The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-02-05
ID ORGANIZE
 A PERMANENT FIRE DEP APARTMENT
Prompt Action Saves Store From Total Destruc-
 tiOn
Especial to The Times)

Stratford, Feb. 5-The initial steps were taken at a meeting of the Stratford Board of Public Safety held last evening for the organizing of permanent fire department for the town. This action came after the commissioners had listened to the re- ports of Chief Judson for the past month when information was brought to light of the present inadequate fla cilities for fighting serious fires such as are liable to happen at any time in a growing community like Strat- ford. Considerable discussion took place regarding the best methods for the establishment of such @ depart ment under the financial circum- stances which confront the local board and after debating several plans 1t was voted to appoint committee to look into the advisabilfty of es- tablishing a call system in the town, reports to be made at the next reg ular meeting of the board. Chief Judson who was called before the meeting stated that 1t was impossible to get the volunteer members of the company out at a fire during the night and on one occasion the chief stated that one member of the com pany told him that he had heard the chemicals pass his house but after go- ing out upon his veranda he had seen no fire so he went back to bed. Re- ports were also presented showing that several of the hydrants about town were defective and some were frozen up. A report of this condition will be immediately sent to the Bridgeport Hydraulic company who are under contract with the town to keep the hydrants in working order. The committee appointed to look in to the advisability of Q permanent department for the town were Ed ward Birge, Andrew T. Eaton and John Hearn. A request was also re- ceived by the commissioners that Chief Judson and Assistant Cn1ef Palmer be granted five hours off duty each week. The request was granted. Permission was also given the fire men to wear corduroy trousers in stead of the regulation blue which are now worn.
 The board voted to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the sal ary of Assistant Chief Palmer be in creased from $1,2O0 to $1, 400 per year. It was also voted to have the old chemical which has been on duty for the past 15 years thoroughly over hauled at an expense of $609. Dur ing the overhau1ing of the machine which will be done by the Locomobile Company the chemical at the Nichols avenue house will be used at the center.
 Requests were also made of the board that the pay of the first year patrolmen be increased from $1,40o to S1,500 per year, and it was voted that the request be sent to the Board of Se1ectmen with favorable recom- rnendations from the board of public safety. Officers Leonard Holmes, John Peterson and Patsey Flanagan were the signers of the above re- quest. Commissioner Birge stated that if 1t was in his power he would increase the request to read $1,6O0 instead of $1,500 and this sentiment was expressed by the other members of the board who voted as above.
 Charles R. Bassett of Otis street who appeared before the meeting ask ing that he be reappofnted a speial policeman was appointed to serve in that capacity for one year. MT. Bas- sett who has been of valuable service to Chief of Police William B. Nich- ols was highly recommended for the position by the chief.