The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-08-05
Jack Stevens Late Fire Captain Was Exemplary Citizen, Public Official
 Never Spoke III
 Of Anyone
BY THE OUT EASTER

 the picture last week when Cap tain John A. Stevens of the Fire Dept. died. We knew Jack and all of the other Stevens of the East End. Just like all Out Easters, he and his folks were 8 fine lot of people. Native of the city that he was, he followed the trait of most of the other Waterburians in all parts of the city by ninding his own business, and being most care full in his conversation concerning others. He never delighted in the downfall or misfortune of others; he couldn't; he wasn't born that way; neither were most of the other real Waterburians.
 Jack was just of age, when he entered the Fire Dept But his massive figure, and well-known strength attracted the attention of the late Chief Snagg and others of the Fire Dept. and through their efforts he was made 8 reg ular member of the Dept. His first assignment was at the Scovill Street station, with Truck Com- par1y No. 1, under the late Captain Henry N. Hull. Old Scovill St. then had the three horse hitch for the truck, and the two horse hitch for the hose wagon. That was ill the days when many of the people of the city went down to the Fire Station during the night season to see the fine looking horses answer the 9 o'clock te--'t alarm. Jack was a ladderman; the driver of the g. horse team was the well-known Arthur H. Cleveland, now on the retired list.
 Along with the others employed in the Dept. at that time. Jack was on duty A hours of the day, except the three hours allotted for meals. Every month, each Fire man was allowed off duty two days. The pay was small, com- pared to the number of hours a man had to be on call.
 Later or when the East End sta- tion was equipped with an auto- mobile for the first time, Jack was sent out among his neighbors un- der the late Captain Chas. A. Mo- Evoy, later. deputy chief Here, he stayed for 8 number of years, or until his advancement to a Lieutenantcy a few years later.
 Tn all of his years in the depart ment Jack Stevens was so faithful to his trust he was never once complained of; neither did he ever have to appear before the board for any infraction of the rules. Steady and reliable, he gained the friendship of the officers and the rank and file, and therefore was held in high esteem by all of the attaches of the Department. Only short time ago he received just reward by being advanced to a Captaincy.
 Tn the old days, the Fire House was generally place cf much con- versation on account of the num- ercus daily visitors of the nearby neighbors; perhaps 1t is the same today; we don't know, for the req son 1t has been years since we have visited a fire station. But in all of those talks of a past day. not cnce did Jack Stevens participate. Only with very cloce friends. would he discuss questions, and then only in a mild and quiet manner. His voice was never heard above the ordinary. He never became excit- ed or mixed in any ccntroversal discussion. That was one of the reasons he was made an officer in the first instance. Everyone said good word or two in his be- half, and when he was first nam- ed, his appointment met with gen. eral approval.
 But disease and death are funny to understand. Jack became af- flicted, for why, we are unable to decipher. He lived a good life, and was an exceptional citizen. like so many other good people, he was stricken, and from the start, there was little hope for him. His funeral services we attended, al- though it is not our general cus- tom to attend church. Everything is strange to us inside a house of worship. although we admit a fu- neral ceremony makes us wonder somewhat as we stare about, and listen to the sorTowful prayers for the dead as enumerated by the at- tending clergyman.
 ''The dead shall rise again." says the Scripture. When that time comes, we hope we shall be around for the great rejoicing of the mul- titude in the re-uniting of their kin.
 RE4.