Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-06-24
M FREhIEN
PLAN REFORMS
y Seek Legislation That
Will Take Politics Out
of Bureau
SK NEW TRIAL SYSTEM

ISOLATION that will take politics out
ne Bureau Of Fire and remove the
noers Of that adjunct to the prop.
forces of the municipal.
Z " from political influence and servitude
4. to be presented at the next session
the State Legislature.
<{ At the same time other propositions
"A Mined at the betterment Of conditions
Binder which they labor, are being Hls-
puesed by the men at the various fire
z Nations
IN brief. the reforms under considera-
Nm By the nremen are:
a modern pension system to replace
h present method, which Is described
I - nntiquated and insufficient
II Revision Of the trial board, both as
~ personnel and practice.
Installation OF the merit system for
pr0notion.
Minor consideration is being given to
The questions of free uniforms and the
attendance at fire school during of duty
hours.
4 The firemen, through their protective
Ansociatlon. already have petitioned
Councils for increased pay on lines sini-
{erto those asked by the police.
II Apart From Fay Petition
(, Agitation Of the anti-politics and other
toforms projected is entirely apart from
4his appeal, and is In no way connected
with efforts Of the police to accomplish
phanged conditions.
/ The proposed changes sought by the
1femen are not backed by any political
FACTION. although men prominent In the
i0rGAnization, as we'll as independent
in tafa 1a0i
pressed approval of the measures sus-
Hested.
1 At the next meeting OF the Firemen's
Protective Association formal action will
be taken on the suggestions, and commit
&ees to further their enactment will be
neked. Individually, members Of the
Isolation favor the proposed campaign,
and the Endorsement, 50 far as the men
&hemselves is concerned, is expected to
~ virtually unanimous. This outcome
= forecast by the sentiment expressed
~ the fire stations and at the last meet.
llng Of the Protective Association, where
Ahe subject was discussed informally
Outlining the chief features of the
!movement In which his organization is
expected to assume a prominent part,
{9ames NJ. Sinister, president Of the
sy1remen's Protective Association. today
aid:
Our association is designed as much
ito protect the public as 1t is to serve
s&ho interests Of the firelnen themselves.
Dur aim fs to improve the standard of
;the bureau and to obtain the proper
ffype OF men in its ranks.
"The integral parts Of the reform
program are not my own, but all Of
k6em have my approval and, 1 believe,
VIII be indorsed by the association.
Pension System Antiquated
The general feeling regarding the
|Dreeent pension system is that it 10 anti.
|quated. insufficient and unscientific. II
|nao been suggested by q prominent
|r1omber Of the Philadelphia bar that a
'oociel committee be named by the men
M Bureau Of Fire to investigate the
~ modern and eficient system which
o9ad be adopted. This committee
@ooht TO have the services OF an actuary
toHpert In life and health insurance to
ADVISE in it's findings
The present method Of trial in the
iDureau Is not fair. nor is it free from
seofruption in all instances. In so say
4AG am voicing the opinion expressed
- lawyer, and not merely airing my
iown views.
II have been advised and believe the
association would benefit IL II sponsored
- bill. and succeeded in having the law
- changed. that trials, in the first place.
- open. There ought 10 be a Jury Of,
SAy, six firemen or employees Of the bu-
'feau, to pass on the guilt or innocence
sof the men accused Perhaps the best
,eoiution would be adoption Of the New
York plan. where six jurymen sit with
~ commissioner. who, learned In the
INV, only permits introduction Of rela-
tive testimony.
! "fnstallation Of the merit system for
,pfcmotion. which should eliminate poll
}tico OF any kind from the Fire Bureau,
~ another important aim of our asso-
Sejon. which we intend to act upon. We
;eeould have a committee at the next
fLegislature. where, doubtless. the bill
Eliminating politics from the police will
- passed. This committee should see
That the special needs Of the firemen
laes provided in the bill
'SThe question of increased wages now
riee with Councils. We hope for favor
Iahle action. and are willing to wait.
Trusting to public sentiment. There
will be no firemen's strike, even though
}ve get no increase at this time. We
have friends in Councils as well as at
harrisburg, and believe they will be
able to secure fair play and considera-
>>ten for us. In the meantime. the fire.
}luen will remain on their posts. ready, as
ifhey always have been, to do their sworn
{oaity and to give their best services to
ne citizens Of Philadelphia"
-