WPBFD History

Taking a break from ladder drill on L-41 in 1945.

nity. As a result, the firemen's contribution increased from two to three percent of salary and the city could levy up to one mill as its share of the annual maintenance. The State of Florida would continue to contribute from the fire and tornado insurance fund. The make-up of the pension board changed from the mayor, fire chief, and fireman to now include two additional commissioners. A log entry of September 28, 1945, carried the last reference to World War II: 2:00 a.m. Change of time, from Eastern War Time to Eastern Standard, it is 1:00 a.m. EST, clock on radio console changed. At the end of the war the veterans of the department returned to their duties. The city did not allow the men loss of constructive time or seniority for the period they were serving overseas. Many were surprised by the two week vacation benefit enacted while they were away.

duty reporting to Central Station!!!"

The first test of the civil service system for the fire department came on July 16, 1945. Chief Sadler had dis- charged a veteran fireman who was found to be consum- ing alcohol while on duty. The fireman, Hardee C. Mul- ler, appealed Sadler's stiff punishment to the Civil Service Board on extenuating circumstances. The man admitted his mistake in judgment, but asked the board to reconsider in light of his eighteen years service on the department and the domestic trouble he had been through recently. The chief's case was well prepared and presented but was overruled by the board. It was ordered that Mul- ler be suspended without pay for a period of 60 days, re- duced in rank from driver to fireman, and serve a one year probation. On December 2, Muller was again found to be drinking while on duty. This time the Civil Service Board upheld Sadler's dismissal. The Civil Service Board of West Palm Beach is still serving in the same capacity as it did fifty years ago. On Tuesday, August 7, 1945, the firemen's pension went before the citizens in a referendum vote to determine if it should come under control of the city. The over- whelming vote, 833 for and only 79 against, served as an indication of the support the firemen had in the commu-

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