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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1940-08-06-DEFENSE-rpt.pdf LEXINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE ENGIh1EERS EDWARD W TAYLOR Chief NORMAN C. HOOPER HEADQUARTERS District Chief EDWARD F BUTTRICK S MERIAM STREET District Chief and Clerk TEL. Lexington 0270 August 6, 1940 Archie H. Giroux, Chairman Executive Committee Lexington Civilian Defense Committee Lexington, hassachusetts Dear Sir Your Committee for the Protection of Persons and Property (Fire Department Division ) believes that first of all their duties should include the expansion of all normal activities and functions of the Department to meet emergency service require- ments Among these functions will be the mobilization of all reserve and auxiliary apparatus and equipment to augment the regular equipment in normal service; the location and designation of auxiliary stations and the placement of apparatus and equipment therein; the mobilization of reserve man power and the establishment of auxiliary volunteer fire brigades assigned to town-wide emergency service and the organization and training of forces to adequately handle the problems that may be presented by Lhe possibility of invasion. in carrying out the provisions of this plan it will be necessary to make a survey of all fire protection apparatus and equip- ment and contingent appliances available within the town A special training program must be developed including drills in order that the auxiliary fire fighting and fire protection forces may be adequately equipped to cope vith all situations The Committee believes that for adequate fire protection the personnel should include 1 Present regular fire fighting force 2. Mutual aid now in force 3 Auxiliary fire fighting force (50 men) The duties in addition to the following which are now and have been a part of the regular duties of the Fire Department - 1 Proper fire extinguishment 2 Regular fire inspections 3 Control of chemicals , explosives, gases and oils 4. Rescue 5 Investigation of fires 6 Promotion of fire prevention LEXINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE Off' THS ;ENGINEERS EDWARD W TAYLOR Chief NORMAN C. HOOPER HEADQUARTERS District Chief EDWARD F BUTTRICK S MERIAM STREET District Chief and Clerk TEL. Lexington 0270 2 . there should be added- 1. Organization of auxiliary brigades 2. Mobilization of auxiliary equipment. 3. Instruction and training of auxiliary brigades 4. Assignment of auxiliary brigades to various posts It occurs to your Committee that we should bring to your attention that for the organization of auxiliary brigades, the mobilization of equipment , and the instruction and training we have neither the proper statutes nor ordinances under which we may legally operate , and under which necessary funds could be spent for this purpose . ,TATE t SUPPL± de call your attention to the possibility of the demolition of the whole or a part of the present water supply, and urge that provision be made for auxiliary water supply through the medium of water holes, the damming of brooks , and the accessibility of fire apparatus to the ponds In order to obtain 50 men who will compose an auxiliary fire fighting force, it will be necessary for a questionnaire to be sent to at least every family de submit for your consideration the following ',UL ST I ODNA IRE Fifty men between 31 and 45 are requested to join an auxiliary fire fighting force You will be reouired to attend drills twice each month for a period of two hours (7 30 P. M. to 9 30 P. IL at Fire Department Headquarters ) Are you willing to join this auxiliary force? Have you had any previous experience? If so, when? I LEXINGTON FII ', DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF -THE- ENGI4EERS EDWARD W TAYLOR Chief NORMAN C. HOOPER District Chief HEADQUARTERS EDWARD F BarrRictc 5 MERuM STREEr District Chief and Clerk TEL. Lexington 0270 3 . -here? Date of birth? Place of birth? Are you a citizen? Have you a license to operate a motor vehicle? Have you ever had any serious illness? If so , state kind Alen? Have you ever undergone a surgical operation? That for? If so, when" Have you any physical impairment at the present time? Place of employment? :parried or dinple7 Name and Address Trainin& of auxiliary fire fighting force will be as follows: 1. Instruction in the use of apparatus and equipment 2. Course in First Aid (ked Cross ) . 3. Methods of fire extinguishment (buildings and forests) 4. Instruction in fire prevention, including inspections J LEXINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE _ENGINEERS EDWARD W TAYLOR Chief NORMAN C. HOOPER HEADQUARTERS District Chief 5 MERIAM STREET EDWARDDF BUTTRICK District Chief and Cleric TEL. Lexington 0270 4. It is the intention of the Committee to organize this auxiliary force , dividing it into groups of 12 for the purpose of instruction, which will include drills, and again dividing the groups into crews of 6 These crews will be placed at various points in the town EgUIPUNT FOR AUL.ILIARY FIRE FIGHTING FORCE These men will be required to have a small amount of equipment Each man should have a helmet , a rubber coat , a spanner belt , and rubber boots , and they should also have some badge as a form of identification Further details will be worked out by your Committee e.Lf�z6L h iatA. 1