Ably executing the job as evacuee and caucasian Police Chiefs Tom Takeyama and John W. Gilkey have been working endlessly for the rehabilitation of the police force since the disastrous setback it fared during the riot of last year. Their motto is "Difficult we do immediately, and the impossible takes a little longer."

MANZANAR'S FOUR HORSEMEN

Manzanar's version of "Four Men on a Horse" can be seen in the vicinity of the picnic grounds south of the center. From 8:00 a.m. to sundown, or until all residents who went out to the picnic area return through the West Gate, these equestrians patrol the grounds, watching for park rule violators, checking the creek weirs, and on the lookout for fires.

Patrol Sergeant Joe Saiki heads the group of horsemen. The other officers who make up the squad are: Shinzaburo Abe, Jim Kuromiya, George Ono and George Fujimori.

And of course, under each patrolman is his mount. The horses, Bobby, Ginger, Slipper and Peter, are housed at the George's Creek stables on Reynolds Ranch.

One nisei filling out an employment form in a center was puzzled by the question: "Any physical disabilities?" His friend suggested "Just tell them you're a Jap!"

Fire Department

Manzanar's Fire Department, headed by Fire Protection Officer Frank E. Hon and Associate Officer Ira L. Carpenter, still claims the distinction of having a very small fire loss. Despite the fact that Manzanar has a high fire hazard due to low humidity and strong winds the fire loss within this center was estimated under $25. On March 14, 1943, a brush fire was recorded southwest of the center with damage estimated amounting to $150.

A 50 by 56 feet structure, located on a street in block 13, houses two modern fire wagons equipped with a triple combination pumper capable of throwing 500 gallons of water per minute. There is also a hose wagon to be used as an auxiliary truck.

The department is manned 24 hours a day by three shifts of firemen, with living accommodations provided those on night duty. Constant drilling and preparation of fire equipment are conducted daily by Chief Hon. Heading the personnel of the local fire department is Berry N. Tamura, fire chief and S. Matsuda assistant chief.

Each block has organized brigades assigned to certain duties in case of a fire. They are supervised by the fire marshals in charge of four blocks each.

Police Department

Undertaking the task of maintaining law and order within the center, the Police Department was established in April, 1942, with an organized force of 115 men under WCCA. Revision of a large force, necessitated for the purpose of caring for incoming evacuees, was made under WRA supervision. A more compact force was formed and classes in criminology and traffic were started to teach the policemen the fundamentals of police work.

Eight-hour shifts are assigned to the patrolmen. In addition to routine duties, the department works in coordination with the military police checking the passes of incoming and outgoing vehicles and visitors. The issuance of identification cards for evacuees leaving on furlough and indefinite leaves is also in the hands of the police force.

A recent addition to the local police department is the mounted police force stationed in the newly-opened park located south of the center.

Under the supervision of Chief John Gilkey and Assistant Chief Loren Williams, the evacuee personnel includes: Chief Tom Takeyama, Assistant Chief Kiyoshi Higashi and Captain Yoshio Ishida. Sgt. Chosaku Kobayashi tops the Investigating Division. Acting as interpreter is Lieut. Eddie E. Higashi. Humane officers are Keisuke Hiraga and Sanpei Hiraga.

Ken Maeda, George Yamada, and Sam Matsuda earnestly rehearse handling high pressure hose at the local fire department. Constant practice in the operation of fire apparatus and preventive measures of fire hazards have been contributing factors in keeping Manzanar at the top of the list for the least fire loss of all ten relocation centers.