- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn January 6, 1899
Peter SCHULLER and C. F. SCHANNO spent the holidays in Yakima.
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn, Thu, Feb. 23, 1905, page 5:
Peter Schuller was nominated by the fire department Saturday night to succeed Peter Garvey as fire chief, and he has been assured by the council that his nomination would be confirmed. Surely Peter is worthy of the promotion and honor conferred and THE DAWN predicts that no regrets will ever come of his having filled the position. He is absolutely honorable, truthful, reliable and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Contributor: Rick Read (47476599)
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn January 11, 1906
FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTS OFFICERS
At a regular meeting of the Fire Department Monday evening the following officers were elected: Chief, Peter SCHULLER; President, W. F. FREYBURGER; Vice President, Herbert CARSCADDEN; Secretary, George M. JENKINS; Assistant Secretary, H. L. WRIGHT; and Treasurer, A. F. SHULTZ.
- From Fire Engineering February 24, 1909
The Ellensburg Fire Department.
Ellensburg, Wash., knows when it has a capable man at the head of its fire department, and, accordingly, was more than pleased at the re-election of Peter Schuller to serve for the second time as head of its firefighting force. Chief Schuller is a man whose strong point is looking after the fire protection of his city, and, in addition to a natural bent in that direction, he has rendered himself all the fitter to fulfil the duties of his highly responsible position by attending every possible fire convention in the Northwest, and, whenever it is in his power, being present at all tests or exhibits of the most modern types of fire apparatus. In this way, he has acquired a large amount of experience and a thorough technical knowledge of the best styles of machinery called for by his profession, and has become intimately acquainted with all the most up-to-date methods of employing them. He has thus greatly increased the knowledge and experience he had already gained in his eleven years' service in the fire department of Ellensburg, during four of which he has been its chief, and has thereby not only fitted himself to serve his city and administer the affairs of his bureau, but, also, to drill his men thoroughly, and make them—one and all—competent to act intelligently and individually when the necessity arises. He has thus a department on which he can rely and in which his fellow-citizens have every confidence. The department has at present in service the following apparatus: Combination chemical and hose wagon (received on January 2, 1909) ; third-size Silsby steamer (in service during the last eighteen years) ; 2-horse hook and ladder truck; 2,700 ft. of hose. A new 2-story city hall, 60×120 ft., will probably soon be built ; in which the department will be accommodated and afforded every chance to become more and more efficient. Every year (the underwriters' rating is already first-class) Ellensburg, like all the cities in the Northwest, and not least in Washington, is a rapidly growing town. On its fire area of over 600 acres, stand many 2-story mercantile buildings of brick and stone, its residential structures being chiefly of wood: but, as might be expected in an enlightened community, no wooden roofs are allowed. It has a good gravity waterworks system, fairly well supplied with hydrants, the fire-pressure being 70 lb. What it needs further in the way of fire protection would seem to le more paid men and a more effective way of calling its firemen out than ringing a bell and tooting a whistle. These improvements, however, will doubtless be added when the department has been housed in the new city hall.
- From Fire Engineering September 8, 1909
Ellensburg Fire Department Resigns.
The resignation of the entire fire department at Ellensburg, Wash., as a means of protest against the attitude of the city government, seems justified, if one is to accept Chief Schuller's statement of conditions now prevailing. If conditions are as Chief Schuller pictures them, and there appears no reason to doubt his statements, then the Ellensburg attitude toward fire protection, if at all typical, goes far to explain why fire losses run high. The citizens of Ellensburg when they are niggardly with their fire department are saving at the spigot and wasting at the bung in the words of the old adage.
Chief Schuller in justification of the action of himself and men in resigning, has this to say of conditions:
"Conditions have become such that the members of the department feel that in justice to themselves they roust resign from the service of the city. We have long been handicapped with insufficient and evtn useless firefighting apparatus and fire protection in the city seents to he the last thing that worries the minds of the residents. We have frequently been late to fires because directions were not given properly and we have to shoulder the blame that was not ours. Now things have reached their limit. We cannot allow these changes to continues and affairs-must he better if Ellensburg is to have fire protection.
