Politics in the Fire Service.

Politics in the Fire Service.

It is a gratifying fact to know that the subordinates in the Fire Service have rights which even their superior officers are bound to respect. This comes of a growing appreciation on the part of the public of the services rendered by the Firemen, and of the necessity of securing for the service men of ability who are willing to adopt the profession as their life occupation. A public sentiment has been aroused in their behalf which has resulted in certain legislation securing to them at least a certain amount of fair play. Previous to the enactment of the recent laws on the subject, it had been the practice of each new Board of Fire Commissioners to make extensive changes in the personnel of the Department -from purely political or personal reasons. Some months ago, the Tammany Hall politicians brought an irresistible pressure to bear on the Commissioners to compel them to make certain removals in order that the places might be filled by politicians. In obedience to these ! demands, the Commissioners summarily rei moved certain men, against whom no charges were made. Among these were Joseph H. ; Munday, Michael F. Cummings, and David ; Graham, clerks at Headquarters. These gentlemen applied to the Courts to be reinstated, alleging that their removal was in violation of the law, which is as follows :

“ No regular clerk or head of a bureau shall be removed until he has been informed of the cause of the proposed removal, and has been allowed an opportunity of making an explanation ; and in every case the true ground thereof shall be forthwith entered upon the records of the Department or Board. In case of removal, a statement of the reasons therefor shall be filed in the Department.”