The Washington times., 1904-07-14
FIRE FIGHTERS
HONOR SHERMAN
Pay High Tribute to De-
ceased Battalion Chief.
THE FUNERAL ON SATURDAY
Served Local Fire Department Quarter
Of a CentuTy-Chief Pays him
Generous Tribute.

Stricken with paralysis while on duty
with Truck d, about four weeks ago.
! John Sherman, battalion chief engineer.
retired, of the Fire Department. died at
his home on Ninth. between Erie and
Flint Streets, BrightwOod Park. yester-
day. He was sixty years old. and spent
the best days of his life in the depart
ment having been appointed on Janu-
airy 3. 1879, as a private, and gradually
working himself to the position held by
him until his retirement from the force
with a brilliant and enviable record as
a fire-fighter
The funeral services will take place
from his late residence, at $50 o'clock
Saturday. and will be conducted by the
Rev. c. o. Rosensteel, pastor of the
Church of the Nativity. The body will
be inferred at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Praise From Chief Belt.
Chief Belt sent a letter TO the Commits
siOners announcing Mr.. Sherman's death
and paying this tribute:
''Ex-Chief Sherman was appointed a
member of this department January 8,
1873. lie was promoted to be tillerman
September a, 1879, which position he
filled until November p 1888, when he
was promoted TO be acting foreman Au-
gust l. 1883, he was promoted to be fore
man ana served in that capacity until
July l. 1904, when he was promoted t.
be battalion chief engineer, and retired
July o. 1901, at his own request. During
his service as foreman he was detailed
10 act as assistant chief engineer in the
absence OF the assistant chief engineer
in charge of his battalion for years; in
fact, during the latter portion of his
service he acted as assistant chief con-
tinuously.
During his service he was loyal 10
the department. and l know Of my own
personal knowledge, having served as
exceptional fre-hghter, and many Incl
dents OF his bravery can be recalled by
his associates"
Long and Faithful Service.
Sherman was born in Ireland. and
when still in his teens came 10 America
with his parents. Twenty-six years go
last January he received mis- appoint
ment as a private in the Fire Depart
ment, and was retired with high and
enviable rank one week ago. with the
best wishes for prosperity and longev-
ity. that his many friends and fellow
flre-ighters could bestow upon him
Chief Belt this morning spoke in the
highest and most complimentary terms
OF the dead fireman. 1t was plainly
evident from the broken and faltering
SpttCn Oh the highest Official OF the de-
partment that the fght-dghting brigade
had lost good, faithful, competent, and
much lamented officer, and one who was
beloved by all those with whom he had
come in contact throughout his connec-
ton with the department
Private Sherman was promoted to be
acting foreman in 1888. In 1883 his DO
sition was made permanent, and Fore
man Sherman was placed in command
OF Truck Company B. Serving with
distinction there, he was transferred to
take charge OF No. 2 Chemical Com
pany. When his company moved to
Brightwood in 1897 he went with it.
changing his residence to that vicinity
As Chief Sherman relieved the fourth
assistant chief engineer whenever the
last named officer was absent he saw
a great deal of service between 1886
and 1903. On April l last when Bat
talon Chief Keliher was promoted
Chief Sherman was detailed 10 be the
regular fourth assistant
Shortly after his promotion he was
stricken with paralysis. On July ! the
Commissioners, on recommendation of
Chief Belt, promoted Sherman to the
rank Of battalion chief engineer. He
was then granted leave Of absence for
week, owing 10 his illness. At the
expiration Of lhs weeks leave he was
retired.
A widow and four children. Misses
Nellie and May, and John and Joseph
Sherman, survive him.