New Britain herald., 1922-09-09
PLAN NO PAY CUT
 UNDER TWO PLATOON
(Continued From First Page.)

of It's added cost. hardly realize how tdepleted the fire fighting force Is at certain hours of the day. At these hours number of our companies would be rolling to fire with only three men. Most of the work at fire Is done in the first few minutes and should the fire be a serious one the Ntuatton would be very critical. We muet remember that saving life Is al- 70 the duty of or f1remen, and if only one life be saved through the installation of the two platoon plan, 1t would offset the added cost to the city for many years We all have our beloved ones and we never know when the fire demon may visit our homes
 We sincerely believe that our present force is very capable one and compares very favorably in fire fighting ability with that of our neigh boring cities. At present because of the uncertainty in other fields of en- ploymept, it has not been difficult to obtain and retain good men.
 However. with the return of bet ter econe.lic conditions, many of our men who are dissatisfied with the present situation will look for en- ployment with more favorable work ing hours. As time goes on, some of our men will be retired and we will then ind it difficult to obtain the right men for our fire fighting force.
 From the standpoint of efficiency. the two o-platoon system, is all that is desirable. Psychologists have deter mined that man needs certain amount of time away from the scene of activity or duty in order to be more efficient Continuous 24-hour duty makes man feel as though he were held under leash. This condition serves to deaden the interest of the nan in his company, house and de- for six consecutive days per week and still be satisfied.
 Special Training
 Under the present conditions. each man is trained to do several things and as a result no particular job. Un- der the new system. besides the reg ular general training, each man would be trained to act in a particular capa- city, as this could be done only when the full company is present at the fire This arrangement would make each man an expert at his job.
 Under the two- platoon system, we would be amply protected at a serious fire. We have been very fortunate that we have not had such a serious fire as would tax our entire force for any long period. Should this occasion arise today, we would have different problem as our trained regular men could not stand the strain and our callmen are not sufficiently trained to handle a fire alone. The new plan would give us a reserve body of fresh men trained to go on the job at any minute when needed. There is no question that the two-platoon plan would give us higher standard of physical condition and health of our men, more satisfactory work by them, and higher efficiency throughout; these alone would tend to offset the increased cost to the city.
 Tt is very difficult for us who have cur limited hours of work, to realize
  men live. In the evenings we come home to our wife and children, and enjoy the comforts of the home, and their company. But let us place our selves in the places of our firemen. Six days of practically continuous duty with only an hour for each meal. The company of the wives and children Is pleasure they can have but one day week. The children are depriv- ed of the guidance of the father and this in Itself Is a very serious prob- lem for the father, child and even the city. In families where there are number of children it makes the duty of the mother a very heavy one and in many cases deprives the chill dren of what Is their inherent right the right to be brought up well; with the guidance of both father and moth CT.
 Added Cost Admitted
 Tt is quite true that the Two Pla- toon System will mean an added cost to the city This does not eliminate its necessity, however. any more than that of an adequate school or police system. The system should have been installed years ago, as the cost would have been smaller then and less mo- ticeable. Postponing 1t would only serve to make the matter more difl- cult when it is eventually installed Theamount of risk at stake per fire fighter here Is far greater than that of the cities in Connecticut, and we are certain that the considerate citi- zen and tax payer will not oppose the slight increase necessitated by the new plan.
 Proposed Personnel
 Number of permanent men in de- partment seventy-seven (7D,.. Elimin- ate all call men who are now on pay roll by appointing to permanent posi- tions all who are eligible. Transforming all callmen who have been in the de- | partment sufficient length of time and arc beyond the age limit. and in place of a call force creat substitute |