对φLADELPHIA FIREMEN.

对φLADELPHIA FIREMEN.

In commenting on the Potter oilcloth works fire in Philadelphia, Pa., an account of which appears in this issue of FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING, the Philadelphia “Bulletin,” in an editorial, paid the following tribute to the city’s firemen: “The people of Philadelphia need no demonstration of the fact that in the fire department they have a fine body of trained and entirely capable men who know no such thing as fear when it is a matter of their duty in protecting the public. But it comes to mind with especial emphasis whenever there is a tragic occurrence like the Potter oilcloth works disaster. The death of Battalion Chief James and Laddcrman Hillman and the injury of a dozen others when a wall fell upon them illustrate anew the deadly risks which the whole corps must face without flinching as a matter of course in the daily routine of service. Every time the alarm bell rings each man knows it may be the final summons for him or some comrade, but devotion to duty is their first thought and selfish considerations are the last. And that this spirit of fortitude and courage actuates every rank and grade is shown by the fact that of the fifteen men caught at the danger point four of them were superior officers, including Chief Murphy himself. The commanders do not send their subordinates where they hesitate to go themselves. Misfortune has been hard on the local force lately. It is only a week since Hoseman McGowan was suffocated while trying to rescue a baby in a burning dwelling downtown and this latest catastrophe overwhelms the department with grief, in which the public will sympathetically share. But such incidents seem inseparable from the business of the firemen and they accept them like faithful soldiers. For this they deserve the gratitude of the whole city.”

In commenting on the Potter oilcloth works fire in Philadelphia, Pa., an account of which appears in this issue of FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING, the Philadelphia “Bulletin,” in an editorial, paid the following tribute to the city’s firemen: “The people of Philadelphia need no demonstration of the fact that in the fire department they have a fine body of trained and entirely capable men who know no such thing as fear when it is a matter of their duty in protecting the public. But it comes to mind with especial emphasis whenever there is a tragic occurrence like the Potter oilcloth works disaster. The death of Battalion Chief James and Laddcrman Hillman and the injury of a dozen others when a wall fell upon them illustrate anew the deadly risks which the whole corps must face without flinching as a matter of course in the daily routine of service. Every time the alarm bell rings each man knows it may be the final summons for him or some comrade, but devotion to duty is their first thought and selfish considerations are the last. And that this spirit of fortitude and courage actuates every rank and grade is shown by the fact that of the fifteen men caught at the danger point four of them were superior officers, including Chief Murphy himself. The commanders do not send their subordinates where they hesitate to go themselves. Misfortune has been hard on the local force lately. It is only a week since Hoseman McGowan was suffocated while trying to rescue a baby in a burning dwelling downtown and this latest catastrophe overwhelms the department with grief, in which the public will sympathetically share. But such incidents seem inseparable from the business of the firemen and they accept them like faithful soldiers. For this they deserve the gratitude of the whole city.”