LAFD-19th Annual Report, November 30, 1904, Chief Thomas Strohm

Fire Department

FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 1904

Office of the Fire Department, 217 South Hill Street,
Los Angeles Cal., December 6th, 1904

To the Honorable, The City Council.

Gentlemen:---As provided in the City Charter, I present herewith the Nineteenth Annual Report of the Fire Department, showing the property, apparatus, etc., constituting the Department; the work performed during the year and concluding with such suggestions and recommendations as I deem absolutely necessary to enable the Department to keep pace with the rapid growth of the city and afford the necessary protection to life and property.

Machine Shop.

During the last two years the Machine Shop which is located in the rear of Engine Co., No. 4 on Aliso street has accomplished great service for this city, eight new boilers have been installed in engines, the machinery of engines has been thoroughly overhauled, numerous other repairs have been made, a combination chemical and hose wagon was built, a 65 foot telescopic Water Tower is now in course of construction to be completed within 60 days.

This shop has been the means of saving the city a considerable amount in the expense of apparatus repairs.

The Machine Shop building is 53 ft. x 56 ft., and was built by the members of Engine Co. No. 4 under the supervision of Captain Archie J. Eley.

The department now has a complete Machine Shop capable of doing first-class work.

Alarms.

During the year the Department has responded to 818 alarms of fire, an increase of 247 over the previous year. There were 727 actual fires with a puppetry loss estimated at $527,545.00. Insurance paid during 11 months of the year amounted to $363,498.00.

New Houses.

During the year a lot was purchased and a two story brick building erected thereon at Hope and Court streets, an engine and combination chemical and hose wagon installed therein, known as Engine Co. No. 16.

A lot was purchased and a two story brick building erected at Seventh and Santa Fe Ave., and as soon as an engine and wagon are purchased will be installed therein and known as Engine Co. No. 17.

The building formerly occupied by Hose Co. No. 4 at McClintock & Jefferson streets was sold and a two story brick building was erected in its place, an engine was installed with the combination chemical and hose wagon already located there and the company is now known as Engine Co. 15.

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The building formerly occupied by Hose Co. No. 3, at Pico and El Molino streets was remodeled, an engine installed with the combination chemical and hose wagon located there and is now known as Engine Co. No. 13.

The building formerly occupied by Chemical Engine Co. No. 2 at 34th and Central Ave., was remodeled and an engine and combination chemical and hose wagon installed in place of the double tank chemical engine, the company now being known as Engine Co. No. 14.

Fire Hydrants.

I would respectfully recommend that all fire hydrants in the city be used exclusively for fire purposes, and that separate connections be provided for sprinkling purposes, as the department has been seriously handicapped at various times by finding the hydrants in poor condition.

New Engine Houses.

In consideration of the rapid growth of the city I would suggest that your honorable Body make provision as soon as possible for the erection of a building on the lot recently purchased at Adams and Hobart Boulevard and an engine and combination chemical and hose wagon installed therein.

Also that a lot be purchased, a building erected thereon and an engine company installed in the vicinity of Main and Ann streets.

Also that a lot be purchased, a building erected thereon and a chemical engine company installed therein in the vicinity of 56th and Central Ave.

Also that a lot be purchased, a building erected thereon and an engine company installed in the vicinity of Seventh and Flower streets.

Also that the house now occupied by Hose Co. No. 1 on Griffin Ave. near Downey be sold and a new house be erected in its place and a city service hook and ladder truck be installed therein with the combination chemical and hose wagon at present located there, which would then give the needed ladder service to the East Side, Garvanza and Boyle Heights districts.

New Apparatus.

I recommend that a Water Battery be built and added to the equipment of the department.

Drill Tower.

I again recommend the building of a suitable drill tower so that the members of the department can be properly drilled and taught to have confidence in themselves while working on roofs, ladders and fire escapes. I believe that the erection of this tower would greatly increase the efficiency of the men and the department in general.

Hose.

I recommend the purchase of at least 5000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose, which will then give each company two lines of hose. This enables the department to take care of the hose after it has been used at a fire.

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Conclusion.

In conclusion, I desire to express my sincere thanks----
His Honor the Mayor, the City Council and the Board of Fire Commissioners for their hearty support, courtesy, consideration and appreciation of the Department.

To the Board of Water Commissioners for their promptness and good service in installing numerous fire hydrants.

To the different Departments of the city government for their many courtesies and co-operation.

To the Chief of Police W. A. Hammel and his corps of efficient officers, for their aid and assistance at fires and for the prompt attention given injured firemen.

To the officers and members of the Fire Department, for their attention to duty and prompt efficient work.

And to the citizens and taxpayers, for their good will, hearty support and appreciation of our efforts.

Respectfully,
THOMAS STROHM,
Chief Engineer, L. A. F. D.

