Fire Department Shake-up
Mayor and commissioners dismiss two captains after allegations of internal strife within the fireboat companies.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The fire commissioners held an executive session last evening in Mayor Ronald’s office and determined to dismiss Capt. J. W. McAllep of the fireboat Snoqualmie and Capt. M. F. Kelleher of Company No. 5. Following the session, the board moved to the city clerk’s office to formalize the decision. During the meeting, a resolution was adopted to remove McAllep and Kelleher on the grounds of a 'lack of harmony' within their respective companies. R. C. Connors was confirmed as the successor to Capt. McAllep, while George Clancy was named to replace Capt. Kelleher. The board also discussed a new ordinance prepared by Corporation Counsel Donworth, which authorizes the commissioners to reorganize fire companies at any time, provided the total strength of the department remains unchanged.
“If anybody was to be fired it should be done well so there would be no going to court for salary.”
Internal conflict and municipal restructuring within the Seattle Fire Department have remained constant civic themes for over a century. Today’s disputes over staffing, union relations, and departmental leadership echo these early struggles for professional control.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.