New Britain herald., 1919-09-08
F|REMEN REQUEST TWO PLATOON PLAN
Petition Ready for Commission
 Tomorrow Night

When the board of fire commits sioners meet tomorrow night they will receive d petition from the fire- men urging the adoption of the pla- toon system here-that is, two dis tinct shifts in the fire department which will alternate so that part of the time one platoon will work days and the other nights, etc.
 The fremen's communication fol- lows:
 We the undersigned hereby sub init the following petition: That in the fire department of the city of New Britain in all it's branches, the two platoon system be adopted, the same to take effect January 1, 1920.
 ''This system has been adopted in over 1SO cities of the United States with great success. It is a slillful adjustment of the working hours of tiremen, and guarantees efficiency.
 This system had the unqualified endorsement of the last convention of the chiefs at the international con- vention of fire engineers held in Kansas City, Mo-, June 2427, 1919.
 "A city of the size of New Britain, which is constantly growing with it's congested districts, demands absolute fire protection. The efficiency of the fire department must, therefore, be of a very high standard. Consideration must be shown to the men in the de- partments in order to attain the best results for the welfare of this city.
 Ut simply means an advanced syS- tenn in conducting the fire depart ments in this city. Certain definite hours will be provided for the men, which will eliminate days off, which has been so long in vogue.
 Many members of the departm ent have families or reside with their parents Under the present exacting conditions it is scarcely possible to enjoy a reasonable amount of time out of the 24 hours at their respective homes.
 This is d matter which is not in the experimental stage. The history of the two platoon system in the United States, where it exists, dis closes that the respective fire de- partments in these cities can be num- bered among the finest in the world.
 "As result of much investigation concerning this matter, we find that there is better discipline with the men, more congenial home life and better physical condition.
 "When a man has twelve or four teen hours work accomplished he can make suitable arrangement to return to his home, enjoy the comforts of home life and take increased interest in his personal affairs.
 "Discipline, in the fire departm ent is of prime importance, and this character of discipline has without exception been found in the cities where the two platoon system has been adopted.
 Tt cannot be found in the present system, which prom otes in many in stances discord, discontent, resent ment and petty strife.
 "Therefore, we submit to your hon. orable body, that this petition might be granted, in order that every mem Der of the respective fire departm ents of this city might each share a part of the "A hours. It will stimulate in the men a healthy enthusiasm for their work, promote efficiency in the service happiness in the homes of the members. a constant blessing to the wives and children of those men who are married; conserve the health of the men, and add increased protection to the public and property of the city of New Britain.
 We earnestly request that your honorable body will give this petition the consideration which it merits and adopt the two platoon system in our city"