CORRESPONDENCE

CORRESPONDENCE

Chief Yates Discusses Two Platoon

编辑:请允许我使用的特权small space in your valuable paper pertaining to "Two-Platoon System for Firemen.” The subject of two plantoon for lire departments has been agitated for some time, but although the matter has been discussed from time to time and some very good papers read on this subject at the international convention just held at New York City, I am of the opinion that the time is near at hand when some arrangements will be made to better the conditions for the rank and file of all firemen. Many objections have presented themselves against the two-platoon system. It has been claimed the firemen would till in their off days at other employment so as to bring their wages up to a satisfactory figure. It has also been claimed that men on their off days would abuse such privileges so that they would not be tit for night duty, it has been said that it decreases efficiency, destroys discipline, creates friction and keeps down wages. I have noticed within the past number of years the “time off” allotted to firemen has been greatly increased without decreasing efficiency. I have also noticed that wages have not increased in keeping with the increased cost of living. It must be appreciated and credit given that wages in fire departments have increased some, and I do not think it has added to the burden of taxation. If municipalities which may have provided a “three-platoon system” for their policemen, then why should there be any reason or even objection or question to a "two-platoon system” for firemen? In the department which I represent as chief nearly two full days out of each seven is allowed each man. Instead of finding this department decreasing in efficiency, destroying discipline, I am free to say that we have increased in every particular. We must remember that a fireman is a regular human being and he enjoys the pleasure of being with his family, and there is no reason why he should be deprived of such. It is not the taxpayer who complains when you increase your fire department, providing they receive that which they arc paying for; it is the people and the heads who make out the yearly budget and who have other bureaus that they are more interested in. Did you ever hear a complaint, irrespective of the amount spent, in building or maintaining our public schools? No. The reason of which can easy be answered— every one is interested in our educational department and hut very few are interested in our fire departments, except at such a time when the fire department is wanted in a rush; then the fire department is thought of. Therefore every head of a fire department should advocate “two platoons” or any improved condition that would better the prevailing conditions to any and all fire departments. As one, I wish to put myself on record as approving a “two-platoon system,” the rules of which are not to be made by the legislature, but by home rule. I feel that rules and regulations properly made for a platoon system would not only increase the efficiency, hut would bring more content and increase the happiness of the homes of the firemen.