F. D. I. C. HOLDS OUTSTANDING CONFERENCE IN MEMPHIS

F. D. I. C. HOLDS OUTSTANDING CONFERENCE IN MEMPHIS

Retiring Host Chief Connie O’Sullivan Honored by Delegates From 37 States and Canada

RAINS and floods and sleet storms in the Mississippi tributaries; drought in New York and New England; fires in Ohio, Iowa and elsewhere, could not stay the trek to Memphis of 700 representatives of the lire service, and others affiliated with it, to the Fire Department instructors Conference, Jan. 10-13.

The occasion marked the eighth and final Conference to be held in Memphis, the nation’s prize-winning tire prevention week city, during the tenure of Chief Connie O’Sullivan as head of the Memphis Eire Department. Chief O’Sullivan retires as chief of that department next June. Eight previous Conferences were held in the same city during the regime of Chief Irby M. Klinck, Chief O’Sullivan’s predecessor. Interestingly enough, the official scheduled to succeed Chief O’Sullivan is former Chief Klinck’s son, John.

As usual, the Conference was sponsored jointly by the Eire Prevention Department of the Western Actuarial Bureau of Chicago and the Fiye Department of the City of Memphis, through the support and interest of Chief O’Sullivan and Commissioner Joseph P. Boyle, vice-mayor. As usual, also, the dynamic conference director, Richard E. Vernor of the Western Actuarial Bureau, sparkplugged the allair, with his aides, Emmett T. Cox, Harry Wolff (former Captain, Chicago F’iye Department, and a long-time participant in” the Conferences, who recently joined the Western Actuarial Bureau), and J. E. Barman, inspector, Missouri Inspection Bureau, St. Louis, Mo. Wm. R. Lord, Factory Insurance Association, and Lew F. Holland, Historian of the F.D.I.C., handled the publicity. Only three of the original group which launched the F.D.I.C. many years ago were present this yea.r. They were Richard Vernor, James .1. Just, and Capt. W. D. Rogers. A namesake of Mr. Rogers, and another pioneer. Harry K. (Smoky) Rogers was prevented by illness from participation this year.

Living up to its unique reputation foy split-second timing, the Conference got under way, Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 9:00 A.M. sharp, with an invocation by Monsignor M. F. Kearney, pastor, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In his introductory remarks, Mr. Vernor traced the development of the F.D.I.C., crediting the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the idea that inspired the getting together of firemen and fire instructors back in 1928. He expressed gratification over the increased attendance in the Conferences by industrial fire protection chiefs, and other officials. Speakers in the morning sessions included Mayor Watkins Overton, of Memphis; Joseph 1’. Boyle, Vice-Mayoy and Commissioner of Fire & Eolice; Chief Connie O’Sullivan; Harry Woods, County Council of Civic Clubs, and A. I. J. Mills, Chairman, Fire Prevention.

Fire Department Instructors' Conference in Session at Memphis

Ben E. Harris, Asso. Dir. T & I Education, U. of Alabama, led off the business sessions with his paper, “Here We Go Again,” to put the delegates in the right mood. He was followed by a panel on “Weather,” participated in by J. W. Davis, Asst. Chief, Miami, Fla. (Winds); II. C. Williams, Asst. Chief, Cincinnati, O. (Floods); L. W. Hoeft, Dep. Chief, Milwaukee, Wis. (Snow). H. R. Brayton, Dir. Texas Firemen’s Training School, served as leadey.

W. A. Ross, Consultant, U. S. Dept, of Education, Washington, was chairman of the luncheon Tuesday, the speaker being Harold J. Burke, former Chief, New York Fire Department, whose topic was “Climbing Ladders.” The afternoon session was opened by Chief Roi B. Woolley, Assistant Editor, EIRE ENGINEERING, who discussed “A New Conception of Attack” in which he urged coordinated use of the fire fighters’ modern “tools,” particularly masks and breathing equipment, small lines and boosters, fog nozzles, water fog and wet water, and portable lighting devices to enable the fire fighter to speed attack and kill fires before they can propagate.

Walter G. Dithmer, Western Underwriters Asso., Chicago, spoke on “Fire Insurance and the Fireman.” He was followed bv several speakers, including Prof. Jos. L. Lingo, Purdue University, who warned that arson is on the increase; R. C. (“Bob”) Byrus, Iowa State College, who discussed “Conference Techniques,” and Amos Rowley, Chief, Poteau, Okla., Fire Department, whose topic was “Designating Duties by Number.”

