The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1916-01-06

betterment of equipment, alarm SER
vice and efficiency. We will admit
that our department today is not per-
feet by any means and needs ,contin-
ual expenditure of time, energy and
money for upkeep and maintenance of
efficiency, yet we can all feel proud
of our organization, our methods and
our apparatus. 1t compares favorably
with that of cities considerably larger
than Sank Centre.
In the first place the new rotary
alarm system was purchased by the
city and installed. This has proved
itself a marked improvement over the
old machine and has demonstrated it's
value to the department. While this
equipment was being installed. 1
caused the placing of the fire alarm
box at the corner of Main and Third
streets and / wish to thank L. A. Mey-
ers for his assistance in that work.
Next arose the problem of the new
horse drawn fire wagon which had
been purchased. 1t was a very fine
piece of apparatus, yet useless to this
department, for we found upon inves-
tigation that the city would not buy
or feed a team and without good
heavy horses and a driver the vehicle
was of no account to US for the trans
portation of our equipment. Several
members of the department worked
with me on this job and it was
some job, believe me. Ask George
O'Gara. Finally cooperating with
the city council, we made trade that
l believe is satisfactory to all the fire
men and also all citizens and as a re-
suit of which we not only disposed
of the useless wagon but made posi-
BILE the acquisition of our present auto
combination hose and ladder truck.
The fact that our last firemen's ball
was such big success and broke all
records for attendance and receipts is
due, in my belief, that the people of
Sank Centre appreciate the work we
are doing in keeping the fire loss
down and that, instead of squander-
ing our funds, we are investing them
in apparatus that is serviceable and
also credit to the city.
During my term have opened a
book for the keeping of complete data
on all fires, something we should
have had long time ago; also, book
of certificates to be issued to men,
bers who desire them upon retiring
from the department.
Also, during my term the number
of delegates allotted to this depart
ment to the State Firemen's Conven-
ton was cut from nine to five. In
fact, there have been so many changes
in the past year that it was indeed in
teresting to be your chief and it will
be one year that will always be re-
membered by ME.
The number of fires during the year
established new minimum record, L
believe. Three fires were in buildings.
one in an auto and at one call the
services of the department were not
needed.
Last but innermost with me, l wish
to thank you for your loyal support
and hearty, ready and willing coop
Grafton at all times and under all
circumstances during the twelve
months that l have been your chosen
leader. 1t has indeed been an honor
and pleasure to serve as your chief
and the compliment has been cherish
ed throughout the year and ever will
be. What l have been able to accom-
plish for the good of the department
and city has been possible only
through your getting into the saddle
with me for all the hard rides and for
this l again thank you.