"The fire team, for instance, has been in the service of the city for over 12 years. The horses are old and ought to be pensioned, but the city depends upon them to. haul heavy wagons and the steamer, to a fire. I have repeatedly asked for a new team, but 1 have been put off and set aside while fire losses go on in the city.
"I have said that a fire alarm system could be installed in this city for $2,200 and Ellensburg be placed in its proper place among other cities of its class as regards fire protection. But in spite of my protests the people of the city are willing to take chances that the town will not burn and are willing to believe that their neighbor's house instead of their own will be the next to take fire. We are badly handicapped by the present system of taking alarms over the telephone, but protests have done no good.
"We need more fire hydrants. When one of our residences burned to the ground recently most of the building might have been saved had a fire hydrant been within proper distance of the house. But the nearest plug was six blocks away and when the boys made the run the hose on the wagon was not sufficient to reach the required distance and the team had to be sent back for more hose. While the horses were gone the house burned to the ground. The men tried to use the chemical, but were driven from their work by the smoke and flames. I had asked for fire hydrants in that district not more than two weeks ago. but my petition, which was signed by householders, was shelved.
"And again; the paid firemen have to sleep in the fire station and at the present time the quarters assigned them are not fit for the use of human beings. We have a cramped, stuffy room, poorly ventilated, crowded uncomfortably, unsanitary to the highest degree and directly responsible, according to my physician, for my recent illness. Now, under the new condition of affairs, some of this room is to be taken from us and the shed which was used to store fuel is to he converted into a tool house.
"These conditions are unbearable, and we have decided that if the city council and the people of the city of Ellensburg will not afford us proper relief that we must take the only means in our power of avoiding the squalor and of ridding ourselves of the many handicaps which are heaped upon us. That is by leaving the service of the city. Our resignations have been handed to the chairman of the fire and water committee and presumably will he placed in the hands of the city council at its next meeting. We will seek other means of employment and the city may, if it can, secure other men to afford it protection from fire."
- From Fire Engineering December 20, 1911
Shall Chief Schuller Lose Salary While Sick?
Shall Peter Schuller of the Ellensburg, Wash., Fire Department, who was ill during the month of June, lose his entire salary for the month was the question that caused considerable discussion at the Ellensburg council meeting recently. When the city checks were passed around last month the chief failed to receive one and he felt he had been mistreated. Schuller has been chief ever since the paid department was started seven years ago, and prior to that was a member of the volunteers for seven years and says that in all the time he has never had a vacation with pay. He says he has attended fire chief conventions several times at his own expense, where other municipalities were paying the expenses of their chiefs, He does not feel it just that when his health broke down he should lose his entire salary. Several of the members of the council agreed with him, but did not feel that the chief had gone about the matter in the right way. Finally the matter was referred to the fire committee. Schuller draws $75 per month as fire chief and $15 per month as building inspetor. With a view of giving the city the best possible service. Schuller paid for a horse, buggy, and harness to be used by himself, and pays for the animals keeping. During his illness Schuller issued his orders from his bed. thus saving the city from extra expense.
Peter was born in 1878. He passed away about 1945. Peter G. Schuller was born in New Prague, Minnesota on February 2, 1878 to Frank and Ayla Schuller. As a boy, Peter traveled with his family to the Kittitas Valley in Washington Territory. He was involved with the Ellensburg, Washington fire department for many years and ably served as the fire chief. Peter's first wife was Lulu, but by 1930 he was married to Beatrice and the couple was living at 400 S. Pearl Street. Peter worked for his half-brother Frank Schuller who owned and operated the Soda Works Company. He was an active member of the St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Peter died on January 11, 1948 at the age of 70 years.
