The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1904-07-21
IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE.
No Branch of the Public Service of
More Vital Importance to the We'll
fare of our People than an Efficient
Fire ORGANIZATION.

More Vital Importance to the Well
fare of our People than an Efficient
Fire Organization.
Apropos OF the approaching an
nual convention and tournament OF
the North Carolina State Firernen g
Association, at Salisbury, august
End. President James d. Mcneil sends
us the following with request to pub
lish. which we have pleasure in do
ing:
Nav | ask the courtesy OF your col
umns in order to give the proper publlcl,
ty to the following law, creating and
governing Fire Departments III every IN
corporated city and town in the State:
There is no branch Of public service
that is OF more vital Importance to the
welfare of our people than an efficient
fire organization. Neither is there any
other service, as a rule, that receives so
little consideration from our municipal
authorities.
The amount of money that is annually
paid out by our people for insurance,
over and above the amount received
from losses (regardless OF the danger to
life) is appalling, and we can only hope
to reduce it by creating an efficient fire
organization in every community.
Under this law, in connection with
Chapter SO. 2. l.. 1899. Insurance Com
missioner Young has worked wonder
full reduction in fire losses, notWlthstand-
ing the fact that there are still quite a
number OF our small Incorporated towns
that are still disregarding their plain
duty towards themselves and the State
in violating it's provisions.
| would add that Section ,, Chapter
IS. p. l.. 1899. amended 1901, imposes
a penalty of not less than $1,000 nor
more than 5000 for failure to comply
with the requirements OF the Act.
AN ACT TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF CHIEF OF
FIRE DEPARTMENT" AND DECREASE THE
FIRE WASTE OF THE STATE.
The General Assembly OF North Carolina do
Enact:
SECTION / That there is hereby created
in the cities and incorporated towns or the
State where not already established by their
charters the Office of Chief Of Fire Depart
ment." 1t shall be the duty of said Chief OF
Fire Department. to do and perform the
duties prescribed in chapter 80. Pubic Laws
of 1899, and acts amendatory thereof, and
such other duties as lare prescribed in the
charters and ordinances OF the cities and
towns OF Tie SuaIe.
SECTION . That where it is not fixed in
the charters of said cities and towns, 1T shall
be the duty of the Boards of Aldermen and
Commissioners i'll each city and town to elect
such officer, and to fix the term OF office,
prescribe the duties and Obligations and
compensation of Chief of Fire Department.,
and change the duties and compensation
from time to time, not consis cent with the
duties as prescribed in Chapter So, Public
Laws 1899. and acts amendatory thereof.
SECTION 3. That where said duties are not
prescribed by the charters or Board OF Con-
troll of incorporated cities and towns. it shall
be the duty of said Chief OF Fire Depart
ment" in addition to the duties prescribed
III chapter So, Public Laws of 1899, to pre-
serve and care for the fire apparatus. to have
charge OF the fighting and putting out OF all
fires. to make annual reports to their city or
town governments, to seek out and have
corrected all places and conditions danger
GUS to the safety ofthe city from fire. to look
after buildings being erected with view to
their safety from fires and to do and perform
such other duties as may be prescribed by
the governing boards of the several cities
and towns.
SECTION j. This act shall be in force from
and after it's ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times,
and ratified this the 14th day of March, A. d..
1901.