WPBFD History

1919 World War I touched the department as it did the rest of the nation. On April 1, 1919, Chief Sadler received a picture post card from one of his men who had gone overseas. The photo showed the soldier waiting to be deloused at St. Nazaire, France. The man was expected to be answering fire alarms again in a few weeks. One of the many leisure time activities of West Palm Beach firemen over the years has been fishing. The proximity of the ocean and inland waterways provided ample game fish for those seeking the thrill of pitting their strength against powerful adversaries. Chief Sadler again made the Palm Beach Post on July 13, 1919:

ous effect as tampering with a gasoline explo- sion. The chief had the satisfaction of landing the shark, however. Major overhaul of the Fire Hall was completed in 1919. Most of the work was on the roof and belfry which were in danger of collapsing. Cribbing that supported the old fire bell had decayed placing it in jeopardy of falling. The bell required machine work and paint in order to re- turn it to operating condition. A new type 75 triple combination pump, chemical and hose car was added to the apparatus in service. It was the second piece of this type purchased by the fire depart- ment.

Fire Chief A. P. Sadler has his fingers wrapped in a manner that suggests that he might have fought a fire all by himself. The injuries are due to another cause, however. Fishing from the Breakers pier the other night he hooked a shark and the line went through his hands with as seri-

Delousing postcard from fireman in France preparing to return.

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