Click here to read an article about the work schedule and pay of a Cranston firefighter in 1926. This was only six years after the CFD was established.
The following information was gleaned from a report of the CFD written by the National Board Of Fire Underwriters Committee On Fire Prevention And Engineering, dated June, 1955.
In 1955, the fire department consisted of 102 personnel.
The chief was appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city council. Other appointments and promotions were made by the Fire Department Committee with the approval of the city council.
A recruit had to be between the ages of 21 and 32, with satisfactory weight and height requirements.
Applicants were selected from each ward of the city on a rotational basis. After successfully completing an oral interview and physical exam, the chief would recommend the applicant’s appointment to the Fire Committee.
Retirement was optional after twenty-five years of service, with no compulsory retirement age.
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In January of 1958, the fire department consisted of 104 men. Privates made between $3,900 to $4,200 per year; Lieutenants; $4,100 to $4,600 per year; captains $4,300; deputy chiefs; $4,900; and chief: $6,000.
In March of 1964, Deputy Chief Waldo F. Holman requested a pay increase for Cranston’s firefighters, as well as fifteen additional new firemen and a new pumper and snorkel truck. The additional men would bring the strength of the department up to 120 men. It had been operating with 105 men since 1954.
In 1966, Cranston firefighters worked a 56-hour week.
In October of 1971, it was established through collective bargaining that Cranston’s firemen would work a 42-hour work week. Each firefighter would work two days, two nights, followed by four days off.
In April of 1981, twenty members of the department were promoted – seventeen to the rank of lieutenant, and three to the rank of captain. It was reported to be the largest promotion ceremony in the department’s history.
A promotion to lieutenant came with a raise of $25 a week.