The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-12-29
Reduction In Fire
 Loss Noted In 1884
Decline Recorded in Number of Fires-Department,
 City Sustained Loss in Death of Chief Heitman

The year 1894 was one of the most active that the Waterbury fire department has had in a con- siderable period, with a decline in the number of fires and in total fire loss outstanding during the period. Other events marking the year were the death of the veteran and beloved Chief Henry H. Heit- man. the holding of a highly suc- cessful state firemen's convention here climaxed by one of the largest street parades in the city's a ire that did $30,O00 damage to a Canal street building and for which a local man was arrested but subsequently exonerated, d fire in the Garden building in which several firemen were hurt but fortunately escaped serious in- jury, the formation of acredit union in the department, and con- tinued success in the work of fire prevention being carried on here.
 Death of Chief
 Henry H. Heitman. chief of the department and friend of its mem- bers, died in his office chair early this fall. Messages of condolence poured in from all over the state. and the funeral was one of the most largely attended here of the year, a liberal sprinkling of -cele- brities being among the mourners.
 The chief, shortly before his death, had the pleasure of seeing his department manage the most successful convention in the his tory of the state firemen's associ- ation. The convention was in sess- ion two days in August. ending with monster parade which was viewed by a throng estimated at 75,O0O and described to thousands more over Station WATR.
 Great Parade
 Bremen from every city, town and village. in the state Hooked to Waterbury for the convention and the parade, the latter making one of the most colorful sights in the city's history. Thousands of the visitors were entertained at the state armory, while Chef Heit- man played host to visiting chiefs from all Connecticut departments. The Canal street fire of last June was kept from spreading into nearby buildings, after most of the damage in the blazing four-story structure, had been done on the second floor dress shop of l. Dib- ner Co. After investigation. Frank Ciarlo of Canal street was arrested on an arson charge but was freed after a superior court trial.
 The Garden building fire of the early winter started in cellar coil box. Bremen and police aid ed several hundred dancers in es- caping from the top floor dance hall, as smoke swept upstairs. Most of the damage was confined to the first floor of the building, the concern that suffered princi- pally being the Owls Lunch. As firemen battled the flames, the lunchroom floor caved in and a dozen firemen were trapped amidst falling debris. Rib and leg injuries were suffered by Private Frankie Moore. while il other flremen were injured at the blaze.
 Credit Union.
 The firemen this fall formed n federal credit union. enabling members of the department to borrow money and to save at the same time. A chapter for the or- ganization was secured from the federal government at Washing ton.
 This last week of the year brought the disclosure that fire bug has been at work here since early November and has been re. sponsihle for 25 fires in the North Elm street section. He Is being sought by officials attached 10 the staff of Fire Marshal Denis J. Lahey.
 since the death Of Chief HeIt- man. Deputy T'homas c. Lynch hns been Acting Chief of ihe de' partment During the yenr which ended Dee, ] inc chiefs report lr' sued last week showed that ln that perlOd there had been ksG alarms answered. g7 Of them fnlne, and that mol one fire here in inc ysnr had spread 10 nn adjolnlns buiidlnn.