Early Springfield Ordinances
From Directory of the City of Springfield
John W. Kees & Co., Springfield. 1852
AN ORDINANCE
For the organization of the fire department of the city of Springfield.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the city council of Springfield, That the several members of the several fire engines, hose and hook and ladder companies heretofore organized in this city, to wit, the Utility engine company, the Independence engine company, the hose company and the hook and ladder company, and all other fire, or fire engine companies that may be hereafter formed, and accepted by the city council, together with the fire wardens and fire guards of said city, shall be entitled to receive a certificate of membership from the city recorder, which certificate shall be evidence of their right to the privilege of exemption from military duty under the provisions of an act of the general assembly of the state of Ohio, entitled "an act to encourage the organization of fire companies," passed March 13, 1843, which certificate shall also exempt the holder thereof from the performance of labor on the roads and highways within this city; provided always, that no member of any such company shall receive such certificate unless he is at the time an active member of some one of said companies, and, provided further, that such certificate shall only entitle the holder to the exemptions above specified during the time he shall remain an active member of some one of said companies; nor shall any certificate be granted to any person as aforesaid unless the company of which he is a member shall keep duly and efficiently organized, and otherwise faithfully discharging the duties of such company, imposed by the constitution and by-laws thereof, and under such regulations as the said council may from time to time impose.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the secretary of each one of the companies comprising the fire department of this city to deliver to the city recorder, on or before the first Monday of May annually, a correct alphabetical list of the names of the members of their respective companies and the time, which list shall be countersigned by the foreman, captain or leader of said company, stating that said list is correct, and that said company is at the time duly organized.
Sec. 3. Each of the above named fire companies and such other companies as may hereafter be formed and accepted by the council, may form a constitution and by-laws, to be enforced under such penalties for the regulation and prompt attendance of its own members as a majority of said company may think proper, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States, of this state or of this city; and all fines and penalties incurred by any fireman for the violation of any of the by-laws thus made, may be recovered by prosecution before the mayor, for the use of such company.
Sec. 4. When any of the aforesaid companies shall be disbanded, or when new companies shall become necessary, volunteers may offer by enrolling themselves into a company, choosing their officers, and reporting their names to the city council for acceptance, their number being limited by the said counicl. And all companies belonging to the fire department, and each individual composing those companies, shall be subject to the control of the city council.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the members of each of the companies composing the fire department, at every alarm of fire, to repair immediately to their respective engines, hose and hooks and ladders, and convey the same to or near the fire, these under the directions of the proper oficers, to work and manage the same with all their skill and power for the extinguishment of the fire; and when the fire is extinguished, they shall return the same, well washed and in good order to their place of deposite.
Sec. 6. Any person or persons who shall injure any of the engines and apparatus belonging to the fire department of this city, or the house or houses in which they may be placed, or shall place any obstructions in the way, so as to hinder in any manner the free access to said engines at all times, or shall remove any of the fire apparatus from their proper places, except it be on the alarm of fire for the purpose of extinguishing the same, or by the order of the proper officers for the purpose of washing, exercising or repairing the same, or other necessary purpose, shall, on conviction before the mayor, be fined in any sum not exceeding fifty dollars and costs.
Sec. 7. All ordinances or parts of ordinances passed by the common council of the town of Springfiled contrary to the provisions of this ordinance, be, and the same are hereby repealed. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after its publication.
JAMES M. HUNT
Mayor of the city of Springfield
SAMUEL PARSONS,
Recorder
Passed November 27, 1850.