Wednesday’s business program produced a number of outstanding lectures, including a “quizquery? participated in by John E. Bayman, Missouri Inspection Bureau, as “quizmaster,” with John E. Hurley, E. D. Instructor, State Dept, of Fid., Little Rock, Ark.; C. E. Murphy, Chief, Spencer Cliem. Co. F. D„ Pittsburg, Kails.; T. R. Wagner, Asst. Chief, Air Force Base, Rapid City, S. D.: Chief Letcher R. Martin, Henderson. Ky., and L. E. Shingledecker, Mill Mutuals, Columbus, O., participating.

Chief and Mrs. Connie O'Sullivan Honored at F. D. I. C.

Photo by TTuRh Walker

Left to right: Director Richard E. Vernor (ED. I. C.), Chief Connie O’Sullivan and Mrs. O’Sullivan shortly before presentation was made to them by Conference.

Chief Lloyd Layman, Parkersburg, W. Va., gave delegates considerable food for thought with his paper, “Little Drops of Water,” in which he contrasted tire extinguishment using solid streams and broken up water particles, such as water fog and steam.

J. W. Mills, Fire Prev. Dept., Frigidaire, Dayton, spoke on fire prevention teamwork, after which a number of topics were handled in rapid fiye sequence. The first on “Oxygen Masks” was by Lieut. T. C. Dickson, Lincoln Park, Mich.; J. Bertrand Smith, Instructor, Fifth Naval District F. F. School, Norfolk, Va., told how the Navy trains fire fighters; R. E. (“Dick”) Vernor reported on the progress made by the Joint Evolutions . Committee, and W. Roy Ford, Dir., Dept, of Information, Factory Insurance Asso., Hartford, Conn., gave delegates ideas on national fire prevention contests. “Getting the Most from Sanborn Maps” was the topic of Harry J. Corcoran, Chief Engineer, Iowa Inspection Bureau, Des Moines.

The luncheon, served by the members of the Memphis Fire Department, was addressed by Henry A. Riterod, Ch. Pub. Relations Comm., State Fire Prev. Assn., Little Rock.

Afternoon speakers included James W. Just, Dir. Fire Serv. Ext., U. of Md.; Tom S. Ward, State Dept, of Education, Sacramento, Cal.; and Melvin R. Freeman, Pub. Relations Mgr., N.F.P.A. A Panel on fire school problems was held in which the following participated: loel. Fetters, Nebraska State Dept. Voc. Ed. leader; D. E. Barrett. Asst. Dir., hire Training, Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Toronto; H. R. Brayton; J. W. Just; W. Bush Walden, Fire Instr., 1*. of Mo.; T. S. Ward, Special Supvr.. State Dept, of Ed., Sacramento, Calif.; and R. M. Winger, Supt., Pub. Serv. Training, T. & I. Ed., Lansing, Mich.

Memphis Fire Department Cowboy Band which Entertained at the F. D. I. C.

Photo by Hugh Walker

Thursday’s sessions opened with a quiz and answer program in which the following handled a number of timely topics: Chief Fred J. Wells, Fargo, N. Dak.; Chief C. O. Richardson, Tenn., Eastman Corp., Kingsport; Chief F. V. Vaugoin, Raritan Arsenal, Metuchen, N. J.; A. H. Gent, Chief Eng., 111., Insp. Bu.; Victor B. Robinson, Fire Instr. Va. State Dept. T. & 1. Ed. Chief Wm. S. Allison who heads training activities in the Detroit Fire Department, was chairman.

Fife Chief Anthony B. Mullaney, Chicago, delivered a paper that was packed with pertinent and practical information for fire fighters. Sgt. A. M. Peel, Instructor, District of Columbia hire Dept., told how Washington trains its pump operators. R. H. Young, Engr. N.B.F.U., spoke on “Fire Dept. Records and Reports”’ and Robert G. Koosey, Engr. Atlantic Coast Line R.R., introduced some new ideas in fighting fires in diesel locomotives.

Fred Heisler of Oklahoma A. & M., as chairman of the Thursday luncheon, introduced Fred Sharpe, lecturer, U. of Kans., who addressed the audience on “Selling the Eire Service.”

“hire hrom the Sky” was the subject covered by Melvin Blaising, Independent Protection Co., Goshen, Ind., after which Jim Just and an “all star cast” staged a travesty on fiye instructors and instructing. Chief Fred J. Wells of hargo delivered an enlightening paper on “Reducing Smoke Damage” in which he offered a number of practical suggestions. The evening was given over to entertainment, with the Memphis Fire Department as host.

