The Washington times., 1914-01-11

Or the Board Of Commissioners was in
error.
= Protest by some Of Sullivan's intimates
Is lodged against the conclusion drawn
by many that the quiet tip" conveyed
10 the deputy chief suggesting it would
be better for him to resign, was prompt
ed only upon the events at the and lC-
cent store fire as investigated in star
phaTnber proceedings by Commissioner
SidAonS-
Some Firemen Reticent.
Thoogh members of the Fire Depart
knent for obvious reasons will not b5
quoted, there are many of them firm
!n the belief that Deputy Chief Suili-
San'S retirement would be welcomed,
because 1t would remove him from the
Jine Of promotion when Chief Wagner
Tetires. This will leave an unhindered
sine Of promotion to any one or oil OF
the battalion chiefs.
1t was said by an Official OF the Fire
Department today that testimony in the
inquiry into the and 10 cent store fire
by Commissioner Siddons was taken in
private, and that witnesses summoned
did not hear the testimony of those who
preceded or came after them.
Among the prominent men who had
interviews with Commissioner Siddons
Saturday on the Sullican case were Viii
liam +. GUIDE, Joseph StraSburger, and
2 II Moran, who went to the District
building after visiting Chief Sullivan.
Charles W. Darr called on the Commis-
sioner as. he said, an interested citizen,
and one who knows Chief Sullivan and
his worth. It was urged that mature
consideration be given before action was
taken.
Point To His Career.
Men in the service point with pride
today to the long career of Chief
Sullivan, who has been uneXcelled In
courage and dauntless action. Three
times he has been injured himself in
fighting fires in the District. and has
won many concentrations. He treas
S1res old letters from former Chief
Parris and former Chief Lowe.
lie was first appointed to the de-
pertinent January 3. 1879. by the old
board of fire commissioners consist
ing of William II Collins, Thomas /.
Hume and Samuel Bacon. August 10,
1887, he was promoted to foreman
and April l, 1908. to assistant chief.
Pack in the ninetieS, when he was
foreman, Sullivan distinguished himself
IN the rescue of a Miss keyes who was
trapped in an T street jewelry store
dre. Shortly after that, he received a
letter of high commendation for pre-
venting a great cOnflagratiOn in the
Rupert toy store on Seventh street,
near the scene Of the fire that may
cause a clouded end to a brilliant ac-
tive career. Twice the chief has had
his ribs crushed at fires
Falls Into Cellar.
One Of these occasions was when he
neu into a hidden ceilarway in the
southeast section. Another time he fell
into q barrel backing in a gateway at
q small fire in the southwest. Two
PEARS ago he was severely cut and in
Hured in the fire in the Department of
Agriculture Building.
The scars from this accident the chief
win carry to his grave. He has always
been known as a valiant man, and ii is
said of him that he never sent his men
into danger, but always led the way.
Grief Sullivan has not employed coun-
eel, or made other such move, and he
has no present intention of doing SO.
Under the law, all policemen retired or
removed must be given a trial, but this
law does not apply to the Fire Depart
ment. The Commissioners can either
grant q trial or deny 1t as they see fit.
Close friends Of Chief Sullivan say that
he may ask for a hearing before a
trial board, instead of submitting a re-
QueFt for retirement.