Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-06-14
Fire Extension
Chief Resigns
AtMary|andU.
james w. Just Hits
Byrd and Chairman
In Split on Policy

[ " y NOV A1Cto IGOlSIlEQ, Ell
fective July Is, as director of fire
extension service at the University
OF Maryland after bitterly attack
ing DR.. H. C. Byrd, university pres
Ildent. and Irving w. johnson.
chairman of the Firemen's Train
ing Committee of the State Fire
mems Association.
Mr.. Just, who has headed the
nremen's training program for IL
years, said his action resulted from
"unWarranted and unintelligent"
attacks by Mr.. johnson since the
latter was appointed chairman
lof the training committee at the
associations convention last year.
He also accused DR.. Byrd Of
approving Mr.. Johnsons proposals
TO change the program without
consulting him. The changes, &C.
cording to Mr.. Just, would "ir-
reparably damage" the program.
Mr.. johnson, who is a member
OF the Takoma Park Fire Depart
ment. denied the charges and
Claimed his committees proposals
Will expand and improve the train
ing operation. DR.. Byrd could not
be reached for comment.
Sent to All Firemen.
The fire extension director gave
his side of the story in copies
of his letter of resignation to DR..
Byrd. which he sent to all fire.
men in the State.
In his letter, Mr.. Just asserted
the present f1remen's training pro-
gram has accomplished more for
f1re-prevention service than that
of any other State.
He said that at no time has Mr..
johnson or his committee made
any effort to meet with him to
discuss changes. These changes,
he asserted, would "cut the pro-
gram into little pieces and tailor
it to the needs of every COM
munity." ;
you have been operating on
the stated theory" he wrote DR..
Byrd. that Mr.. johnson and his
group represent the firemen Of
Maryland. Personally, we have a
higher regard for Maryland fire.
men than that, and we question
Mr.. Johnson's position as being
representative"
He recalled that in the past,
he has made repeated efforts to
obtain more money for his depart
ment, but has failed each time.
Notes Doubled Budget.
Now" he added, biased wholly
upon Mr.. Johnson's ideas, most Of
which are thoroughly impractical
in this State, you have abruptly
doubled the budget. This money
cannot be spent conscientiously
or intelligently in one year.
ut is unfortunate for Maryland
flremen that you have elected to
listen to a few of the wrong
people, as you have in the past
two or three years. We cannot
be party to any program die
tated by irresponsible or amateur
leadership such as Mr.. Johnson
is determined to have and you
have approved"
Mr.. johnson said today his pro-
gram calls for establishment of
regional teacher training schools
for flremen at Frostburg. Hagers-
town, College Park, Towson, Ches-
tertoWn and Salisbury.
In addition, special courses will
be set up for fire chiefs and other
officers and special
manuals prepared.
Follows Federal Pattern.
There also will be an assistant
fire extension director and a field
as well as increased ap-
for local fire depart
ment instructors, including travel
allowances.
This follows the pattern set
forth by the United States Office
of Education and has the approval
of the vocational training depart
ment of the Maryland Board of
Education" Mr.. johnson declared.
In denying he had failed to
meet with Mr.. Just, Mr.. johnson
recalled his proposed changes had
been discussed at least four times
at meetings last year with the fire
directors and university
officials. He said Mr.. Just had
approved the changes at meet
ing last November.
AS a result of his committees
efforts. MI. Johnson said, the fire
service will receive
about $4,000 during the coming
years, as compared with a $14,888
appropriation last year. The new
appropriation includes $8,70O in
l,