Evening journal., 1921-12-01
NO Hitch in
TRANSFER OF
fire Service

CONTINUED From First Page.)
made a few trips about the city to
see that all fire houses were ready
for emergency. He. expressed him
self as much pleased with the start.
The paid department was inaugu-
rated with the calling Of the roll in
the fire houses. Every one OF the
IT'S men appointed answered TO his
name. and Platoon A began its du-
ties. Platoon B went on duty at 8
o'clock this morning. and will re-
main on until o'clock tonight The
transfer OF the department was
made without a hitch. and while
there may have been some disgrun-
tied members OF the volunteer force
In the past. there was no csidence
OF IN feeling last night. the volun-
teers who retired cheerfully con-
graduating their SUCCESSORS.
The first alarm OF fire was struck
at 6.37 last night from box 5, Fifth
and Adams streets. but it proved
false. The last alarm under the old
system also was a false one. IL was
struck from box So. Sixth avenue
and Duncan street. last Sunday. Al
though It was announced yesterday
that the bells In tho company towers
would ring at o'cloci, last night
for the last time. this was not the
case. The familiar test alarm was
sounded at s.45 o'clock today a.
usual. but this may be the last test
alarm as Chief Lutz said the tower
connections would be cut today.
Samuel X. Smith, president OF the
Department OF Public Safety. and
Chief Engineer Lutz. with other fire
officials. made a tour OF the ten en-
gine houses where the thirteen com
panies are housed shortly after the
new department became existent.
Everything has been done salts
factorily. I have found everything
In order and the entire new force
ready to properly serve the city"
Mr.. Smith commented at the end OF
the tour OF inspection.
THE department is ready and
every man is prepared TO render fire
service. Nothing has been left un-
done 10 insure the citizens % the
city an efficient and up-to-date fire
department" Chief Lutz said. fol-
lowing his inspection.
The chief was highly pleased with
the conditions at each OF the engine
houses. He said the transfer had
been made without friction and that
as FAR as he could observe the new
fire fighters we're ready to give
1 service.
The first real fire that the new
department was called upon TO ex-
tinEuished occurred this morninE
about . O'Clock in a chimney in the
building at s23 shipiey street. oc'
cupied by the City, County and
State Women's Republican Com
mittees. The loss was slight.
Fires had been kindled with WOOD
IN an open fireplace on the flrs
. floor OF the building. and tho &C
cumulation OF SCOT in the chimne.
was ignited.
Engine companies and an
/, truck company } responded to
still alarm.
Their manner OF cxtinguishing tn
blaze was somewhat novel, no waite
was used but several buckets OF Goa
, were poured In the top OF the chin
. ney. carrying the SCOT down. extin
/, gushing the fire.
N Owing to the paid fire department
, going into service last night, mem
bers of the Brandywine company
. who heretofore have observed thei
p organizations anniversary with
, program, cancelled this years affair
! The Brandywine Company was Q
years old yesterday as a voluntee
. company. It having been incorporat
) ed on November 80. 1901.
, The Delaware Fire Company cam
, forward today with the claim o
having introduced the horse-drawi
. apparatus in the city. The date wa
e September "a. 1872.
/ The Friendship Company will NEE
tonight, at O'Clock. in the Veterans
s Association Hall. East Fourteentl
8 street. instead Of in the compan
J. house.