Firefighters 49xxxx (004) Jimmy Not Guilty of False Alarms

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: Firefighters 49xxxx (004) Jimmy Not Guilty of False Alarms
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: July 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Firefighters", listeners are transported to the tense and action-packed world of firefighters during the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, the show delves into the real-life heroism and challenges faced by firefighters before the advent of television. Episode 004, titled "Jimmy Not Guilty of False Alarms," centers around a dramatic investigation within a fire department, highlighting themes of family loyalty, justice, and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

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The Five-Alarm Fire

The episode kicks off with the urgent call to action as Chief Bob Cody announces a five-alarm fire:

[00:12] Chief Bob Cody: "Attention all districts. A five alarm fire. Five bells. Move in immediately. That's it."

Firefighter Tim Collins, a rookie, responds promptly to the emergency, setting the stage for the day's critical events.

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The Investigation Begins

As the fire is brought under control, the focus shifts to an internal investigation within the fire department. Tim Collins faces his toughest challenge yet: proving his brother Jimmy's innocence in a series of false fire alarms.

Tim confronts Chief Cody and Jimmy with compelling evidence:

[02:03] Tim Collins: "I know one family with a boy in it who had a pair of red and green knitted gloves just like this one before the false alarm the night of the blizzard."

Despite initial resistance, Tim's persistence leads him to accuse Jimmy of being the culprit responsible for the false alarms that have jeopardized their community's safety.

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Confrontation and Suspicion

The tension escalates as Tim presents his case against Jimmy, highlighting the missing glove as key evidence:

[03:14] Tim Collins: "After we got the crowd calmed down, Chief Cody found a glove out in the passageway near the box where the false alarm was pulled."

Jimmy, visibly distressed, maintains his innocence by presenting his own glove:

[03:40] Jimmy Collins: "It's mine. It's my glove. It's been in my pocket all the time."

Chief Cody remains skeptical but urges Tim to continue his investigation, keeping the pressure high on Jimmy.

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Enter Droopy Dolan

Just as the case against Jimmy seems solid, Droopy Dolan enters the scene, seeking assistance with a lost item:

[04:20] Jimmy Collins: "The one who said something was going to happen and then it did. The false alarm was rung in."

Droopy admits to Mrs. Collins that he lost something during the chaos caused by the false alarm, prompting him to return to the theater. His arrival introduces a new twist to the investigation.

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The Twist: Droopy's Revelation

Droopy hands over the lost glove, exonerating Jimmy and revealing the true perpetrator behind the false alarms:

[05:44] Droopy Dolan: "Yeah, sure, that's it. Gee, what a break."

[05:53] Droopy Dolan: "Listen, it's the one my mother ordered from the mail order house. She picked it out in the catalog her own self, and that's why she burns up when it gets lost."

Additionally, Droopy's glove contains soft coal dust, which plays a pivotal role in confirming his ownership and thereby clearing Jimmy of any wrongdoing:

[06:08] Tim Collins: "Hey, a cloud of fine black dust, Mr. Cody. Say, smells like. Well, this glove is impregnated with soft coal dust."

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Resolution and Redemption

With the evidence pointing to Droopy Dolan as the true source of the false alarms, Jimmy is vindicated. Chief Cody commends Jimmy for his cooperation and hints at his future within the fire department:

[07:11] Chief Bob Cody: "You've admitted enough. I charge you with maliciously and knowingly ringing in false alarms."

Despite initially suspecting his brother, Tim acknowledges the truth and expresses his happiness for Jimmy:

[03:46] Tim Collins: "Oh, even if you never forgive me for suspecting you, I. I'm the happiest man in the fire department tonight."

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Tim's Future in the Fire Department

As the episode draws to a close, Chief Cody discusses the prospects of permanent appointments for the probationary firefighters, including Tim:

[08:38] Droopy Dolan: "Just like my Tim, following in his father's footsteps."