Peter SCHULLER and C. F. SCHANNO spent the holidays in Yakima.
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn, Thu, Feb. 23, 1905, page 5:
Peter Schuller was nominated by the fire department Saturday night to succeed Peter Garvey as fire chief, and he has been assured by the council that his nomination would be confirmed. Surely Peter is worthy of the promotion and honor conferred and THE DAWN predicts that no regrets will ever come of his having filled the position. He is absolutely honorable, truthful, reliable and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Contributor: Rick Read (47476599)
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn January 11, 1906
FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTS OFFICERS
At a regular meeting of the Fire Department Monday evening the following officers were elected: Chief, Peter SCHULLER; President, W. F. FREYBURGER; Vice President, Herbert CARSCADDEN; Secretary, George M. JENKINS; Assistant Secretary, H. L. WRIGHT; and Treasurer, A. F. SHULTZ.
- From Fire Engineering February 24, 1909
The Ellensburg Fire Department.
Ellensburg, Wash., knows when it has a capable man at the head of its fire department, and, accordingly, was more than pleased at the re-election of Peter Schuller to serve for the second time as head of its firefighting force. Chief Schuller is a man whose strong point is looking after the fire protection of his city, and, in addition to a natural bent in that direction, he has rendered himself all the fitter to fulfil the duties of his highly responsible position by attending every possible fire convention in the Northwest, and, whenever it is in his power, being present at all tests or exhibits of the most modern types of fire apparatus. In this way, he has acquired a large amount of experience and a thorough technical knowledge of the best styles of machinery called for by his profession, and has become intimately acquainted with all the most up-to-date methods of employing them. He has thus greatly increased the knowledge and experience he had already gained in his eleven years' service in the fire department of Ellensburg, during four of which he has been its chief, and has thereby not only fitted himself to serve his city and administer the affairs of his bureau, but, also, to drill his men thoroughly, and make them—one and all—competent to act intelligently and individually when the necessity arises. He has thus a department on which he can rely and in which his fellow-citizens have every confidence. The department has at present in service the following apparatus: Combination chemical and hose wagon (received on January 2, 1909) ; third-size Silsby steamer (in service during the last eighteen years) ; 2-horse hook and ladder truck; 2,700 ft. of hose. A new 2-story city hall, 60×120 ft., will probably soon be built ; in which the department will be accommodated and afforded every chance to become more and more efficient. Every year (the underwriters' rating is already first-class) Ellensburg, like all the cities in the Northwest, and not least in Washington, is a rapidly growing town. On its fire area of over 600 acres, stand many 2-story mercantile buildings of brick and stone, its residential structures being chiefly of wood: but, as might be expected in an enlightened community, no wooden roofs are allowed. It has a good gravity waterworks system, fairly well supplied with hydrants, the fire-pressure being 70 lb. What it needs further in the way of fire protection would seem to le more paid men and a more effective way of calling its firemen out than ringing a bell and tooting a whistle. These improvements, however, will doubtless be added when the department has been housed in the new city hall.
- From Fire Engineering September 8, 1909
Ellensburg Fire Department Resigns.
The resignation of the entire fire department at Ellensburg, Wash., as a means of protest against the attitude of the city government, seems justified, if one is to accept Chief Schuller's statement of conditions now prevailing. If conditions are as Chief Schuller pictures them, and there appears no reason to doubt his statements, then the Ellensburg attitude toward fire protection, if at all typical, goes far to explain why fire losses run high. The citizens of Ellensburg when they are niggardly with their fire department are saving at the spigot and wasting at the bung in the words of the old adage.
Chief Schuller in justification of the action of himself and men in resigning, has this to say of conditions:
"Conditions have become such that the members of the department feel that in justice to themselves they roust resign from the service of the city. We have long been handicapped with insufficient and evtn useless firefighting apparatus and fire protection in the city seents to he the last thing that worries the minds of the residents. We have frequently been late to fires because directions were not given properly and we have to shoulder the blame that was not ours. Now things have reached their limit. We cannot allow these changes to continues and affairs-must he better if Ellensburg is to have fire protection.
