The Washington times., 1902-09-11
Rigid Investigation Into
the Conduct of Assist
ant Fire Chief.
TRIAL CONDUCTED IN SECRET
Many Witnesses Examined-Trouble
the Result of Action Taken by Chief
Dutton's Assistant at Fire August
ae-Several Offenses Charged.

Second Assistant Chief John D. Kurtz
of the District Fire Department. was
yesterday. examined by the board o.
ment. Chief Kurtz asked for retire
ment, and Chief Robert w Dutton
granted his request that a board be ap-
pointed to inquire into his physical con
dition.
Chief Dutton last evening verified the
report that his second assistant chief
had been suspended, this action having
been taken Monday Chief Dutton stated
also that retiring board would pass
ON an application which had been made
| by Mr.. Kurtz to be placed on the re-
tired list. He would not say that such
should be the outcome of proceedings,
Tor 1t Is known that a series of charges
were being prepared at headquarters
1t may be that the chief will not be
granted the privilege of retirement
Keliher Succeeds Kurtz.
Chief kurtz has been succeeded by
Foreman James Keliher, of No. II En-
gine Company. who has had the use of
Chief kurtz' carriage since the return of
the chief engineer. There has been no
secrecy of the fact that Chief Kurtz has
been under suspension. and has been on
house duty at the truck house.
The charges being prepared allege that
kurtZ had called out an engine company
which might have been required else
where, and that he had been responsible
for an accident to his carriage which had
not been reported to headquarters, as
required by regulations.
Dr. F. P. Vale presided at the meet
ing of the board of inquiry held at No.
2 engine company yesterday afternoon,
and DR.. w. r. Burch. DR.. c. C. Marbuyy,
and DR.. ]. S. Wall, the other members
OF the board, were present The ses-
sion was held behind closed doors, but
1t is known that some pertinent ques-
tions were asked the witnesses rela-
tive to Chief Kurtz's management of
his affairs during the past few years.
Kurtz Appeared Tired.
While the trial was set for 3 O'Clock
it was nearly an hour later when the
board convened. Chief Kurtz was the
first to arrive, reaching the engine
house on D Street, between Fourteenth
and Fifteenth Streets northwest. about
form and appeared very fatigued. The
witnesses examined were:
Mr.. Ferdinand DonneIly. the chief clerk
of the department; Foreman Nicholson.
of Truck ID; Foreman Beers. of No. !
Engine Company; Foreman Smith, of No. |
D Engine "ympaEy, and DR.. Robinson |
all gave testimony bearing on the good |
record of Chief Kurtz, and especial ar
tention was given by the board to his !
record during the past few years.
The proceedings are said to have
grown out of a fire which happened on /
August 26. when box SO at Fourth and T |
streets northwest was pulled for slight |
blaze in florists establishment at
Fourth and r Streets northwest. 1t was
shortly after l O'Clock in the after
noon when the alarm was turned in
which called engine companies and 12,
and Truck d to the scene.
Failed to Locate Fire.
Chief KurtZ. who is stationed at the
ruck house, which is located near the
Intersection of New York and New Jer-
iey Avenues, with his orderly, William
lally, also responded. but did not learn
II the location of the fire until after The
,laze had been extinguished.
He went to the box and signaled to
Headquarters, and it is understood to
,e this. with other things, which ha
esulted in the suspension. The signal
vas taken by the telegraph operator ut ;
ire alarm headquarters, Mr.. Lewis F. !
to mean that another en-
.ine company was needed, and Engine
'ompany No. 6 was sent cut
Chief Kurtz later placed his transmit .
er to the plug. and held a conversa- \
ion with Headquarters. o
II is alleged that the chief used an {
time to tap in al the q
'ox. u
IL. Mnthershead who was in charge {
t Headquarters. forwarded a report to |
enior Assistant Chief Belt, who was e
citing chief at the time, in the absence >
f Chief Dutton. and Chief Kurt was n
allied upon for an explanation He
tated that Mr. Nally. the fireman, who 5
ias with him at the time, did not un- =
erstaud tapping in and he desired TO
instruct him in the matter In the mean
ime. however, il is understood that it I
as come to the attention of The superior {
ficers that Nally is familiar with sig c
al work.
Chief Dutton Took Action. I
Chief button returned to the city Sun L
ay night and the facts in the case were {
eported to him by Chief Belt After !
,oking over the reports of Mr.. Mother l
lead and Chief kurtZ Cher Dutton had u
conference with Sergeant Robert E. $
'oyle and officer Norris, of the Eighth a
recinct. who witnessed the proceedings N
I the fire box. He then formally re- a
eyed Chief KurtZ from his command =
Chief Kutrz has been connected with [
ie Fire Department for about twenty +
lree years, and is acknowledged to be u
le of the best fire-tighters in the bust. q
ess. He was promoted to be assistant a,
lief August 1. 1895, shortly after the F
cath of Assistant Chief Lowe. Prior c,
} that time he was foreman of No. D II
ompany on Capitol Hill. He became ~
member of the department in 1879, and M
as distinguished himself number of ii
mes. ID
al