Tim eagerly anticipates his official appointment:

[09:06] Droopy Dolan: "Tim, then you'll know tomorrow you'll know for sure that you've been appointed as a fireman."

This development not only highlights Tim's dedication but also underscores the values of hard work and perseverance within the fire department.

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Educational Assignment for Junior Firefighters

Chief Cody wraps up the episode by addressing young listeners, emphasizing the importance of understanding fire safety protocols:

[10:39] Chief Bob Cody: "You are to make yourselves familiar with the operation of the alarm box nearest your home... And if you know anybody who thinks it's fun to ring in false alarms, warn him to stop before he gets into serious trouble."

This segment serves as a valuable takeaway, educating the audience on the critical role they can play in supporting their local fire departments.

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Conclusion and Tease for Next Episode

The episode concludes with a hint of future adventures and continued mentorship from Chief Cody:

[11:24] Narrator: "Fire Chief Cody and the young rookie fireman Tim Collins will be back tomorrow at the same time on the same station when you hear."

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, eager to follow Tim's journey and the ongoing efforts of the fire department to keep their community safe.

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"Firefighters" masterfully blends suspense, family dynamics, and educational elements to create an engaging and memorable listening experience. Through the trials and triumphs of its characters, the episode underscores the bravery and integrity of firefighters, making it a standout installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Transcript

[Tim Collins]

Five bells. Stand by all stations.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Attention all districts. A five alarm fire. Five bells. Move in immediately. That's it.

[Tim Collins]

Let's roll.

[Narrator]

Let's go. Firefight. Presenting firefighters, the true to life story of our unsung heroes who stand ready to ride by day or night against our most murderous enemy, the demon of fire. In just a minute, we'll move to the manager's office in the movie theater where Tim Collins, rookie fireman, is up against the hardest duty he has ever had to face. As you remember, all the evidence in the case of the dangerous false alarms appears to point to Tim's brother Jimmy as the guilty person. The investigation by Chief Cody of the fire department is coming to its climax. But before we bring you the details, here's something you'll want to hear. Let's go, firefighters. Droopy Dolan, standing in the lobby outside the manager's office at the movie theater, has just admitted to Mrs. Collins and Trudy that his mother has demanded he come back to the theater with strict orders to find a mysterious something he lost during the excitement that was caused by tonight's false alarm. Droopy hangs back, but Mrs. Collins insists that he knock on the door of the manager's office and claim his property. Meanwhile, inside that office, Tim Collins confronts Chief Cody and his own brother, Jimmy.

[Tim Collins]

You see, Chief, I know one family with a boy in it who had a pair of red and green knitted gloves just like this one before the false alarm the night of the blizzard. He had a complete pair.

[Chief Bob Cody]

And afterwards the left hand glove was missing.

[Jimmy Collins]

Oh, gosh, Tim, if you only let me tell what really happened.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Don't interrupt him, boy. Go on, Collins.

[Tim Collins]

I don't want to go on, but. Well, Chief Cody, tonight this same boy had the right hand glove before the false alarm was pulled here in the theater.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Yes, yes, we've been over all that. We have both gloves. There's the one we found tonight right there on the manager's desk. But now we've got to find the guilty boy.

[Tim Collins]

Well, Chief, I'm. I'm afraid the culprit is right here in this room.

[Chief Bob Cody]

In here with us.

[Tim Collins]

Jimmy, haven't you anything to say?

[Jimmy Collins]

Ah, Tim, I. I don't know what to say now. You'd only let me tell you before when we were alone.

[Chief Bob Cody]

But what is all this? Collins, you're not accusing.

[Tim Collins]

Jimmy, you better let me handle this, Chief. Jimmy, tonight, before we left home, you had a red and green knitted glove for the right hand, the only one left of the pair Aunt Ellen ordered from the Mail order house and gave you for Christmas. Is that true or isn't it?

[Jimmy Collins]

Oh, gosh, Jim, you know it's true.

[Tim Collins]

All right. After we got the crowd calmed down, Chief Cody found a glove out in the passageway near the box where the false alarm was pulled. A red and green knitted glove for the right hand.