"The fire team, for instance, has been in the service of the city for over 12 years. The horses are old and ought to be pensioned, but the city depends upon them to. haul heavy wagons and the steamer, to a fire. I have repeatedly asked for a new team, but 1 have been put off and set aside while fire losses go on in the city.
"I have said that a fire alarm system could be installed in this city for $2,200 and Ellensburg be placed in its proper place among other cities of its class as regards fire protection. But in spite of my protests the people of the city are willing to take chances that the town will not burn and are willing to believe that their neighbor's house instead of their own will be the next to take fire. We are badly handicapped by the present system of taking alarms over the telephone, but protests have done no good.
"We need more fire hydrants. When one of our residences burned to the ground recently most of the building might have been saved had a fire hydrant been within proper distance of the house. But the nearest plug was six blocks away and when the boys made the run the hose on the wagon was not sufficient to reach the required distance and the team had to be sent back for more hose. While the horses were gone the house burned to the ground. The men tried to use the chemical, but were driven from their work by the smoke and flames. I had asked for fire hydrants in that district not more than two weeks ago. but my petition, which was signed by householders, was shelved.
"And again; the paid firemen have to sleep in the fire station and at the present time the quarters assigned them are not fit for the use of human beings. We have a cramped, stuffy room, poorly ventilated, crowded uncomfortably, unsanitary to the highest degree and directly responsible, according to my physician, for my recent illness. Now, under the new condition of affairs, some of this room is to be taken from us and the shed which was used to store fuel is to he converted into a tool house.
"These conditions are unbearable, and we have decided that if the city council and the people of the city of Ellensburg will not afford us proper relief that we must take the only means in our power of avoiding the squalor and of ridding ourselves of the many handicaps which are heaped upon us. That is by leaving the service of the city. Our resignations have been handed to the chairman of the fire and water committee and presumably will he placed in the hands of the city council at its next meeting. We will seek other means of employment and the city may, if it can, secure other men to afford it protection from fire."
- From Fire Engineering December 20, 1911
Shall Chief Schuller Lose Salary While Sick?
Shall Peter Schuller of the Ellensburg, Wash., Fire Department, who was ill during the month of June, lose his entire salary for the month was the question that caused considerable discussion at the Ellensburg council meeting recently. When the city checks were passed around last month the chief failed to receive one and he felt he had been mistreated. Schuller has been chief ever since the paid department was started seven years ago, and prior to that was a member of the volunteers for seven years and says that in all the time he has never had a vacation with pay. He says he has attended fire chief conventions several times at his own expense, where other municipalities were paying the expenses of their chiefs, He does not feel it just that when his health broke down he should lose his entire salary. Several of the members of the council agreed with him, but did not feel that the chief had gone about the matter in the right way. Finally the matter was referred to the fire committee. Schuller draws $75 per month as fire chief and $15 per month as building inspetor. With a view of giving the city the best possible service. Schuller paid for a horse, buggy, and harness to be used by himself, and pays for the animals keeping. During his illness Schuller issued his orders from his bed. thus saving the city from extra expense.
Peter was born in 1878. He passed away about 1945. Peter G. Schuller was born in New Prague, Minnesota on February 2, 1878 to Frank and Ayla Schuller. As a boy, Peter traveled with his family to the Kittitas Valley in Washington Territory. He was involved with the Ellensburg, Washington fire department for many years and ably served as the fire chief. Peter's first wife was Lulu, but by 1930 he was married to Beatrice and the couple was living at 400 S. Pearl Street. Peter worked for his half-brother Frank Schuller who owned and operated the Soda Works Company. He was an active member of the St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Peter died on January 11, 1948 at the age of 70 years.
