The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-10-11
IkRtNGEL PRESSED
TO MAKE DECISION
Disabled Arm Makes 1t Necessary For
Him to Take Lower Rank,
Is Claim.

Chief Werner has given Detective
Sergeant Fred L. Krengel until noon
Saturday. October Ia. to notify him
of his decision in reference to accept
ing the offer of the chief that he take
either the position of night man at
police headquarters or operator in the
signal office This time was set at the
request of Krengel, after he had been
pressed for an answer by Chief Wer-
ner.
Several letters have been passed be-
tween the police chief and the disabled
officer. Sergeant Krengel, on account
of the fact that he Is yet able to do
great deal Of work. and that his
disa ability was caused by no fault OF
his own, but while on duty, feels that
he should not be reduced in rank He
says the matter is one of vital impor-
lance to him. as we'll as his family.
and that he will have to consider the
question before finally deciding what
ne shall do.
Major Werner has said that he had
done all that 1t is possible. Formal
charges have been lodged against the
ofilcer by Police Surgeon Oppenhimer.
following the examination that dis
closed that his right arm had been
rendered useless as the result Of a
pistol shot. The examination had
been made after a six months fur
Tough. during which time 1t was hoped
the rest would restore the use of the
injured arm.
The police chief has also pointed
out that on July /, when the amend
ments to the new city charter became
effective, the terms OF office of all
the members of the department ex-
pired. At that time Sergeant Krengel
could not pass the required exami-
nation, but three months extension.
which was later increased to six
months. was granted. The furlough
has now expired, and as the officer
cannot be passed by the physician.
Chief Werner says that he cannot ap-
point him to the force but he can
use him in either of the two positions
offered
After Major Werner had advised
Krengel Of his failure to pass the
examination. and offered him the In
door. positions. the officer replied as
follows:
Your letter of the 7th instant to
hand and contents carefully noted. In
reply to the charge that I am physi
cally unable 10 do my work as a de-
tective sergeant. 1 beg with the ut
most respect to say that while | am
partially disabled In the use of one
arm. l still have two good eyes. one
good arm. two willing feet and an
active mind ready to do efficient de-
tective work. Besides / may further
say. do not see why I should be re-
duced in rank when have done moth
ing for which should be reduced and
as stated above. although l have lost
the partial use of one arm. II Is from
no fault OF mine. II fault there be 1t
was that of a fellow officer while
was in discharge of my duty. In view
of the above facts. / do hope that you
will reconsider your action
The following letter was received in
reply to which Krengle replied by
asking until next Saturday, at noon
for a decision:
Your letter of the 9Th instant to
hand. note that you fail TO answer
my inquiry as to whether or not you
are willing to accept either OF the
positions offered you. and l am again
addressing you to ascertain what your
wishes are as to accepting the position
OF desk officer at headquarters or sig
nal operator. You will advise me as
to this at once. Otherwise, I will
proceed with the hearing OF the charge
against you. You ask me to reconsider
my action when the only reconsidera-
ton could be to withdraw the offer
I have made you, Please let me have
your answer by bearer"