The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-11
Chief John Sheridan
 Instead Of Warden
Fire Department Vacancy Since Last February Filled
 In Naugatuck- Appointment Comes As Surprise

was not a matter of party politics with the Republicans. Tt is our chief concern to put as head of the fire department the best man we possibly can," he asserted. MY chief concern is the welfare of the town" He reminded that the town has been without the services of a permanent fire chief since February 21 because of an unfortunate" in- ability to agree. He said he was very happy that the matter was settled.
 BurgesSes Speak.
 He said he feels as a member of the board he has big responsible ity, i've are here to give and not to receive" MT. Nygren added. T wish to have you understand why I voted for MT. Sheridan. You may say Sheridan is a Democrat and l am Republican, which is true. But although we may differ in detail, we agree in principle and each works sincerely for the town" Burgess Fellows then rose to say that he promised to vote for MT. Sheridan for fire chief in May, ap- parently meaning next May, and said That is one of the reasons l did not vote for you tonight He added he felt Mir. Sheridan will make good fire chief.
 Burgess Broder said, "As the sec. ond ward burgess, did my duty with good conscience and nobody told me how to vote. Burgess Ere mont Hoadley assured MT. Sheri- dan of his whole-hearted support in anything Sheridan may do that Hoadley thinks is right. Burgess Jo- seph Dinneny congratulated MT Sheridan and Burgess Smigelski said, T made my comment when l voted"
 Warden Sheridan expressed his gratitude, admitted that some had differed perhaps bitterly at times,' '' but said that although he had been in number. of contests he has always retained friendships with his adversaries. He said as warden he has tried to give everyone the serv- ice he felt they were entitled to and promised to try to carry that principle into the fire house. He promised to work to the best of his ability.
 He thanked those who voted for him and said he still held good will to those who didn't, adding, T want to have it known there will be no animosity. When Burgess Hoadley said he had felt that whoever was named chief should go to New York for short period of training, War den Sheridan indicated he would give this consideration and possibly make arrangements to do so, that he might be even better qualified for the post.
 Important Effects.
 As it is nearly certain that MT. Sheridan will resign his post of warden when he assumes his duties as fire chief, the appointment will have important effects in that 1t will mean the Democratic party will have to secure a new standard bearer.
 Mir. Sheridan and the Democratic administration have been kept in office since 1884. MT. Sheridan was elected warden five times, being chosen in 1884. '35 and '36 for one year terms, and being elected in 1887 and 1899 for two-year terms. His present term would have ex- pired early in May.
 Prior to his election as warden, MT. Sheridan served as burgess from the third ward for three terms, be- ing elected in 1880. 1881 and 1883. He was known as the fighting bur- gess" but when he was nominated as compromise candidate by the Democratic party in 1884, he was given little chance for election. He won by sizeable margin and has increased his majority each year.
 He has won the support of a number of independent voters and also has received a number of nor- mally Republican votes, partly be- cause his administration has made good records, despite the fact that