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THE
VOLUNTEER, 1874-1941 PROTECTS OUR COUNTRY "'ONE volunteer is -worth ten pressed men;'
so says the old proverb though
from experience, •where the qualifications are equal, paid will be
found a better -word than
pressed (forced). . .the motives
-which induce volunteer firemen to subject themselves to the discipline and
work required of them in the discharge of their duties, whether at drills or at fires, by night
or by day, let the weather be what it will, must of themselves impart a higher tone, and inspire a degree
of laudable emulation and perseverance
amongst them; and the zeal
thus generated, the enthusiasm thus excited, cannot fail to render a volunteer
fire brigade far more efficient
and smart than any mere mercenary brigade can ever hope to be. . .The
sacrifice of time and money
which has been made by those who have entered the ranks of our phalanx
of citizen soldiers has given a solidity. . .to the institution, which cannot
fail to make it a most efficient weapon
of defense for the country." [p. 453]
WHO MAKES
A GOOD VOLUNTEER FIREMAN?
"... the post of a volunteer fireman
should be sought only by those who fully understand the importance of the
duties they undertake to perform, have the courage and strength of body necessary
to enable them to encounter the work, and judgement and perseverance strictly
to obey the orders of their superintendent either at drill or at fires; for
it will frequently happen that the salvation of life and property may at
any moment depend on the coolness of an individual volunteer, and the exactness
and readiness with which he obeys his
orders." [p. 458]
PHYSICAL
REQUIREMENTS OF A VOLUNTEER
FIREMAN
".
. .a medium sized man of vigorous mind, active habits, a moderate liver,
cool in danger, of an enterprising,
bold disposition, good and even temper, and in the habit of practicing
rowing or athletic exercises, will make a high class efficient volunteer fireman. Remember, few
things look more ridiculous than a
volunteer fireman either so short and small that his helmet seems
to be the greatest portion that |
can be seen, or so long and lanky that he might stand on the 'lee side
of a rope yarn.' Such as these cannot prove to be otherwise than eminently
unqualified for the work and duties
of a volunteer fireman." [p. 458]
PROPER USE OF FIRE ENGINES ". . .volunteer fire brigades should constantly
keep in mind and most carefully avoid, is that of turning their engines
into hack coaches, to run about with their crowd, or to please the whims
and fancies of those who know no better, and think it something 'loud' to
make believe that they really are fireman, but take precious good care to
avoid being of any practical utility in the hour of need." [p. 458]
BEHAVIOR OF VOLUNTEER FIREMAN AT
THE FIRE SCENE
". . .avoid the foolish and unbusinesslike
system of bawling and shouting to each other at fires, as this adds in no
small degree to the confusion then existing
and rarely fails to cause some misunderstanding from orders being mistaken
or unnoticed because confounded with the noise of the crowd. The whistle
affords a ready means of signaling, and one not easily mistaken; for by being
made so as to give a peculiar tone or note, and so many sounds being made
to represent each order, orders may be easily issued without the confusion
invariably accompanying the other system (shouting and bawling), or in any
way detracting from the business-like feeling which ought to exist both in
the members and the lookers on; in fact, a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure
would hardly fail to be felt by all parties at seeing the duties properly
and efficiently carried out in a quiet andunexcited manner." [p. 458-459]
DRILL AND
PRACTICE
"Perseverance in drills under experienced instructors
-will soon bring a brigade into such a fine-tuned condition that
instructors
-will soon bring a brigade into such a fine-tuned condition and routine.
Many cities and burgs would have speed contests to see which crew could
be the fastest. [Charleston even had such contests]. All the . . . Go
to Page Two
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