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn January 6, 1899
Peter SCHULLER and C. F. SCHANNO spent the holidays in Yakima.
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn, Thu, Feb. 23, 1905, page 5:
Peter Schuller was nominated by the fire department Saturday night to succeed Peter Garvey as fire chief, and he has been assured by the council that his nomination would be confirmed. Surely Peter is worthy of the promotion and honor conferred and THE DAWN predicts that no regrets will ever come of his having filled the position. He is absolutely honorable, truthful, reliable and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Contributor: Rick Read (47476599)
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn January 11, 1906
FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTS OFFICERS
At a regular meeting of the Fire Department Monday evening the following officers were elected: Chief, Peter SCHULLER; President, W. F. FREYBURGER; Vice President, Herbert CARSCADDEN; Secretary, George M. JENKINS; Assistant Secretary, H. L. WRIGHT; and Treasurer, A. F. SHULTZ.
- From Fire Engineering February 24, 1909
The Ellensburg Fire Department.
Ellensburg, Wash., knows when it has a capable man at the head of its fire department, and, accordingly, was more than pleased at the re-election of Peter Schuller to serve for the second time as head of its firefighting force. Chief Schuller is a man whose strong point is looking after the fire protection of his city, and, in addition to a natural bent in that direction, he has rendered himself all the fitter to fulfil the duties of his highly responsible position by attending every possible fire convention in the Northwest, and, whenever it is in his power, being present at all tests or exhibits of the most modern types of fire apparatus. In this way, he has acquired a large amount of experience and a thorough technical knowledge of the best styles of machinery called for by his profession, and has become intimately acquainted with all the most up-to-date methods of employing them. He has thus greatly increased the knowledge and experience he had already gained in his eleven years' service in the fire department of Ellensburg, during four of which he has been its chief, and has thereby not only fitted himself to serve his city and administer the affairs of his bureau, but, also, to drill his men thoroughly, and make them—one and all—competent to act intelligently and individually when the necessity arises. He has thus a department on which he can rely and in which his fellow-citizens have every confidence. The department has at present in service the following apparatus: Combination chemical and hose wagon (received on January 2, 1909) ; third-size Silsby steamer (in service during the last eighteen years) ; 2-horse hook and ladder truck; 2,700 ft. of hose. A new 2-story city hall, 60×120 ft., will probably soon be built ; in which the department will be accommodated and afforded every chance to become more and more efficient. Every year (the underwriters' rating is already first-class) Ellensburg, like all the cities in the Northwest, and not least in Washington, is a rapidly growing town. On its fire area of over 600 acres, stand many 2-story mercantile buildings of brick and stone, its residential structures being chiefly of wood: but, as might be expected in an enlightened community, no wooden roofs are allowed. It has a good gravity waterworks system, fairly well supplied with hydrants, the fire-pressure being 70 lb. What it needs further in the way of fire protection would seem to le more paid men and a more effective way of calling its firemen out than ringing a bell and tooting a whistle. These improvements, however, will doubtless be added when the department has been housed in the new city hall.
- From Fire Engineering September 8, 1909
Ellensburg Fire Department Resigns.
The resignation of the entire fire department at Ellensburg, Wash., as a means of protest against the attitude of the city government, seems justified, if one is to accept Chief Schuller's statement of conditions now prevailing. If conditions are as Chief Schuller pictures them, and there appears no reason to doubt his statements, then the Ellensburg attitude toward fire protection, if at all typical, goes far to explain why fire losses run high. The citizens of Ellensburg when they are niggardly with their fire department are saving at the spigot and wasting at the bung in the words of the old adage.
Chief Schuller in justification of the action of himself and men in resigning, has this to say of conditions:
"Conditions have become such that the members of the department feel that in justice to themselves they roust resign from the service of the city. We have long been handicapped with insufficient and evtn useless firefighting apparatus and fire protection in the city seents to he the last thing that worries the minds of the residents. We have frequently been late to fires because directions were not given properly and we have to shoulder the blame that was not ours. Now things have reached their limit. We cannot allow these changes to continues and affairs-must he better if Ellensburg is to have fire protection.
