New Britain herald., 1926-02-10
ACCUSE FLOOD OF ATTACK ON GIRL
Sensation Sprung at Meeting Of
 Fire Commission

Dealing with one O. the most ser ious cases that has come to Its at- tention in many years, the alleged attack Of q fireman on q lo.year-old girl. the board Of fire commission. CTS last night unanimously voted 10 accept the resignation Of James Flood. 32 years ot age, Of No. Fire Station on Commercial street. this resignation having been forced, it is said, by the chairman Of the board, John E. R, Keeyers,
 The case, which has caused a sen sation in the New Britain fire de- partment, became known some time ago when the mother Of the young woman reported 10 Deputy Chic! Eugene r. Barnes that Flood had attacked her daughter in her home near the fire station. This report was carried 10 Chief William J. Noble who. in turn, communicated the fact to Chairman keevers,
 One day about two weeks ago Flood Is reported to have carried an armtul Of wood into the house as an accommodation He told the girl that he would return later. He re- turned and is said to have attempt ed 10 assault the young woman, who was washing clothes in a set tub. She screamed and struggled, but he placed a hand over her month, nearly shutting off her breath, 1t is claimed. He released her when cat jumped from a nearby table, evil dently startling him. Flood then let the house.
 Wants to Withdraw Resignation. Flood resigned after Chairman Keevers, upon hearing the girls story. told him that if he did not resign he would be suspended and diven a hearing by the discipline | committee. A communication was read al last nights meeting Of the ! board this communication being in Flood's handwriting, asking that he be allowed to withdraw the resigna- ton.
 Commissioner Walter Blair after hearing that inc man had been forced to resign by the chairman, asked why the case had not been referred to the discipline committee of the board for investigation. Chair man Keevers explained that out ot consideration for the girl. her moth CT, Floods family and in order tC protect the name of the fire depart. ment, he had tried to rid the de- partment Of the man without pub. licity If I had the came case 10. morrow. I would do just as I did ir this one" he stated.
 | Commissioner Blair then stated that it was his understanding that Flood claimed that he was not given square deal. The chairman re- piled that Flood had approached him bu, that ne had given the man no consideration whatsoever, due tc | the seriousness Of the offense, add ing that it was lucky that he was not arrested. Thereupon, the board voted unanimously to accept Floods resignation.
 Consider Specifications.
 A large part Of the evening was spent by the hoard in considering the specifications for the new No. : l fire house which will be erected in 1 Stanley Quarter. Architect William H. Mckay was present at the meet ing and, with him, the members oi the board went over the specified ] lions, listening 70 explanations by 1 the architect as 10 what materials should be used.
 William A. Lynch Of 252 Clark street and Zigmund E. Parker of 4S9 Main street, applicants for po- sitions on the substitute force, ap- roared before the board for eXami- nation. After answering ser"ra, questions they were informed that they will be notified when 10 ap- pear before the physician for C , physical examination.
 Fireman Carroll suspended. Fireman James Carroll ot bnslnf Go. No. 2 was suspended until Apri after the board heard the repor ot the discipline committee which investigated the case on Monday evening. Carroll was suspended or January 21 by Chiat Noble for be ing under the influence Of liquor, 1T l ,ri,icb condition he is alleged tC nave hurled insulting remarks a Chief of Police William C. Hart Chief Noble informed the board O the suspension and the discipline committee got busy.
 In addition 10 the suspension Carroll was fined his pay from Jan uary 2l until April l. q matter O SS5 a week for that period.