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EXPENSES OF DEPARTMENT FOR YEAR
ENDING NOV. 1904
AS SHOWN BY BOOKS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

Salaries	............$141.386.67
Barley and Bran	............ 1,587.59
Horse Shoeing	............ 1,515.50
Veterinary Services	............ 391.00
Apparatus Repairs	............ 1,052.04
Harness Repairs	............ 1,163.00
Hardware and Tools	............ 5,543.80
Lumber	............ 892.08
Paints and Oils	............ 112.82
Coal Oil	............ 219.10
Fuel	............ 2,176.20
Acid and Soda	............ 226.11
Drugs, etc.,	............ 127.27
Light and Electric Power	............ 1,378.35
Water Rent	............ 1,209.80
Furniture	............ 321.85
Plumbing	............ 70.65
Stationary	............ 159.45
Telephones	............ 842.30
Hay	............ 10,748.45
Horses	............ 4,425.00
Hose	............ 7,750.00
Hydrants	............ 511.95
New Appliances	............ 1,351.75
Miscellaneous	............ 1,627.74
Emergency Demands, Postage, Express Charges	............ 32.70
Brick Shed Engine Co. 16	............. 290.00
Water Tower	............. 5,692.67
Total	192,805.84
Credit by sale of old hoses, junk, etc.,	.................... 309.56	$192.496.28

.
.	.		.
Engine Co. No. 1.	........... 6,824.26
Engine Co. No. 2.	............ 6,908.43
Engine Co. No. 3.	............ 16,284. 25
Engine Co. No. 4.	............ 13,006.38
Engine Co. No. 5.	............ 9,448.33
Engine Co. No. 6.	............ 6,880.02
Engine Co. No. 7.	............ 6,966.88
Engine Co. No. 8.	............ 7,004.68
Engine Co. No. 9.	............ 8,221.08
Engine Co. No. 10.	............ 11,501.09
Engine Co. No. 11.	............ 10,479.15
Engine Co. No. 12.	............ 6,719.55
Engine Co. No. 13.	............ 3,971.20
Engine Co. No. 14.	............ 3,451.67
Engine Co. No. 15.	............ 4,162.60
Engine Co. No. 16.	............ 3,011.57
Chemical Co. No. 1	............ 2,726.21
Hose Co. No. 1	............ 2,947.07
Hose Co. No. 2	............ 3,042.43
Hose Co. No. 3	............ 2,883.88
Fire Department General	............ 48,613.05
Corporation Yard	............ 1,121.57
Machine Shop	............ 6,630.49
Total	......... $192,805.84
Credit by sale of old horses, junk, etc., ..........................................................309.56			$192,496.28

GENERAL FUND. As Shown by Books of City Auditor.
Three New Fire Engines		$14,250.00
Purchased lot, Hope and Court St.		3,500.00
Purchased lot, Seventh and Santa Fe Ave.		1,150.00
Purchased lot, Adams and Hobart St.		900.00
New House, Pasadena Ave., and Ave. 60		6,556.00
New House at Hope and Court St.		8,072.00
New House at Seventh and Santa Fe Ave.		8,237.00
New House at McClintock and Jefferson St.		8,662.00
Remodeling House at Pico and El Molino St.		2,447.00
Remodeling House at 34th and Central Ave.		2,340.00	$56,114.00