"The fire team, for instance, has been in the service of the city for over 12 years. The horses are old and ought to be pensioned, but the city depends upon them to. haul heavy wagons and the steamer, to a fire. I have repeatedly asked for a new team, but 1 have been put off and set aside while fire losses go on in the city.
"I have said that a fire alarm system could be installed in this city for $2,200 and Ellensburg be placed in its proper place among other cities of its class as regards fire protection. But in spite of my protests the people of the city are willing to take chances that the town will not burn and are willing to believe that their neighbor's house instead of their own will be the next to take fire. We are badly handicapped by the present system of taking alarms over the telephone, but protests have done no good.
"We need more fire hydrants. When one of our residences burned to the ground recently most of the building might have been saved had a fire hydrant been within proper distance of the house. But the nearest plug was six blocks away and when the boys made the run the hose on the wagon was not sufficient to reach the required distance and the team had to be sent back for more hose. While the horses were gone the house burned to the ground. The men tried to use the chemical, but were driven from their work by the smoke and flames. I had asked for fire hydrants in that district not more than two weeks ago. but my petition, which was signed by householders, was shelved.
"And again; the paid firemen have to sleep in the fire station and at the present time the quarters assigned them are not fit for the use of human beings. We have a cramped, stuffy room, poorly ventilated, crowded uncomfortably, unsanitary to the highest degree and directly responsible, according to my physician, for my recent illness. Now, under the new condition of affairs, some of this room is to be taken from us and the shed which was used to store fuel is to he converted into a tool house.
"These conditions are unbearable, and we have decided that if the city council and the people of the city of Ellensburg will not afford us proper relief that we must take the only means in our power of avoiding the squalor and of ridding ourselves of the many handicaps which are heaped upon us. That is by leaving the service of the city. Our resignations have been handed to the chairman of the fire and water committee and presumably will he placed in the hands of the city council at its next meeting. We will seek other means of employment and the city may, if it can, secure other men to afford it protection from fire."
- From Fire Engineering December 20, 1911
Shall Chief Schuller Lose Salary While Sick?
Shall Peter Schuller of the Ellensburg, Wash., Fire Department, who was ill during the month of June, lose his entire salary for the month was the question that caused considerable discussion at the Ellensburg council meeting recently. When the city checks were passed around last month the chief failed to receive one and he felt he had been mistreated. Schuller has been chief ever since the paid department was started seven years ago, and prior to that was a member of the volunteers for seven years and says that in all the time he has never had a vacation with pay. He says he has attended fire chief conventions several times at his own expense, where other municipalities were paying the expenses of their chiefs, He does not feel it just that when his health broke down he should lose his entire salary. Several of the members of the council agreed with him, but did not feel that the chief had gone about the matter in the right way. Finally the matter was referred to the fire committee. Schuller draws $75 per month as fire chief and $15 per month as building inspetor. With a view of giving the city the best possible service. Schuller paid for a horse, buggy, and harness to be used by himself, and pays for the animals keeping. During his illness Schuller issued his orders from his bed. thus saving the city from extra expense.
Peter was born in 1878. He passed away about 1945. Peter G. Schuller was born in New Prague, Minnesota on February 2, 1878 to Frank and Ayla Schuller. As a boy, Peter traveled with his family to the Kittitas Valley in Washington Territory. He was involved with the Ellensburg, Washington fire department for many years and ably served as the fire chief. Peter's first wife was Lulu, but by 1930 he was married to Beatrice and the couple was living at 400 S. Pearl Street. Peter worked for his half-brother Frank Schuller who owned and operated the Soda Works Company. He was an active member of the St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Peter died on January 11, 1948 at the age of 70 years.
