Fire Matrons

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Jun 27, 2017
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In New York City, fire matrons were instituted in 1865 by the members of the department to employ the widows of deceased firemen.

The last fire matron, Georgiana McMenamin (widow of J. McMenamin Engine Co. 75) was appointed in 1932, retired in 1991 and died in May of 2004. She did the linen at Engine 40/ Ladder 35. She started at $13/month and was paid $100/month by company members until her passing.

From the Regulations for the Uniformed Force

19.1.12 Matrons shall be assigned to all companies for the purpose of providing the necessary care of beds and bed linen.

19.1.13 When a vacancy for matron occurs, company commanders shall forward a report. Assignment of matrons will be made by the Chief of Department and shall be for periods of not more than five years.

19.1. 14 Company commanders shall, one month prior to the date ending the five year service period of a matron, apply for an appropriate application form. Application shall be properly filled out and returned to Chief of Department.

D,O, 119 July 1, 1957

19.1. 15 Company commanders shall be in charge of linen supply for their units and shall be responsible for laundry arrangements, assignments and distribution.

19.1.16 Officer on duty shall collect house assessment bi weekly in the following amounts:
Chief Officers.....$3.50
Captains...............$2,80
Lieutenants.........$2.70
Pilots/Engineers$2.60
Fireman 1st/2nd$2.50
Fireman 3rd/4th$2.00
Probationary.......$2.00

When collections have been completed the Company commander shall deduct the amount of money provided in the laundry allowance schedule and forward the balance to Battalion Commander, who shall divide sum equally among matrons assigned to Battalion. The Battalion Chief on duty shall supervise the proper distribution to matrons.
 
We had a matron in 233 on Hull St. and she lived in Glendale. She would take public transportation to get to the firehouse. One day she was mugged and no longer came to Quarters. Luckily I was in the military, so I knew how to make a bed with Hospital corners.
 
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