WPBFD History

On June 5, 1962, Chief James H. Witherspoon an- nounced his intentions to retire, effective September 25, 1962. The next few days were hectic as those in conten- tion for the chief's position fought for recognition. The Palm Beach Post even mentioned in an article that "Tempers flared during a recent conference of fire depart- ment top brass." There was some question as to how well Witherspoon had prepared the department for his depar- ture. His authoritarian rule and failure to delegate had not allowed proper training for those who might fill his shoes. Speculation and rumors were rampant about who would be named the next fire chief. Firemen were called to rescue a painter who had fallen inside a wa-

the Soap Box Derby, help firemen's families when ill, sponsor Junior League Baseball, purchase a wheel chair for a crippled child, promote fire prevention, and sponsor Christmas parties for children. Donations from the fund had been given to the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystro- phy, and the Cancer Drive. Firemen retiring also received a small bonus of $600 for 20 years service and $700 for 25 years. The practice of refilling extinguishers by the Benevo- lent was stopped by order of City Manager Frank Lawler on March 19, 1962. In effect, his decision marked the end of the association, and remaining funds were gradu- ally dispersed over the next fifteen years. In January of 1962 the Na-

ter tank on Thursday, July 26, 1962. Ivy Richard Measer had been standing on a work platform when supports failed. The sixty foot fall broke Measer's back. Af- ter being lashed to a backboard, the patient was lifted out of the tank and rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital. His condition was listed as fair three hours after the acci- dent. During this era the West Palm Beach Fire Department was pri- marily in the business of fighting fires. No emergency medical ser- vice was available other than am- bulances that operated out of local funeral homes that were termed "meat wagons" by the firemen. Department members received only basic first aid training and equip- ment was primitive compared to today's standards. The men per- formed rescue and first aid duties

tional Fire Protection Association announced awards for fire protec- tion and fire prevention. The West Palm Beach Fire Department was rated seventh in the nation for cit- ies in the population range of 50,000 to 99,000 in fire protection and third in the State of Florida for fire prevention. Old T-42, the 1948 Maxim ladder truck, was ready for reserve status after fifteen years of service. Chief Witherspoon had his eyes on a newer type of aerial device as a replacement. He felt that an ar- ticulating boom would have more utility than the standard "straight stick." One serious drawback to the new apparatus was the absence of a continuous path to the ground should elevated rescue be neces- sary. Bids were let for the new

James M. Sloan, Jr., Chief 1962-73.

admirably despite severe limitations.

apparatus and only one company responded; Pitman Manufacturing Company. In a March commission work- shop session, Mayor Percy Hopkins said that he "felt the plans and specifications for the truck were pointed toward Pitman, reducing the chance for competitive bids." Witherspoon defended his actions by saying that "Pitman was the only firm which made a snorkel type truck he felt suited the needs of West Palm Beach and two other firms had told him they would not bid because they could not build the truck within the $45,000 ceiling price set by the city." The commission ultimately approved the purchase at a cost of $44,950 from Pitman. T-43 soon replaced T- 42 at #1 Station as the new ladder company, but only after the floor had been lowered at Central Station so it could fit into the bay.

On Friday, July 27, 1962, the city gave a test to the six men who were seeking the position of fire chief. The Palm Beach Post kept everyone on their toes when the July 30 edition ran an article with the bold heading: "Commission May Okay New Fire Chief Today.” The commission named James M. Sloan, Jr., as Witherspoon's successor that afternoon, to be effective on August 11. A testimonial dinner honoring Chief Witherspoon was given on Saturday night, August 4, 1962. More than a hundred firemen, wives, and friends gathered at the George Washington Hotel to fete the retiring fireman who had served the city for thirty-two years. Ed Hoffman acted as master of ceremonies, and former West Palm Beach Mayor Percy I. Hopkins, Jr., recounted Witherspoon's career. Witherspoon had only a brief

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