add to tn
o favorable opinion Of the city alread
Q formed by them.
Suit Tor Driver Mcguire.
Driver John Mcguire of the Fam
Co Is engine was presented with q 81