May 12, 1970, Door County Advocate

 

Ever since Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over that immortal bucket, Chicagoans have been justifiably fire conscious. Their concern has resulted in the development of one of the finest, best trained fire departments in the nation.

Battalion Chief Mike Murphy, a member of the Chicago Fire Department for 33 years, will give the newly formed 10-man Sister Bay-Liberty Grove fire department pointers on firefighting Thursday night. At a meeting set for 7:30 pm in the village hall, Chief Murphy and his son “young Mike” Murphy, a captain in the Chicago fire department will inform the local firemen on firefighting procedures and the proper handling of equipment.

Sister Bay Fire Chief Tom Hartzell states, “Chief Murphy and his son have fought all the big fires and are experts in rescue operations. Young Mike was chosen captain over a field of 2,100 candidates and like his dad, must know his stuff.”

This meeting, which is open to the public, will have a question-and-answer period. Any questions pertaining to fire and fire precautions will be answered.

Hartzell also says that two more men have been added to the phone hook-up and that he has applied for the State Fire Training program which includes fire drill training. Preparations are also being made for all members of the department to participate in a light rescue course involving common rescue emergencies such as burns, poison and shock.

Future plans call for one discussion and lecture type meeting and one fire drill and equipment training meeting each month.

At the fire commission meeting last week, approval was given for the purchase of hard hats, waterproof coats and insulated safety boots. Also approved was the purchase of a 600-gallon “fold-a-tank” for brining additional water to each fire call.

The fire commission for the Sister Bay-Liberty Grove areas are: Wesley Staver, chairman; Howard Sitte, Harold Sunstrom, Steve Daubner, and August Koepsel, treasurer.

Chief Hartzell and assistant chief Jerry Knudson say they are most enthusiastic about the cooperative spirit of the fire fighters and that they intend to make a concerted effort for a higher rating as the training programs progress.