New Britain herald., 1930-04-01
Youth Who Once Pestered Bremen Now Head of Bristol Department;
 Recalls Early Fire Fighting Days
Chief John H. Hayes Ere. quently Evicted From Station = Tells of Pro- gress From Bucket Bri- gade to Autos.
Especial to the Herald)

Bristol, March S1.-From a mere boy, who loitered about and was time and again put out of the oli I.ngine and Hose Co. No. fire sta ton on School street to the position of chief of the fire department - that is the story of Bristols head of the fire fighters. Fire Chief John II. Hayes, now 56 years of age, Was frequently evicted from the abode of the sinoke-eaters in his young CT days for being present too often. According to his story, he had al- ways been interested in the routine Of . fireman and, "kld fashion," as he explains it, visited the School street station, then nothing more than wooden structure, very often. The fircmen, apparently, did not wish his presence and prompt ly turned him out-of- doors. But re- gardless of the harsh treatment ac- corded him he would be sure to re- turn again on the next evening.
 Mir. Hayes has been chief of the lccal department for the past ten years. In previous years he had served as deputy chief, then termed first assistant engineer, under Chief Engineer Harlan E. Norton and as a common fireman. the business for about 40 years, which includes his volunteer days. He was engaged in the capacity Of foreman of Hose Company No. 1 on School street, the place from which he had been ovicted so often, for q period of about 10 years.
 Recalls Hose Running Team
 Chief Hayes wildly recalls the days when he was captain and manager of the nationally known Bristol hose running team which won a large number of prizes at meets held in the different states of the eastern section of the coun- try. The sport had become so popu- lar with followers that 1t spread to other cities and teams travelled all over to obtain prizes at meets. The sport died out several years ago when a journey of the local runners resulted in grim tragedy.
 The chief related the story of one of the greatest feats ever accom- plished by the department during bis reign, that of the rescue of Ed ward Hatfield from. a well about seven nor eight years ago. Hatfield, who was quite old at the time of the incident but is still living, was imprisoned in a well S6 feet in depth for three hours and twenty minutes. He was buried to his chest ia mud, the suction Of which held him so tightly that crew of four firemen were. unable to pull him out. Orin Porter, mechanic of the department. and second firemen who is now a resident of Spring field were awarded Carnegie med als for bravery and $500 apiece in cash for their parts in the rescue.
 There have been several spectacI- lar fires, the chief averred, since lS dcouiilSd tllC tANSutlNt lOll Ol lllt force. Those which were outstand- ing included the fires in the Tracy Condon block, the LaCourse block, the Bristol Grain and Feed Co.,, an1 the old Gridley house.
 Former State Association Head
 Chief Hayes at one time was pres ident of the Connecticut State Fire mems association and a member ot the executive committee. At the present time, he is a member of the Bristol Lodge of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the Bri5- tol club. He was one of the first tc join the Elks and is charter mem Der. On June A, 1904, Chief Hayes married local young woman, whc