Peter SCHULLER and C. F. SCHANNO spent the holidays in Yakima.
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn, Thu, Feb. 23, 1905, page 5:
Peter Schuller was nominated by the fire department Saturday night to succeed Peter Garvey as fire chief, and he has been assured by the council that his nomination would be confirmed. Surely Peter is worthy of the promotion and honor conferred and THE DAWN predicts that no regrets will ever come of his having filled the position. He is absolutely honorable, truthful, reliable and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Contributor: Rick Read (47476599)
- From The Ellensburg (WA) Dawn January 11, 1906
FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTS OFFICERS
At a regular meeting of the Fire Department Monday evening the following officers were elected: Chief, Peter SCHULLER; President, W. F. FREYBURGER; Vice President, Herbert CARSCADDEN; Secretary, George M. JENKINS; Assistant Secretary, H. L. WRIGHT; and Treasurer, A. F. SHULTZ.
- From Fire Engineering February 24, 1909
The Ellensburg Fire Department.
Ellensburg, Wash., knows when it has a capable man at the head of its fire department, and, accordingly, was more than pleased at the re-election of Peter Schuller to serve for the second time as head of its firefighting force. Chief Schuller is a man whose strong point is looking after the fire protection of his city, and, in addition to a natural bent in that direction, he has rendered himself all the fitter to fulfil the duties of his highly responsible position by attending every possible fire convention in the Northwest, and, whenever it is in his power, being present at all tests or exhibits of the most modern types of fire apparatus. In this way, he has acquired a large amount of experience and a thorough technical knowledge of the best styles of machinery called for by his profession, and has become intimately acquainted with all the most up-to-date methods of employing them. He has thus greatly increased the knowledge and experience he had already gained in his eleven years' service in the fire department of Ellensburg, during four of which he has been its chief, and has thereby not only fitted himself to serve his city and administer the affairs of his bureau, but, also, to drill his men thoroughly, and make them—one and all—competent to act intelligently and individually when the necessity arises. He has thus a department on which he can rely and in which his fellow-citizens have every confidence. The department has at present in service the following apparatus: Combination chemical and hose wagon (received on January 2, 1909) ; third-size Silsby steamer (in service during the last eighteen years) ; 2-horse hook and ladder truck; 2,700 ft. of hose. A new 2-story city hall, 60×120 ft., will probably soon be built ; in which the department will be accommodated and afforded every chance to become more and more efficient. Every year (the underwriters' rating is already first-class) Ellensburg, like all the cities in the Northwest, and not least in Washington, is a rapidly growing town. On its fire area of over 600 acres, stand many 2-story mercantile buildings of brick and stone, its residential structures being chiefly of wood: but, as might be expected in an enlightened community, no wooden roofs are allowed. It has a good gravity waterworks system, fairly well supplied with hydrants, the fire-pressure being 70 lb. What it needs further in the way of fire protection would seem to le more paid men and a more effective way of calling its firemen out than ringing a bell and tooting a whistle. These improvements, however, will doubtless be added when the department has been housed in the new city hall.
- From Fire Engineering September 8, 1909
Ellensburg Fire Department Resigns.
The resignation of the entire fire department at Ellensburg, Wash., as a means of protest against the attitude of the city government, seems justified, if one is to accept Chief Schuller's statement of conditions now prevailing. If conditions are as Chief Schuller pictures them, and there appears no reason to doubt his statements, then the Ellensburg attitude toward fire protection, if at all typical, goes far to explain why fire losses run high. The citizens of Ellensburg when they are niggardly with their fire department are saving at the spigot and wasting at the bung in the words of the old adage.
Chief Schuller in justification of the action of himself and men in resigning, has this to say of conditions:
"Conditions have become such that the members of the department feel that in justice to themselves they roust resign from the service of the city. We have long been handicapped with insufficient and evtn useless firefighting apparatus and fire protection in the city seents to he the last thing that worries the minds of the residents. We have frequently been late to fires because directions were not given properly and we have to shoulder the blame that was not ours. Now things have reached their limit. We cannot allow these changes to continues and affairs-must he better if Ellensburg is to have fire protection.
