The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-06-10
(By THE OUT-EAsTER)


 Hugh Flaherty, the police Cap- tain, who was buried Monday, witnessed many changes in the police department during his long years of service. He actually served under three police heads, the brainy George M. Egan, who gave an order with a voice, inc dicative of It's real meaning, George M. Beach, who never had covered the beats, but whose ap- pointment followed Q change in the language of the charter by the General Assembly, and the present William J. Roach, who like MT. Beach, came into the department by reason of the same act under which MT. Beach was selected.
 Trolley Strike
 Hugh Flaherty was employed in the factory, when he was first named to the supernumerary force around 90 years or so ago. He was not policeman the night of the famous trolley strike riot, Jan. S1, 1903, but was appointed soon after inasmuch as the super numerary force had been increas- ed from its then personnel of 25 members to 100 members, all on account of the strike. Why, so fearful, were some of the super numaries on account of the ser- iousness of the strike, that half of them quit after few nights service.
 My boss says, I must either attend to my daily duties or give up the job," said several to Chief Egan," and I guess you had better excuse me from doing police duty just now, twas the daily story to the head of the department.
 well" Chief Ega1 generally replied, you'll either do police duty or get of the force; give me your written resignation now" And thus 1t was that more than half of the g members of the supernumerary force, resigned.
 And after he had received the papers in each case, the chief, as a rule, addressed the member as 8 "quitter," under the most trying circumstances the police department ever witnessed. Hugh Flaherty was then in his prime, young, Stocky, strong, healthy, of military build, and with some knowledge of discipline on ac- count of his good service in the Spanish War.
 Presents Credentials
 We recall his induction into the police service as if it were only yesterday. He appeared alone at police headquarters. Chief Egan and Major Bannon were in the station at the time. Hugh pre- sented his credentials. The chief read the message of appointment from city clerk. Young Hughey stood erect, at attention, as t. were.
 The well-known chief, himself Q civil war veteran, measured the rookie cop from head to toes. He was greatly impressed by his ap- pearance. Hold that position" commanded the chief, as he is- sued a call for Major Bannon, the next ranking officer, and prob- ably the greatest military critic the department ever had or ever will have.
 "Young man." said the white haired and handsome major, also of Civil War calibre, T. congrau- late you; you look the part, and the chief and myself feel you will make a high-grade officer. "The major then shook Hughey's hand in the cordial manner for which he was noted.
 And then Chief Egan stood be- fore him.
 officer Plaherty, remember you are now Identified with the police department, for the present as a supernumerary, but in c short time we hope to see you advanced to the permanent force. But bear this in mind: you are subject to call In this service, regardless Of where you work, or the person, who is your superior. If you get 6 summons to report here, do so, without delay; don't come before me with any excuses, They won't go; you know what that means; the expression on your face indi- cates you thoroughly understand, and yur army service and dlscip- line Wl bring you here, But before you gc, let me caution you that the City Of Waterbury will not be responsible for any illegal act committed by you; you are on your OWN from this day; you have no right No enter Q dwelling with. out Q Ieytimate warrant: you have no legal right to break Into Q place, without proper papers; you hsfe no right to shoot unless a felony has been committed. Henceforth, 90 forward, keep aWNy from temptation; accept nothing from anyone, and above all tsoEl saloon keepers, not even e cieVF. Do your duty faithfully and honestly, and do not become a snapper Tn sli of my years in the department, have never 'Rnoopel. on anyone; what l have done WIS always in the open, Don't cOme to me with stories 0g the pOIit enan patEolling the cd. joining Seat; f he does wrong we'll Iegfn without your aidi you