The Washington herald., 1911-10-04
AUTO FIRE ENGINE
DRIVER SELECTED
A. Minnick, of No. 8, Will
Have District Honor.
RECOMMENDED BY WAGNER
Petworth's New "Chauneur'' Has
studied Faithfully and Perfected
HtmseIf in the Manipulation of
the National Capitals First
Motor-propeIIed Apparatus.

A. Minnick, driver of No. 3 chemical
company, of the District fire depart
nent, is to have the distinction of being
the engineer of the first motor-propelled
fire engine in Washington. Upon recon-
mendation of Fire Chief Wagner, the
Commissioners yesterday accepted the
resignation of Mr.. Minnick as driver,
and granted the request that he be ap-
pointed engineer of No. a engine COM
pany in Petworth, where the combina-
ton motor engine and hose wagon has
been installed.
Heretofore, it has been customary to
select the engineers and assistant engt-
neers from those at the head of the
eligibility list by virtue Of seniority.
Some time ago however, an order was
issued by the department directing the
superintendent of. machinery to conduct
a course of instruction in the care and
operation of motor-propeIled apparatus.
The course was planned especially for
those on the eligibility list for appoint
ment to the position of engineer or as
sistant engineer The order stated that
engineers and assistants in the future
would be appointed according to the abil-
ity shown in the class of instruction.
Proved to he Efficient.
Minnick entered the class. and recently
the superintendent of machinery notified
Chief Wagner that the driver had proven
himself the most efficient man. The
superintendent stated that Minnck had
studied faithfully. had perfected himself
in the manipulation of the new style
engine, and had well demonstrated his
ability to fill the position of engineer.
MinniCk will receive a salary of $1,1J0
per annum.
engine and hose wagon which is the first
10 be purchased by the District, was
brought to the city some time ago, but
las not been used vet. The engine was
temporarily installed at No. engine
house, in North Carolina avenue between
Sixth and Seventh streets southeast, for
the purpose of instruction of firemen in
the operation of the new piece of appa-
Tatus. The engine was recently moved
10 the new Petworth rire engine house.
where Minnick has been assigned for
duty.
W. n. Bateman has been permanently
appointed a private in class l by the
commissioners. Bateman finished Serv-
ing the probationary term OF one year
October !. and successfully passed the
final examination. Bateman will receive
Il salary of 1850 a year.
Would Go Ont Of Way
The Commissioners announced yeSter-
day that they had received a resolution
from the Rhode Island Suburban Citi-
T"ns' Association recommending the in
stallatiOn of a motor-propelIed fire en-
gine at the BrOokland company. The
resolution. which was signed by Charles
J.. Mendel. secretary Of the organization
stated that in order for the Brook
land company to reach the Rhode
Island avenue community the engine
must travel by way of Twelfth
street and Rhode Island avenue
It was pointed out that this is a
long route and that the motor engine
would be able to cover the ground in
much less time than the present horse
drawn vehicles.
The Commissioners notified the associa-
tion that it was too late TO include the
item in the estimates for the next fiscal
Year, but that an appropriation for the
apparatus would he asked for in the es-
Inmates for the fiscal year ending June
50, 1914