Reminiscences of the old fire laddies and volunteer fire departments of New York and Brooklyn. . tains knowledgeof machinery would insure itfair treatment. The companyhad considerable trouble withthe engine, and it was subsequently replaced by a lighter enginedrawn by horses. Engine Company 11 is what is known as a river company, answering alarms of fire along the East Riverfront, and including, as well, in the district the innumerable tene-ment-houses which abound on the east side. The company, underForeman Fishers command, has established for itself an enviablereputation for efficiency. Wash
Reminiscences of the old fire laddies and volunteer fire departments of New York and Brooklyn. . tains knowledgeof machinery would insure itfair treatment. The companyhad considerable trouble withthe engine, and it was subsequently replaced by a lighter enginedrawn by horses. Engine Company 11 is what is known as a river company, answering alarms of fire along the East Riverfront, and including, as well, in the district the innumerable tene-ment-houses which abound on the east side. The company, underForeman Fishers command, has established for itself an enviablereputation for efficiency. Washington Parker, a colored clerk, formerly in the BuildingBureau, and for several years the private messenger of CommissionerVan Cott, is now a driver in the repair shops at a salary of $1000per annum. Parker is the first colored man ever employed in thepresent Department, and is very popular with all classes. Joseph F. McGill, chief of the Third Battalion, was born onNovember 14, 1843. He was appointed a fireman March 21, 1866,and assigned to Engine 13, where he continued for four years, when. 555 he was promoted to the rank of assistant foreman and transferred toEngine 27. He was subsequently transferred to Hook and Ladder8, and on October 1, 1872, was made foreman of Engine 33, in whichcompany he remained for one year, when he was transferred to thecommand of Engine 30. When the self-propelling steam fire-engineswere introduced in the Department in the spring of 1874, one ofthem was placed in service with Engine 32, in John Street, andCaptain McGill was selected to take charge of the new apparatus,which he did with great credit. While in command of Engine 32,by his strict attention to duty and his uniform courtesy to all visitorsto the engine-house, Captain McGill earned the esteem and friend-,ship of the numerous merchants and business men in that vicinity, andwas by them presented with a handsome gold watch and chain valuedat $500. On August 12, 1884, he was promoted to the
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