New Britain herald., 1917-02-24
REWARD OF $5,0OO
 TO CATCH FIREBUG
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 vastly increased number of complaints being received daily at headquarters, many of them dealing with suspicious characters seen about and fancied clues to tho person, or persons suspected of being responsible for the fires
 Runs Falf tliIc to Give Alarm. Mrs. F. J. Campbell of Pennington and Osgood avenues received a scare shortly before midnight when she dis covered three unidentified men in shed back of her home A glow of light indicated that they were smok- ing. She also noted flicker of light as one apparently lighted match. Fearing for the safety of the build ings, she ran through the storm for nearly mile until she met Police man Meddrick Perry. Sergeant George Kelly was communicated with at police headquarters. The patrol with Police men Perry. Gustave Hellberg and George Moffitt was rushed to the scene , over icy-coated streets and hills. The visitors had departed before it. ar rived. Thorough search of the buildings was unsuccessful in lOcatlnS the men or traces of their presence. A resident of Walnut street tele- phoned to the police late yesterday af- tcrnoon relative to a suspicious stran- ger who had heen noted skulk1nS a bout that vicinity since Tuesday. ap- parently talking careful observations of scme of the buildings and noting the Hay of the land.'' Policeman Alfred F. Atwatcr was hurried to the scene but was unable to find any trace of the man, who was reported to have gone in the direction of Pros pcct street.
 An emergency order for 500 feet of additional hose was given today by Chairman Edward C. Rabcocl1 of the safety board. At least 500 feet of the order will be rushed to tho city by ex- oress SO as to reach the department Monday There will be no transpor- tation charges to the city.
 There will be a reQuiSitlon of S65,- TOO for salaries, an increase over that of last year. For coal, there will be q reouisition of s1,6Oo. 1t was an nounced that s1 400 was allowed this year and the cost was 5 ,421.
 The passing of horses as fire equip ment in the local department and complete motorization of the appara- tus was forecast when the item of $500. appropriation for keep of the horses this year, came up. It was de- cided to ask for only $100 next year as it is proposed to sell the one pair owned by the department. Chairman Babcock said that they would bring comparatively little now but can be sold at a substantial figure in about two months. Until the proposed ne" motor aerial truck, which will cost about s12,O0O is secured, it was an- nounced that the large truck at head quarters can be drawn by hired horses, if needed, or pulled by one of the mo- tor pumps, utilized as a tractor. Ihe commissioners decided that the pres .ent truck, now about twenty years old' can be traded in for a new and modern truck and that this piece of apparatus s needed, even if used comparatively rew times.
 Ss,5OO For Flying Squadron.
 It was voted to ask for $3,S00 to cover repairs to buildings and small equipment is expected to total about s1,7OO. There will be $500 asked to secure a suitable automobile for use as a flying squadron, carrying cheml- calls, a crew of from four to six men and hose. This car will respond to all alarms, be especially valuable during meal hours when there are fewer reg ular men on duty than ordinarily and fill the role that the well-known Squad A of Hartford, Chemical Companies l and ? of Bridgeport and similar bodies in other cities have occupied Wlth much credit and saving of property.
 There will be SS,000 asked for buy ing a site and erection of a ire sta- tion in the southwestern part or tne city. The commissioners were unanl- nous that such a station is a vital neSd. Chairman Babcoch announced