The concluding day’s program opened with another question box session in which Prof. R. J. Douglas, Okla. A. &

M. College, was quizmaster.

“The Fire Department’s Stake in Building Codes and Fiye Prevention Ordinances” was the topic taken by George J. R. Robinson, Eng. N.B.F.U. R. N. Just, Asst. Eng. Underwriters’ Fab’s, Chicago, discussed oil burner hazards and fires, after which Edward J. Kehoe, Chief, Safety & Fire Prot., U. S. Atomic Energy Commission,

N. Y. C., delivered a paper on “Atomic Energy and the Fireman.”

The Memphis Fire Department at its luncheon for the day introduced the Memphis Fire Department’s Cowboy Band, appropriately garbed for the occasion, and which made quite a hit with the delegates.

Chief Connie O’Sullivan, slated to retire June 6 after 30 years in the department, was presented with a check to cover the cost of building a green-

house at his home, 2464 Madison, where be indulges his pet hobby, growing flowers. The formal presentation was made by Conference Chairman Vernor. Chief O’Sullivan and Mrs. O’Sullivan were given an ovation by the assemblage.

Chairman Vernor then introduced Deputy Chief John C. Klinck, who is destined to succeed Chief O’Sullivan.

Concluding lecturers in the business sessions were: Warren Y. Kimball, editor, “Fireman,” and W. W. Hamilton, Mgr. Chicago Board of Fire Underwriters. As in the past, H. R. Brayton did his “annual broadcast,” after which Chairman Vernor brought the four-day Conference to a close.

The 1951 Conference, it is announced will be hold in Memphis on Jan. 8-12, with Chief Klinck as co-chaiyman.

I. A. F. C. Board Honors Booth and Fleming

High point of the winter meeting of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Fire Chiefs at the Statler Hotel, New York City, January 16-18th, inclusive, was the luncheon given by the Board to honor George W. Booth and T. Alfred Fleming, who recently retired from the National Board of Fiye Underwriters.

Retiring National Board Officials Feted High point of the mid-winter meeting of the I. A. F. C. Board of Directors was its luncheon honoring retiring N. B. F. U. officials George Booth, Chief Engineer, and T. Alfred Fleming, Director of Conservation.

Photo by Hush Walker

George W. Booth served for 39 years as Chief Engineer and T. Alfred Fleming, for 30 years, held the post of director of conservation in the National Board of Fire Underwriters. The Board of Directors of the I.A.F.C., and visitors, extolled the long and successful cayeer of these stalwart friends of the fire service. Chief William Cawker, president; Chief John Alderson, first vice president, and Jay Stevens, executive secretary of the Association, were the speakers.

All Divisions of the International were represented at the sessions which, as in the past, were also attended by numerous friends of the Association.

The report on the Convention at New Orleans showed it to be in every way. one of the most outstanding ever held by the organization. The reports of the officers and directors and general manager revealed the affairs of the Association to be in good condition. Membership is holding up, most of the Divisions showing an increase in members; Divisional conventions generally have been most successful, and the Headquarters Office in New York City is transacting more business than ever, as reflected particularly in the material sent during the past year to Association members.

Among the Committees reporting were:

PUBLICATIONS : Chief Cawker, Chaiyman, reviewed the numerous publications distributed and discussed further extension of this essential service.

COMMUNICATIONS: Chief Roi Woolley reported the statewide radio allocation plan approved in New Orleans is being accepted by states. The Committee urges fire chiefs to make applications for radio frequencies without delay and to be guided by the l.A.F.C.’s pamphlet on radio frequency allocation.

The Committee recommended elimination of the tone signal presently insisted upon by the F.C.C. where certain types of messages are recorded. It joined with the International Municipal Signal Association also in recommending re-designing portable pack sets, or walkie talkies, to better adapt them to fire service use. The indiscriminate commercial broadcasting of byes and other emergencies was decried by the Committee, which pointed out the great good, as well as harm, that can come from newscasting. Finally, the Committee reported it was not in agreement with the proposed “International Marine Distress Signal” as urged by the Association of Ports of Authority.

Chief James Keegan, chairman of the sub-committee on Cooperation With the Signal Association, reported on the action taken to bring the two Associations together.

Board Members and Visitors Recess for Lunch Left to right: George J. Richardson, Secretary-Treasurer, International Association of Fire Fighters; I. H. Case, FIRE ENGINEERING, New York; Chief Selden R. Allen, Director, New England Division, I.A.F.C.; Robert Baird, Bi-Laterial Fire Hose Company, Chicago, Ill.; L. E. Lowry, Sales Promotion Manager, The Gamewell Company, Newton Upper Falls, Mass.; John Redmond, President, International Association of Fire Fighters, Washington; William J. Scott, Fire Marshal, Province of Ontario, Canada, and Chief Roi B. Woolley, FIRE ENGINEERING, New York.

