The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-11-12

Tn race or the spirited protestations Of Dr. John H. Finnegan that the man was not physically unfit to con hnue active duty, the Board of Fire Commissioners at an adjourned meet Thomas F. Broderick. chief Inspector of the Fire Prevention lBureau on the allegation that he was unfit for service. To succeed Captain Brod- ertck, Commissioner John H. Cassidy was named after he had rendered his resignation as 0 commissioner, and Lester $. Ferris, an automobile sales man, was appointed to fill his place on the board.
 The session was shrouded in nys- tery and secrecy and every possible precautfon taken to guard against the admission of newspapermen. Although Commissioner Finnesan fought in their interests, the meeting was tightly closed by. President Peter Dave and later Commissioner Finnegan person. ally was elected from a preliminary conference.
 Mayor Clifford B. Wilson attended both the preliminary conference and the meeting, and sanctioned the ac- tion that appointed Captain Cassidy and two other members to the depart ment. Commissioner Cassidy was not in attendance.
 Previous to the meeting, Mayor Wilson was closeted immediately up on his arrival with President Dave, Commissioner Noonan, Clerk John J. A1AA1OS dilu 4AT. T The conference was held in the private office of Clerk Hines in the fire headquarters on Mid dle street.
 When Commissioner Finnegan en- and Mayor Wilson, although the May or immediately asked that the com missioner leave the room,
 T cannot see why you make such a board of commissioners" replied pr. Finnegan.
 'It makes no difference. wish to speak with MT. Dave privately and unless you leave the room will" the mayor retorted.
 Although the conference was de- clared private between Mayor Wilson and MT. Dawe, Commissioner Noonan and Clerk Hines still remained in the room.
 Shortly after the conference City Clerk J. A. H. Robinson appeared and although he entered the room he the conferees had been c1oseted to- sether about fifteen minutes, they emerged and repaired to the boards room.
 admission, and this time Mayor Will son took a hand In the matter.
 You can tell George Flames there Is nothing unusual going on and he newspapermen.
 Tho resignation of Commissioner J ohn H. Cassidy was tendered soon as the meeting opened. It was ac- l cepted ana Lester s. Ferris at once app otnted to his place. City Clerk Robinson was called into the meet ing. and administered the oath of of Ice to Commissioner FeIris. MT. Ferris Is a resident of the Tenth District and is an automobile salesman, handling the agencies ot several cars. The retirement of Captain Brod- erick was noNt considered. He had been previously asked to make per- sonal application for retirement, but | refused.
 1 Captain Broderick is 54 years ot age. and has been in the fire depart. l ment since his appointment es a call-
 man in July. 1890. He was made g
 permanent man on May 16. 1905. and
 assigned as 8 ladderran to Truck l No. l. He was promoted to a leu
 tenant in June. 1907, and inspector
 of combust.bles with rank of cap l tain on October 22, 1915. His ap- | pointment as chief inspector Of tbs 1 fire prevention bureau was made f..
 July. 1917.
 l Before the voto on his retiren1 eni was taken. Commissioner Finnegan ! offered to the board 2. report from Dr. William H. Curiey, fire depart
 ment physician. The report which
 was dated yesterday read: | 'I have today examined Captain 1 Thomas E. Broderick and found him
 in my opinion. physically capable ot 1 performing his duties in the Fire Prevention Bureau
 (Continued on Page Four.)