Total.			$248,610.28

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HORSE DEPARTMENT

No.	Name	Color	Purchased	Age	Weight	Height
1.	Babe	chestnut	1889	21	1300	16.3
4.	Dick	bay	1892	16	1310	16.1
5.	Bob	bay	1892	17	1400	16.1 1/2
6.	Bob Second	bay	1893	18	1425	17.0
8.	Toby	bay	1894	15	1100	16.1
10.	Ned	brown	1895	14	1250	16.2 1/2
11.	Paddy	black	1895	15	1100	15.3 1/2
13	Rowdy	gray	1896	13	1370	16.1 1/2
14.	Sam	chestnut	1896	13	1510	17.0
15.	Izzy	roan	1896	12	1350	16.2
16.	Major	roan	1896	13	1500	17.2
17.	John	bay	1896	11	1270	17.1
18.	Mike	black	1896	13	1375	17.2
19.	Dandy	black	1896	13	1350	17.0 1/2
20.	Rock	gray	1896	13	1350	16.2 1/2
21.	Rufus	brown	1897	14	1225	16.0 1/2
22.	Pete	chestnut	1897	13	1275	17.0
23.	Patsey	bay	1897	12	1250	16.2
24.	Dave	bay	1897	13	1500	17.2
25.	Yukon	chestnut	1897	12	1300	16.3 1/2
26.	McKinley	bay	1897	13	1400	16.0
27.	Nigger	black	1898	12	1350	16.1
28.	Dewey	bay	1898	11	1100	16.0 1/2
29.	Ike	chestnut	1898	12	1150	16.2
30.	Jerry	gray	1899	9	1250	16.0
31.	Barney	bay	1899	10	1450	17.0
32.	Tom	bay	1899	11	1500	17.0
33.	Jeff	bay	1899	11	1350	16.3
34.	Moses	bay	1899	13	1250	17.0
35.	Henry	bay	1899	11	1400	16.2
36.	Pacific	gray	1899	10	1235	16.2
37.	Buck	chestnut	1899	11	1300	16.3
38.	Bunch	black	1899	12	1350	17.0
39.	Dugan	black	1899	10	1200	16.3
40.	Sadie	bay	1899	12	1200	16.2
41.	Black Joe	black	1899	12	1375	16.2 1/2
42.	Belle	gray	1899	10	1300	16.0
43.	Don Juan	gray	1899	10	1200	15.2 1/2
44.	Eagle	gray	1899	12	1150	15.2
45.	Chub	bay	1899	14	1400	16.2
46.	Yankee	chestnut	1899	13	1000	16.1
47.	Gray Prince	gray	1900	12	1225	16.2
48.	Kruger	gray	1900	11	1400	16.3
49.	Kid	gray	1900	9	1350	17.0
50.	Aguinaldo	gray	1900	11	1200	16.1
51.	Gentry	bay	1900	10	1060	16.1
52.	Teddy	bay	1900	13	1200	16.1
53.	Dago	bay	1900	11	1200	16.2 1/2
54.	Dan	gray	1900	10	1300	16.3
55.	King	brown	1900	10	1100	16.2
56.	Mack	black	1900	10	1375	15.3
57.	Jase	gray	1900	12	1250	16.1
58.	Rondo	bay	1900	11	1210	15.2 1/2
59.	Keno	bay	1900	10	1070	15.0
60.	Eddie	brown	1900	10	1175	16.2
61.	Inyo	brown	1900	10	1135	16.2
62.	Gus	brown	1900	10	1200	15.2
63.	Spot	brown	1900	8	1200	16.1
64.	Tom S.	bay	1901	11	1400	17.2
65.	Snyder	bay	1901	11	1225	16.0
66.	Sontag	bay	1902	8	1190	16.1 1/2
67.	Charlie	black	1902	9	1300	16.3
68.	Frank	bay	1902	10	1150	16.2
69.	Ben	gray	1902	10	1380	16.1
70.	Bullet	bay	1902	11	1100	15.3 1/2
71.	Veto	chestnut	1902	11	1200	16.3
72.	Pepper	black	1902	10	1150	15.3 1/2
73.	Bull	bay	1902	14	1275	16.2 1/2
74.	Baldy	bay	1903	7	1160	16.2 1/2
75.	Percy T.	gray	1903	7	1250	15.3 1/2
76.	Wallie	bay	1903	6	1230	16.3
77.	Jim Y.	gray	1903	7	1300	15.3 1/2
78.	Major D.	black	1903	9	1375	16.2
79.	Stam	bay	1903	7	1170	16.2
80.	Kirk	bay	1903	9	1200	16.2
83.	Jean	bay	1903	7	1400	17.0
84.	Rube	brown	1903	8	1200	16.1
85.	Lou	gray	1903	7	1125	16.0
86.	Bruder	gray	1903	7	1220	16.2
87.	Gray Bill	gray	1904	6	1425	16.2
88.	Jake	gray	1904	6	1500	16.2
89.	Steve	gray	1904	6	1400	16.2
90.	Chief	gray	1904	7	1250	16.0
91.	Dutch	gray	1904	7	1500	17.0
92.	Fred	gray	1904	8	1350	16.3
93.	Sam	gray	1904	6	1275	16.3
94.	Ed	gray	1904	5	1500	17.0
95.	Ned	gray	1904	5	1290	16.2
96.	Dick	gray	1904	5	1240	16.1
97.	Bert	gray	1904	4	1250	15.3
98.	Don	gray	1904	4	1200	16.1
99.	Joe	gray	1904	4	1200	15.3
100.	Hans	gray	1904	4	1450	16.2
101.	Mollie	gray	1904	4	1400	16.0
102.	Aleck	gray	1904	5	1180	16.2
103.	Dexter	gray	1904	4	1250	16.1
104.	Blue	roan	1904	10	1350	17.0

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ASSIGNMENT OF HORSES.

Engine Co. No. 1	.............. 3	Engine Co. No. 14	.............. 4
Engine Co. No. 2	.............. 4	Engine Co. No. 15	.............. 4
Engine Co. No. 3	.............. 8	Engine Co. No. 16	.............. 4
Engine Co. No. 4	.............. 5	Chemical Co.No. 1	.............. 2
Engine Co. No. 5	.............. 5	Hose Co. No. 1	.............. 2
Engine Co. No. 6	.............. 4	Hose Co. No. 2	.............. 2
Engine Co. No. 7	.............. 3	Hose Co. No. 3	.............. 2
Engine Co. No. 8	.............. 3	Chief	.............. 1
Engine Co. No. 9	.............. 5	Assistant Chief	.............. 2
Engine Co. No. 10	............... 7	Corporation Yard	.............. 8
Engine Co. No. 11	.............. 7	Supply Wagons	.............. 3
Engine Co. No. 12	.............. 3	Street Department	.............. 2
Engine Co. No. 13	.............. 4	.	.
.	.	Total ........................................ 97

Number of horses Dec. 1st, 1903 .................. 82
Horses purchased during year		.................. 21	........... 103
.		.	.
Horses sold		.................. 4	.
Horses died		.................. 2	................ 6
.		.	.
Number of hoses Nov. 30th, 1904 ....................................... 97

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