Photo by Hugh Walker

RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS: Matthew Braedich of the National Board of 1’ire Underwriters, technical advisor to the Association and chairman of this Committee, went at length into the steps being taken to acquaint fire fighters with the hazards attendant upon any atom bombing or other attack. A former representative of the Association in Washington, Chief Carl Dyccsen, and others joined in the spirited discussion of this subject.

PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE: This group, headed by Frederick Philbrick, president Gamewell Company, representing manufacturer-supporters of the 1. A. F. C, reported considerable progress made in interesting sustaining members, developing new enrollers and in generally promoting the Association. A number of manufacturers’ representatives were present.

BUDGET AND FINANCE: The report of this Committee revealed the Association financially to be sound, witli income satisfactory to cover the increasing operations and expenditures of the Headquarters Office. The Committee recommended an increase in sala.ry for Chief Daniel B. Tierney, SecretaryTreasurer, and James li. Jagger, and all headquarters’ staff personnel. Also, the Committee submitted a recommended

budget for the coming year, designed to meet all obligations yet permit further expansion of the Association’s activities. No radical changes in operations are contemplated.

LEGISLATION : Chief Paul P. Heinz, New Haven, reviewed the more important legal developments affecting the fire service, which his Committee had noted emanating from several states and urged fire chiefs to keep a sharp eye out for proposed and contemplated legislation which may have a bearing upon their calling.

I.A.F.C. Officers at a Board Luncheon Chief John Alderson, Los Angeles, First Vice-President, and Jay Stevens (hand raised), San Francisco, flank President William J. Cawker, Topeka, Kans., while Chief Daniel B. Tierney, Secretary-Treasurer, looks on.

Photo by HUKII Walker

EXECUTIVE : President Cawker and the vice presidents, who form the Executive Committee, discussed a number of important administration matters.

THE 1950 CONVENTION: Although there is no convention committee within the Association, Chief Ed. Walsh of San Francisco, who will be host to the forthcoming conference, outlined the steps being taken to assure the Association a most enjoyable and educational gathering. The dates of September 1215, inclusive, and the selection of the Fairmount Hotel as hotel headquarters, were approved by the Board at his recommendation. The Memorial Services will he held in the spacious Opera House, the business meetings and exhibits in the Main Civic Auditorium.

There was considerable discussion over details of hotel accommodations, which will he ample, and the banquet, and educational and entertainment program. With Pacific Coast enterprise as the driving force the “biggest and Inst convention ever” is promised.

Among those in attendance at the Board’s sessions were: President William J. Cawker, Topeka, Kans.; First Vice President, John Alderson, Los Angeles, Cal.; Second Vice President Rudolph Swanson, Jamestown, N. Y.; Secretary-Treasurer, Daniel B. Tierney, Arlington, Mass.; Executive Secretary, Jay Stevens, San Francisco, Cal.; Technical Consultant, Fred Shepperd, New York City; General Manager, James E. Jagger, New York and I. H. Case, New York, Public Relations.

Also, for the Eastern Association of Fire Chiefs: in addition to President Rudolph Swanson, First Vice President, Herbert A. Friede, Washington, D. C.; Secretary-Treasurer & Director Charles E. Clark, Wayne, Pa.; James T. Keegan, Newark; Frank Ertle, Jersey City, N. J.; George Mitchell, East Oyange, N. J.; Charles McGinley, E. Orange, N. J., Andrew T. Callahan, Harrison, past-president of the IAFC. and William Wandras, former director.

From New England Division, IAFC: Daniel B. Tierney, Secretary-Treasurer IAFC, Selden Allen, Director IAFC, and Paul P. Heinz, past president of the Division.

The Great Lakes Division was .represented by Frank Burns, Grand Rapids, Mich., Director, IAFC and Charles Delaney, past president; IAFC.

The Missouri Valley Division sent Ray Tiller, Director, former president, IAFC, of Waterloo, la.

The Southwestern Division was represented by Directo.r G. R. McAlpine of Oklahoma City, Okla.

A new Director, Chief R. O. Noble of Cordele, Ga., represented the Southeastern Division. Illness in his family kept outgoing past IAFC president Henry Chase of Miami from attending.

Pacific Coast and Inter-Mountain Division sent Second Vice President John Alderson, Los Angeles; Executive Secretary Jay Stevens; also Chief Ed. Walsh of San Francisco and Director William Meinheit of Berkeley.

The Dominion Division sent its President Chief Robert McRonald of London. Out., and 1’ire Marshal W. J. Scott of Toronto.

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