Mindful of last week’s second downtown building fire within less than a year, the City Council Monday night voted to buy a 65-foot aerial ladder for the fire department. Upon the recommendation of Commissioner Lawrence Corder, head of the Public Health and Safety, the Council voted to spend $5,450 for the electrically-powered ladder to be mounted on a ton and a half truck. The total cost was estimated at $7,600. The purchase will be financed from the special fund derived from a two percent tax on fire insurance premiums collected in the city. The special insurance tax is earmarked by state law for purchase of firefighting equipment. With funds already accumulated in the insurance account, Finance Commissioner William Armstrong estimated that enough money would be available by September to finance the purchase of the ladder. Clyde Zethner, representative of the Central Fire Truck Co. from whom the purchase was made, explained that the ladder will be the same length as the one used by the West Frankfort fireman at the recent North Market Street fire, and 15 feet longer than similar equipment owned by the City of Herrin. The Marion ladder will differ from the West Frankfort equipment, however in that it will be hoisted electrically instead of manually. Commissioner Corder took occasion to praise the Coal Belt Fireman’s Association for their cooperation in fighting the recent business district blaze. “The best thing that could have been done was the organization of the Coal Belt Association,” Corder said. “We had the best cooperation I ever saw anywhere. Not only did the fireman come from other towns, but the Carbondale auxiliary police force also came to help out.” Corder said he wanted the Council to go on record commending all who helped in fighting the fire. He said the West Frankfort and Herrin ladder trucks were a big factor in saving other buildings. He lauded local volunteer firemen and Boy Scouts for their cooperation.

(Extracted  from local newspapers and compiled by Harry Boyd, posted at http://www.marionfire.us )