Chief John A. Gross of Red Wing

Chief John A. Gross of Red Wing

John A. Gross, whose portrait is printed herewith, was appointed recently as chief of the Red Wing, Minn., fire department by the board of fire commissioners in that city, succeeding Chief F. L. Rethschlag, retired. Assistant Chief August Olson was reappointed at the same time to that position. Chief John A. Gross has been secretary for the Hook and Ladder Company of Red Wing for about ten years and is well-known as a volunteer fireman, being in his second term as secretary of the Minnesota State Firemen’s Association. It is said that Mr. Gross was appointed by the board without any solicitation on his part and after considerable deliberation the members decided that he would be the right man in the the right place. Chief Gross in reference to his plans for the future of the department said: “Fire prevention will be the main aim of the department under the new regime.

To clean up the factory and business districts -will be the first move and to keep them clean the next. The fire alarm system will be gone over as soon as weather conditions permit and put into first class shape. With the co-operation of the men of the department, about which there is no question, we intend to put the department on a 100 per cent. efficiency basis and work towards harmony in all departments. We have plenty of equipment, plenty of men and the right backing. With such materials to work with the system ought to be adjusted to run smoothly and effectively.”