Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-03-14
Low D. T.. Losses Cited
Al Luncheon Honorinq
Fire and Police Heads

Commissioner J. Russell Young
told the Public Order Committee of
the Washington Board of Trade
yesterday at the Mayfiower Hotel
that the District is the second
lowest city in the Nation in fire
losses, excelled only by ST. Louis.
The Commissioner said at the
luncheon, given to honor former
Fire Chief Stephen T. Porter and
his successor, Fire Chief Clement
Murphy and the new Superin-
tendent of Police, Maj. Harvey G
Callahan, that Washington's figure
is 81 cents per capita, compared
with 80 cents for st. Louis over the
period of 1904 inclusive. Mr.
Young said figures on Is of the
Nations largest cities obtained from
the National Board of Fire Under
writers, show s431 per capita fire
loss in Cleveland, topping the coun-
try.
FavOrs 3-Platoon System.
Commissioner Young reiterated
that he favors a platoon system
placing firemen on a 48-hour week
instead of the present 72-hour week
He warned, however, that this may
be premature as I'VE do not know
just where we are going to get oil
financially" He said capital i'm
provements, delayed by the war
must be made, adding that he is
afraid we are going to take a cut
in money available for the city
government.
Il favor the three-platoon system,
said the Commissioner. When the
time is right, we will fight for it."
Odell S. Smith, 80, for 80 years
chairman of the Public Order Com.
mittee, presided at the meeting
Commissioner Young represented
the District government and tn,
Federal Government was represented
by Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Sd, chair.
man of the National Capital Parl
and Planning Commission.
Fred A, Smith, former president
represented the Trade Boards off
GERS and directors. He said that IS,
long as We have men of the calibe
of our honored guests today, we vii
have the best departments in tn,
country"
Memberships Extended.
Mr.. Porter was accompanied b,
his son, Stephen o. Porter, a fire.
man. Philip w. Nicholson, retired
deputy fire chief, prominent in TIT
Association of Retired Firemen O.
the District Fire Department
presented Chief Murphy with ar
honorary membership in the organ.
ization. Jesse M. Jameson, presi.
dent of the association, presented
honorary memberships to former
Chief Porter and Maj. Callahan.
Declaring that he was proud tx
have been a fireman and serve with
such fine bunch of men, Mr.. Por.
ter said: Hurt? Sure they gel
hurt. Burned? Sure. But heal
them squawk-never."
Mr.. Porter praised Commissioner
Young and his associates on the
Board of Commissioners for theil
wholehearted support during his re.
gime.
Maj. Callahan paid tribute to his
predecessor Col. Edward j. Kelly
whose death he said he felt keenly
because Of their long and close as
ISOLATION.
Fire Chief Murphy said that he
was glad to join in honoring Mr.
Porter for his long and faithful
service and added: Il will do every.
thing in my power to merit the con-
fidence placed in me-
Charles Bates, committee mem.
Der and chairman of it's Resolutions
Committee presented resolution.
honoring Col. Kelly and the late
Eliot Heber Thomson, who served or
the committee. These were adopted
and the membership, standing, sans
Nearer My God to Thee" in theil
memory.