"The fire team, for instance, has been in the service of the city for over 12 years. The horses are old and ought to be pensioned, but the city depends upon them to. haul heavy wagons and the steamer, to a fire. I have repeatedly asked for a new team, but 1 have been put off and set aside while fire losses go on in the city.
"I have said that a fire alarm system could be installed in this city for $2,200 and Ellensburg be placed in its proper place among other cities of its class as regards fire protection. But in spite of my protests the people of the city are willing to take chances that the town will not burn and are willing to believe that their neighbor's house instead of their own will be the next to take fire. We are badly handicapped by the present system of taking alarms over the telephone, but protests have done no good.
"We need more fire hydrants. When one of our residences burned to the ground recently most of the building might have been saved had a fire hydrant been within proper distance of the house. But the nearest plug was six blocks away and when the boys made the run the hose on the wagon was not sufficient to reach the required distance and the team had to be sent back for more hose. While the horses were gone the house burned to the ground. The men tried to use the chemical, but were driven from their work by the smoke and flames. I had asked for fire hydrants in that district not more than two weeks ago. but my petition, which was signed by householders, was shelved.
"And again; the paid firemen have to sleep in the fire station and at the present time the quarters assigned them are not fit for the use of human beings. We have a cramped, stuffy room, poorly ventilated, crowded uncomfortably, unsanitary to the highest degree and directly responsible, according to my physician, for my recent illness. Now, under the new condition of affairs, some of this room is to be taken from us and the shed which was used to store fuel is to he converted into a tool house.
"These conditions are unbearable, and we have decided that if the city council and the people of the city of Ellensburg will not afford us proper relief that we must take the only means in our power of avoiding the squalor and of ridding ourselves of the many handicaps which are heaped upon us. That is by leaving the service of the city. Our resignations have been handed to the chairman of the fire and water committee and presumably will he placed in the hands of the city council at its next meeting. We will seek other means of employment and the city may, if it can, secure other men to afford it protection from fire."
- From Fire Engineering December 20, 1911
Shall Chief Schuller Lose Salary While Sick?
Shall Peter Schuller of the Ellensburg, Wash., Fire Department, who was ill during the month of June, lose his entire salary for the month was the question that caused considerable discussion at the Ellensburg council meeting recently. When the city checks were passed around last month the chief failed to receive one and he felt he had been mistreated. Schuller has been chief ever since the paid department was started seven years ago, and prior to that was a member of the volunteers for seven years and says that in all the time he has never had a vacation with pay. He says he has attended fire chief conventions several times at his own expense, where other municipalities were paying the expenses of their chiefs, He does not feel it just that when his health broke down he should lose his entire salary. Several of the members of the council agreed with him, but did not feel that the chief had gone about the matter in the right way. Finally the matter was referred to the fire committee. Schuller draws $75 per month as fire chief and $15 per month as building inspetor. With a view of giving the city the best possible service. Schuller paid for a horse, buggy, and harness to be used by himself, and pays for the animals keeping. During his illness Schuller issued his orders from his bed. thus saving the city from extra expense.
Peter was born in 1878. He passed away about 1945. Peter G. Schuller was born in New Prague, Minnesota on February 2, 1878 to Frank and Ayla Schuller. As a boy, Peter traveled with his family to the Kittitas Valley in Washington Territory. He was involved with the Ellensburg, Washington fire department for many years and ably served as the fire chief. Peter's first wife was Lulu, but by 1930 he was married to Beatrice and the couple was living at 400 S. Pearl Street. Peter worked for his half-brother Frank Schuller who owned and operated the Soda Works Company. He was an active member of the St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Peter died on January 11, 1948 at the age of 70 years.
