defense than the firemen of the state. I am sure that we may expect the
full support of all fire companies and all individual fireman in this most
important undertaking.

Finally, let me say again that I have thoroughly enjoyed your com-
radeship here this evening. I hope that all of you will return to your
homes after these four days of instruction better prepared to do your
jobs as fire fighters.

REMARKS TO THE GOVERNOR'S

FIRE PREVENTION CONFERENCE

ANNAPOLIS

November 6, 1961

I have asked you to come here to this two-day conference to discuss
among yourselves the possibilities of reducing fire losses in Maryland
through preventive practices. Our concern is with both the millions of
dollars in property losses annually and the deaths and injuries that occur
as a result of preventable fires, although it may be said that our chief
interest is in reducing the distressing toll of deaths and injuries.

Let me say at the outset that I am most grateful to each of you for
the sacrifice of time and energy you have made in coming to this confer-
ence. The presence of so many of you here this morning is an indication
of the widespread interest that exists in Maryland in finding a solution
to the problem of fire safety. I believe I speak for every Marylander
when I commend you for the splendid public spirit you have shown by
gathering here to confront and attack a menace to public safety—fires.

As I look over this conference program, so carefully and intelligently
planned, I am deeply impressed by the enormous amount of talent and
knowledge that has been brought together for this 1961 conference.
One sees an expert, a specialist, an authority on practically every line of
the printed program. It is most encouraging evidence that something
really significant will be accomplished at this meeting.

I am grateful in particular to our non-Maryland friends who have
come here to assist us with our problem—to Mr. Joseph Transue, of the
Philco Corporation of Philadelphia, who will address you later at this
session; to Mr. Henry G. Thomas, of the National Board of Fire
Underwriters, New York; to Mr. Sam Pyle, of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture; to Mr. Kendall Jarvis, of the Soil Conservation
Service; to Mr. Clay Easterly, of Martinsville, Virginia, and Mr. Willis

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