The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-11-23
TIMES TO REWARD
BRAVE POLICEMEN
AND FIRE LADDIES
Two Gold Medals and One of Bronze Offered to
Members of Departments Displaying the
Greatest HeroiSm and Efficiency

The Times, with the approval OF the
District Commissioners and the heads
of the Fire and Police Departments, has
decided to award, annually. three med
als, tsyo of gold and one of bronze. to
members of the Fire and Police Depart
ments displaying the greatest bravery.
herOism. or general efficiency in line Of
duty. The gold medals win go, one to
the Fire Department for nfe-saving, and
one to the Police Department as a re-
ward for CONSPICUOUS bravery
The bronze medal will be awarded the
fireman credited with the best record for
attention to duty ans general efficiency
II was decided to offer this medal for
the reason that firemen attached to
companies in the suburbs have little il
any chance to save lives from burning
buildings.
The medals viii be gifts. absolutely.
and viii belong TO their respective re-
cipients for all time. They viii be
awarded each year, beginning Novem-
Der. 1904.
Why Medals Are Awarded.
The medals are intended not so much
as incentives TO acts OF bravery. because
The Times knows these acts have been
I
reward. but a medal appropriately in
scribed possesses an imperishable value
and should be more highly priced than
wealth or empty commendation. It is
notorious fact that both firemen and po-
licemen are underpaid, and that any
conspicuous act of bravery is performed
solely from a conscientious sense Of
duty. The Times. by the award of these
medals, therefore. hopes to place in the
hands of deserving lremen and police
men token that may be preserved in
their respective families for many gem
/ erations. commemorative OF those quaIi-
ties which are admired by all humanity.
The awards will be made by The
Times. after consultation with the hfads
of the two departments and the Dis
trict Commissioners. The latter have
already expressed themselves IS heart
! ily in "a yor OF the plan. Commissioner
West believes il viii Inspire members
Of both the Police and Fire Departments
TO even greater efforts. and Will keep
alive their sense of duty on all Occa-
sions.
Mr.. Macfarland Pleased
Commissioner Macfarland who has
supervision OF the Fire Department.
said:
4 am very glad TO learn that The
Washington Times is 10 ofIer a medal
for special efficiency and a medal for
special bravery. 70 the members Of the
Fire Department have no doubt that
it win encourage both efficiency and
bravery The men OF our department
are. / believe, as effective and as cour-
ageous fire lighters as can be found
anywhere else. Indeed. / believe the
department IS the best. for its size, in
the country. The fact that politics has
nothing to do with il. that its mem
bers are appointed upon merit de-
termined by mental and physical exami-
nation. and promoted without favor has
much TO do with il. I appreciate. and
I am sure the department appreciates,
every evidence Of popular interest in it.
Merit Already Proven.
THE idea is highly commendable. and
is IN active and successful operation,
believe, in both New York and Boston.
There can be no doubt as TO the good
results which are bound to accrue and
unquestionaSly the medals viii be priced
by chose who are fortunate enough to
receive them
Colonel Biddle, Engineer Commis-
sioner. declared II TO be a matter which
in no way concerned his department. but
which he was nevertheless heartily in
favor OF. because OF its unquestioned
merit.
Chief Belt Enthusiastic.
Chief Belt. Of the Fire Department
was enthusiastic in his approval:
Il appreciate very much the spirit of
The Times he said today, 'in starting
the movement for a suitable reward for
meritorious acts of bravery or services
performed during the ensuing year for
the brave officers and members of the
Fire Department So far as I am con-
cerned. l know OF nothing better than
the proposition OF The Times, as IL will
I'll a long felt want. ] often have mem
toned that it was strange matter TO
me why some one had not offered or
donated medals for such freInen Thia
move Of The Times viii be a source Of
great encouragement TO the men: fl will
put new life in them. and l am sure will
/ be greatly appreciated by the whole
d'osrtment. I wish il all success.
Should Receive Recognition.
SAID Major Sylvester:
y am firm believer in proper re-
ward for meritorious service The po-
/ iiceman or fireman who distinguishes
/ himself by unusual bravery or effort
should receive recognition for what he
does. There are at times unusual dis
plays Of courage and proficiency. in one
way or another, when il becomes pleas
ant as well as proper to extend some
word or token which viii not only terld
10 keep up the ambition, energy. and IN
/ telligence which prompted the first sue
cess. but which Will serve Is an lex.
ample 10 the many others having, the
same opportunity.
This department. in addition to award