effort—to convince these fire instructors who came to the conference
from all parts of the United States and Canada that Maryland is
indeed, as it claims to be, "Tops in Fire Service Training. " I hope I
proved a good emissary of Maryland, for I should like for the world to
know, as you and I know, how much we have accomplished in this
State, through our volunteer and paid fire departments and through
the fine training program that we have established at the University of
Maryland, in saving lives and property by emphasizing the importance
of fire protection.

We owe this service to our communities, of course, but I believe it is
time that we do a little public-relations work for the firelighters to let
the people in these communities know just how valuable the service is
that they perform. We hear and read much about traffic safety. And I
may say that it is of primary concern in my Administration. I called a
conference of traffic officials, traffic magistrates and police officers in
Annapolis just last Monday to discuss methods of reducing the heavy tool
of lives and property in automobile accidents. But the point I would make
is that while traffic safety is of importance—perhaps of paramount
importance—fire safety likewise is important. And it is time that public
concern with the value of adequate fire protection be brought to a level
with its concern with safety on the highways.

In my talk in Memphis, I cited some statistics which I thought were
of interest. Do you know that more children lost their lives in fires each
year than are killed by infantile paralysis, diphtheria, whooping cough,
measles and scarlet fever combined? You perhaps do know that, having
access to the same figures that I had. But I dare say few parents know
that, and I think they ought to be told that as many times as is necessary
to convince them of the wisdom of supporting firefighting services in
their cities, towns and communities.

I think we in Maryland have demonstrated an awareness of this con-
dition and a commendable determination to do something about it.
There is no point in boasting about it too much, but I do think that we
firemen are justified in some expression of pride in our fire service....

This association, as well as other groups, has displayed a fine public
spirit by its interest in fire prevention. I think undoubtedly that you
will render to the people of the State and to the citizens of your several
communities the finest of public services if you continue with the good
work you have been doing in the reduction of fire loss. I hope it may be
possible for me, in the office I now hold, to be of assistance to you in that
worthy cause.

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