New Britain herald., 1921-12-13
RESERVE FORCE
 PLAN FAVORED
Fire Commissioners Look With Favor on Preliminary Training

The formation of n reserve force in the local fire department was dis cussed at a meeting of the fire com missoners last night, Under the pro- posed plan, the members of the re serve force would be given steady duty for a stated period each year. in order to acquaint themselves With the duties of q fireman should they later become regular members O. the de- partment. Mayor Curtis and Chief W. J. Noble look with favor on the adoption of such a plan. 1t is the opinion of the commissioners that the expenditure would be q good one for such q plan At the next meeting of the board, q further report will be made to the commissioners and there is likelihood that an appropriation will be asked for in the budget 10 al low for the organization of such force, It was pointed out that as the situation stands at present, an ap- pointee to the department has little or no experience in fire fighting duties.
 Coolcy's New Plan
 Superintendent George Cooley of the electrical department, submitted a bill for $147,71 from the Southern New England Telephone company, and was for services and work done last March. On a recommendation by Commissioner Fred A. Parsons, the payment was withheld until the bill is itemized by the company. Super intendent Cooley said that with the passing of Churchill's Jewelry store on January 1, a change will be ncces- sary whereby the fire alarm bell will be sounded at 2 noon and 9 D. m. Nr, Cooley said it will entail a heavy cost to install wires into the new Churchill store on West Main street. Under a plan he has mapped out, Mir. Cooley said it would be possible to have a Western Union clock in stalled at the central station. and that there would be no cost for the attach ment of the apparatus. The COmmis- sioners voted to make the changes as suggested.
 Owing to the fact that the fire losses for the past month have not been completely adjusted, there was no report from the chief. The report of the fire prevention bureau was ac- copted.
 The resignation of James Austin rom. the department was read and CCepted.
 Shortage of Funds
 Chief Noble and Superintendent Cooley explained to the commission CTS the benefits which will be derived rom the installation of bells n the fire alarm boxes in the center of the city. With the sounding of an alarm, these gongs would sound out a warn ing, and would be of great assistance to the traffic officers in regulating traffic and making the streets safer for the public and tiremen. Mir. Cooley estimated that the installation of these gongs would be about $75 Ser box. Owing to the low funds at present, it was decided to lay the matter over until the next meeting when more definite estimate of the inancial conditions will be available.
 Salary Changes
 The commissioners listened to communication from Councilman Eichstaedt, chairman of the salaries committee of the common council, in which it was requested that any ahanges in salaries contemplated should be submitted to the December meeting of the common council. May or Curtis informed the commission that this was not necessary. Chair man Hjerpe gave his views that the board should cooperate with the sal ary committee. Commissioner Par sons favored the filing of the com munication without action. In regard to the salary of the chief Commis- soner Parsons, said that it should not be touched unless it was for an increase. Mir. Parsons said it was understood that Chief Noble would receive added remuneration for his services next year, and unless an in crease was given him, there should he no change in the present salary.
 Fireman In Hospital
 Chief Noble reported that 1.ieutcn ant John C. Connolly of Engine com pany, No. 6. would be off duty from six to eight weeks in a hos ptal undergoing treatment for an in iured knee. A substitute will be de- tailed in Lieutenant COnnolly's place, and he will be paid SIS a week as provided under the provisions of the compensation law