Show AN OUNCE OF prevention we will devote space this week to a subject of local interest interest in the hope that it may draw attention to the ever growing need for organized effort in regard to establishing firefighting fire fighting facilities in our town and for men to serve as voluntary firefighters fire fighters we have had some near disasters and some real fires during the past seven years our own building having been one to suffer complete loss several homes have burned to th the e ground and only prompt action on the part of men who always respond to the call when a fire siren is soi sounded has saved other homes the fire reported in this issue could have resulted in serious damage being in the very heart of town and close to buildings which contain valuable stock and equipment again it was prompt action and willing hands that prevented spread of the flames Is it P going to take a few more such experiences before the leading r citizens will do something toward organization of manpower man power and purchase of firefighting fire fighting equipment to be used in these emergencies we have published information to the effect that fire hydrants will be installed but we have waited a lon long time for action more afore thap than a year ago we were promised promise d this service and again more recently it is understandable that wartime war time conditions make it difficult to get all of the necessary equipment but this should not prevent nor delay I 1 the preliminary work and practice drills such as we know are carried on in neighboring towns nor should it prevent the purchase of such things as can be secured which might include hose chemical supplies I 1 and emergency equipment which should be kept in readiness for the men who are willing and able to serve when the call comes since the fire of last sunday we have talked with men who say they would serve if some effort is made to establish a better system than we now have whereby it is left to the individual to respond and to gather whatever available hose may be lying around as was the case on sunday we also know that there are others who would contribute toward the purchase of emergency equipment so there is no reason to delay action if someone will only take the lead and do more than talk about the need or what will be done later on in accord with information given thus far through this paper we have a civic club a town board a board of county count Y commissioners and many capable businessmen who could take the lead as well a many fine citizens who will respond if a public meeting is called to take some de definite finite action on this proposal this paper will be glad to t give space and whatever other service is required of us as w well ell as to contribute toward a fund for emergency equipment this is a call and a challenge i to the women as well as to the men to r get busy and we hope to be able to say more on the suba subject act within a short time |