The Fire Chief's Power Struggle
A judge ruled that the Seattle Fire Chief lacked the inherent power to suspend firemen and withhold their pay, shifting the authority to the Board of Fire Commissioners.
The chief of the fire department has no power to suspend a subordinate and at the same time stop his pay. The ruling has practically the effect of a ruling by Judge Humes yesterday in the case of George Berryhill vs. the city. Berryhill sued for 13 1/2 days' back pay from noon April 17, 1894, to the end of the month, amounting to $31.50. He was paid $18.90, and demanded the full salary of $31.50. Judge Humes instructed the jury to find for Berryhill, if it appeared that at all times he was willing to work. The court held that the power of removal and stop of pay was inherent in the board of fire commissioners, and could not be delegated to the chief of the department. The jury rendered a verdict for Berryhill. The reason for Berryhill's removal was that he abused a horse.
“The power of removal and stop of pay was inherent in the board of fire commissioners, and could not be delegated to the chief of the department.”
This case highlights the early 20th-century struggle to define administrative authority within municipal government. Today, labor disputes and the limits of executive power in city departments remain a central theme in Seattle's civic governance.
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