Miscellaneoua, Who's Who in Bainbridge, Leigh Evans, 1938

Who's Who in Bainbridge - Leigh Evans

Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 3, 1938

 

"Don't hurry, and don't get excited," these are the key words to the success of Fire Chief Leigh Evans.  By putting these words into practice himself, and by instilling them into the minds of his co-fire fighters, the village has become widely recognized as having one of the most efficient and best organized departments in a town of its size.

 

Chief Evans is a native of Bainbridge.  He graduated from the local high school and has spent the majority of his years here.  Attending the Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, he obtained a working background which he put into use immediately with the Newport Construction Co.  He, with this road building organization, constructed the first macadam state road through the village in 1910. 

 

Answering the country's call to arms, Mr. Evans enlisted in 1917 and, according to his own account, "remained a buck private in the rear ranks" until the end of the war, receiving most of his training at Camp Dix.  His years in the army have caused him to direct much of his time and interest to the affairs of the local Slater-Silvernail Post of the American Legion.  The years after the Armistice found him engaged in a variety of business ventures, which were ended by his return to his home town in 1922 when he entered the lumber business with his father.

 

Although "arson" is usually the term applied in such cases, nevertheless, Chief Evans admits that "fire" is the hobby which he is riding the hardest at present.  Elected head of the local fire department in 1925, Mr. Evans has kept that position unchallenged since.  He has devoted much of his time to the successful development of a company, trained and experienced in the most modern methods of fire fighting. 

 

Realizing the great need, it was primarily through his efforts that a township fire district was organized with apparatus purchased for the use of this district.  Through his determination that the department should be prepared to meet all emergencies, frequent fire drills are held and each member has come to recognize and carry out certain assigned duties.  This training and forethought has made for unity and efficiency at all times.  Generously, Chief Evans give the credit for the department's fine record and eficient service to the members of the hose companies whom he calls a "grand bunch."

 

Suggestions to home owners for fire prevention measures were given by Chief Evans, such as "Persons burning wood should clean their chimneys every two weeks."  "Everyone should have an extinguisher or two in his home."  "In case a fire does start, turn in the alarm and keep it in check as far as possible" and, repeating his watch works, "don't hurry, and don't get excited."