Polk Co. IAGenWeb

As a result of the publication of this book, a considerable sum of money has been raised for the benefit of the Police Relief Association of Des Moines. To the business men of Des Moineswho have so substantially support this publication is extended the thanks of every member of the Department of Public Safety.

Never before has such a handsome, illustrated history of the Police and Fire Departments and Des Moines been printed and it will doubtless be gratifying to the citizens of Greater Des Moines to know that this souvenir, from a standpoint of art, is the peer of all previous and similar illustrated publications in the United States. It is in keeping with the progressiveness of "Certaintyville," the city that "does things," and is a fitting first history of the department since it came under control of the Commission plan of government.

No city of a similar population has a more efficient police and fire department than has Des Moines, and the fund which has been raised through the medium of this book, comes at a time when it is badly needed. The work has been prosecuted under the direction of the heads of the department, and the author believes that advertisers and subscribers will be a unit in declaring the publication a credit to the Department of Public Safety.

The lives of policement and firemen are in danger every minute they are on duty. Many of the pleasures of life enjoyed by the general public are denied these men, and it is but just that a pension fund should exist in order that they may be supported after their days of usefulness in their respective capacities have passed, or to provide the necessities of life for their families in the event of death while folling the paths of their duties.

The citizens of every community owe much to police officers and firemen. Seldom is there any friction between good citizens and members of a fire department. This situation should exist regarding a city's police officers. It is deplorable, however, that the contrary is often the case. All good citizens should respect the patrolman on the beat, or the "plain clothes" who ferrets out hidden criminals.

Friction produces friction. No one knows this better than the present heads of the Des Moines police department.

For the firement it is only necessary to say that seldom does a large fire get beyond the walls of the building in which it originates. No braver, no more resourceful fire fighters ever lived.

Sincerely,
HARRY WILKINSON.