we have perhaps assured the saving of at least a few lives that, barring
quick action, would be lost.

But is not only in the field of legislation that we can embark on
programs designed to reduce as much as possible the economic drain
and unnecessary loss of life caused by fires. On the occasion of my
recent visit to the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Memphis,
1 advised them that I was convinced that there is much yet to be
learned in the techniques of fire fighting and in the development of
fire prevention programs. I told them that it is essential that fire pre-
vention conferences continue to be held bringing together individuals
of specialized knowledge. To my mind, it is primarily through the
sharing of specialized information that we can effectively reduce our
fire losses....

Last month, hundreds of business firms in Maryland and many
public officials participated in the Governor's Annual Safety-Health
Conference in Baltimore. While the purpose of this conference was
to promote safety in general, it does serve to impress upon participants
the hazards of fire and, in that sense, contributes to the overall
development of an effective fire prevention program here in Maryland.

As you can see, our record in the field of fire prevention and our
willingness to continue to search out additional effective aids in
combatting fire is good. But as Governor of this State and as an old
fire fighter myself, I am determined to see that it shall continue to be
improved.

Much of the credit for our success in the development of modern
fire fighting techniques and in reducing fire losses in general must go
to you here today. But credit also must go to the Fire Service Exten-
sion Division at the University of Maryland where so many of you
received your initial training in the skills of fire fighting. Since that
division was first established at the University back in the 1930's, many
thousands of persons have participated in the training program. More
than 3, 000 firemen take part in this fire fighting program every year
and, this year, Bob Byrus tells me that more firemen will receive
training than in any year since the program was initiated. This is
a wonderful tribute to the fire fighters of Maryland and to the Fire
Service Extension Division. It is the reason why, in the field of fire
prevention, Maryland sets the standards for the nation.

In closing, permit me to once again thank you for inviting me to
be here with you today at this seventy-second annual convention of
the Maryland State Firemen's Association. To me, this is more than

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