New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1929-02-01
FIRE EPlRTMEVT
captain SHIFTED
CONTINUED from First Page)

WAsn smith was told By the beard
that the rules definitely state that the
chts4 -alsne should b given informa-
ten abeut the department. he said
the Information was on tho books
which are read and re-read.
Then the members turned to No.
Z lire house. A discussion ~ to the
improper construction Of tho safety
net followed. It developed that
James Savio, a substitute fireman.
jumped into tho net and an iron
guide buckled up when he landed.
1t was learned from Deputy Chief
larnes that the net would be used
when put In condition.
Catechism OF 10 Questions
Nineteen interrogations which
had been framed from questions put
to Master Mechanic Burke by Coun-
Gilman Boyle at q recent meeting OF
the ordinance committee were asked.
Removal OF the Cadillac car to Hart
ford for repairs was explained by
Burke who said 1t was for the
radiator only. Burke answered the
second question. breakage of gears
in the aerial truck, when he said 1t
happened once In 1920.
Captain Davis and Driver Squires
brought out the point that 1t was
necessary to turn on gas before
starting the aerial truck. The reason
for the absence OF starter motors on
cars I and 7 was explained by Burke
who said they cost $3.50 each and
were rejected by former board.
Driver Saulnier. driver OF the lad
der truck when it went through the
railroad gates on Main street was
lauded az an efficient driver by Chief
Noble and his work in handling the
truck when the brakes were found
defective was given favorable COM
ment from several witnesses who
we're at the scene. The point was
brought out that by his quick wit he
saved the lives Of his fellow firemen.
The gates came down suddenly and
the brakes did not hold. Brakes now
being used would have held. 1t was
learned.
Brake Material Rad
During the latter part Of the meet
ing Captain Smith was called back
into the room and explained that it
was not the fault of the mechanic
that the brakes did not function
properly because the brakes were
not constructed of good material.
Chief Noble makes the purchases
for the mechanical department and
is in charge Of methods in keeping
the storehouse.
Old tires from the chiefs car go
on Electrician Cooley's truck, Mr..
Cooley admitted. Tires from the
aerial ladder are oversize and are
of no use after they are worn out
Burke said that he is on duty -
hours a day. but only eight Of these
are spent at the fire house. He re-
ports at 8 o'clock and quits at 5
o'clock in the afternoon. He is SUBJ
ret to call at all times.
BlaiR At Hanna Fire
After he had steadfastly refused
- answer the question as to whether
y, was at the fire in Hanna's block
referring to have his accuser
Councilman Boyle prove he was not
i'ln'r finally said he was there.
II want to know who is spreading
-, news" Blair asked.
Master Mechanic Burke has no
means Of transportation but he was
ready to 30 to the hre II the chief
needed him. he said. II Company
No. 8 was called out he was ready
to respond with It. he said. Burke,
home IL near that station.
When Blair told the board he was
at the IRE. Councilman Boyle cut In
with the remark:
1T would take . great stretch Of
the imagination for him to be there
and have no fireman sec him." HI
was about to continue when Chair.
man Butler interrupted him. Boyle
explained that he thought the chair.
man was passing . question from
blair to him. but the chairman ex.
planned ttsat this was not the case
In answer to the question: ''Wht
pays for the machanics' telephone
it was learned that Burke's tele
nhons II paid for by the city bu
Blair pays for his own.
The chief said he considers Me
chanic Burke's separate depart
nent and he conducts II along thos'
lines. although the mechanic II re
sponsible to him. His working hour