The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-02
"FIRE-FIGHTERS"
Old Time Volunteers Pass On - Friends Mourn Deaths of Ed MunsOn, Jim Bruzie-Incidents
 Recalled
BY THE OUT EASTER

OC~Nh SOOA away dh UAu Out Easter during the past week, In the person of Ed. Munson, who died at his sons home on the Bethlehem hills. Up to few years ago, Ed. lived on the Meri- den road, in house on the north side, near the entrance to Alex ander avenue.
 Years ago, Ed. Munson was an ardent volunteer fireman, being associated with Citizens Hose Co. when 1t was first located in South Main street near Scovill street, and later when the double house was built on Scovill street opposite Spring street in the middle of the eighties. And later around the early part of the ninetics.
 Ed. MunsOn was made regular permanent fireman, in the days when Darwin Bruzie, Ed. Condit, Hank" Loucks, George DOderer and the late Chief Heitman, were firemen attached to the ScOvill street station, and when six horses were used to take the ap- paratus to fires. And the good Captain Cleveland, still around, was another attached to that crowd. He's about the only one Left.
 But in those days fires were few and far between. Ed. tired of the life, and stepped out to take a job with the Scovill company, where he was employed for a number of years, or during the time he lived out here. No more popular member ever graced the roster of the volunteer forces. Friendly and quiet spoken, Ed. was welcome, even by the different "clicks" that now and then fought for control of the organization of the Citizens company.
 Ed. also helped out or worked after hourse at the old fleming way fish market in Phoenix ave- nue, when the old gentleman, himself, Morris Hemingway, con- trOlled its management. That was at 8 time when 1t was possible for any of the residents to go into the store, and eat a clam or two or an oyster right from the shell itself.
 Ed MunsOn was an h0nOred citi- zen. a fine fellow and good neighb0r.
 A week or two ago, another of the first permanent firemen of the city also died, Darwin Bruzie, or "Jim" as he was familiarly called by his numerous friends. Jim was about the first man to drive a horse out of the ScOvill street fire station, in 1887, when city owned horses were used for the first time. The animal was a great big black, hitched to great big hose wagon. The strain was too much, and later two horses were used for the purpose. Bruzie was admittedly a great horseman be- cause of his connection with the Barnum circus. A York stater by birth, and training on the old home farm, also added to his glOries as a hOrseman.
 Jim stayed around the depart ment for few years. The pay was small, the hours long, but the good fellowship that prevail ed among all the volunteers, kind of made up for the long time spent in the horsy aired fire sta- ton. Afterwards, he went down to the old Naugatuck division Bank street railroad station, where he helped the friendly and well thought of Cy. Thompson "smash" baggage, as the term was used. These men with the big Charley White afterwards a conductor, made q jolly trio, for the railroad patron to encOuner. Everybody liked them. Between trains their little room at the east end of the station was g favorite hang-out for the railroad men. Old Charley Dean, tke only cop in town who wore bristIing whiskers, and others whose business now and then car- ried them to the depot. Cy. is the only one now living, In fact he and Geo. Pierp0nt, and Harry Bunce are about the only rail- road men of the old "Naugy" now and then observed about town. Int then1, George, wae really a boy when he started to sell tickets. He also came from out our way, East Farms. Years ago we had lot of Pierponts out here, but few of them are around today.
 Jim Bruzie of late years had been attached to the floor forces of the Colonial Trust company. There he continued to make friends, and naturally many Of the patrons were sorry to hear Of his death. In his young days he was