[Chief Bob Cody]

True. Here it is on the manager's desk.

[Tim Collins]

Now, Jimmy, if you're not guilty, you still have your own glove in your possession. If you don't have that glove, well, you might as well throw yourself on the mercy of the chief.

[Jimmy Collins]

Here, look at this.

[Tim Collins]

Another glove.

[Jimmy Collins]

It's mine. It's my glove. It's been in my pocket all the time.

[Narrator]

Oh, Jimmy.

[Tim Collins]

Oh, even if you never forgive me for suspecting you, I. I'm the happiest man in the fire department tonight.

[Droopy Dolan]

Yo.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Well, here now. Easy, Collins. We still haven't caught the real criminal. Hold it. There's somebody at the door.

[Tim Collins]

Oh, I'll answer it, Chief.

[Droopy Dolan]

I gotta see the manager. Are you the manager, Mr. Oregon?

[Tim Collins]

Well, no, the manager isn't here.

[Droopy Dolan]

Anything I can do, Chief?

[Jimmy Collins]

Coley, that's the kid I told you about. That's Droopy Dolan.

[Chief Bob Cody]

What a nickname.

[Jimmy Collins]

It just fits him the way he is. But, Chief, don't you remember?

[Chief Bob Cody]

Oh, that's the boy who spoke to you in the lobby of the theater tonight.

[Jimmy Collins]

The one who said something was going to happen and then it did. The false alarm was rung in.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Well, maybe this is just the break we need in this case. Now, Jimmy, don't let him see you. Where can I hide? The manager's washroom. Get in there, Jimmy, and don't make a sound. Well, what's the trouble here? Somebody want to see me?

[Tim Collins]

Here's a young man wants the lost and found, Mr. Cody.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Well, bring him in.

[Tim Collins]

Yeah. Says he lost something in the theater tonight during the panic. Chief, that's the fellow I grabbed in the dark. The one that was yelling fire. I know his voice.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Don't let on. Just follow my lead. Well, come on over here, son, and let's hear the story I get.

[Droopy Dolan]

Josh, I don't want to make no trouble. I wouldn't have come, only my mother. She made me and I guess I better go now.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Oh, now, now, what's your hurry? What was it you lost in the theater tonight?

[Droopy Dolan]

Well, it's a use. I only had one. I lost the other a long time ago. Only my mother, she don't know I lost it. She thinks I still got the pair.

[Chief Bob Cody]

I see. She thinks you still have A pair of.

[Droopy Dolan]

I never told her, see? So when I come home and she wants to take and wash them.

[Chief Bob Cody]

I get it. What did you say it was you lost?

[Droopy Dolan]

What's the odds? I'll tell the old lady I asked Mr. Cody, is it? And they wasn't found yet. Hey, what do you know? There it is.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Oh, this glove here on the desk.

[Droopy Dolan]

Yeah, sure, that's it. Gee, what a break.

[Tim Collins]

You said it. What a break for the fire department.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Hold it, Collins. Not yet.

[Droopy Dolan]

What's that guy talking about your glove?

[Chief Bob Cody]

You say this is your glove?

[Droopy Dolan]

Listen, it's the one my mother ordered from the mail order house. She picked it out in the catalog her own self, and that's why she burns up when it gets lost.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Then you can identify this glove as your property, can you?

[Droopy Dolan]

I guess I can. All right, all right.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Look.

[Droopy Dolan]

Look here. When I shake the glove, you see that dust?

[Tim Collins]

Hey, a cloud of fine black dust, Mr. Cody. Say, smells like. Well, this glove is impregnated with soft coal dust.

[Droopy Dolan]

Yeah, you said it. Soft coal. My mother's always beefing about that coal dust. But what's the odd. She's always beefing about something. I don't pay her no money.

[Tim Collins]

Fine way to talk about your mother. You oughta have.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Collins. Now, as far as I'm concerned, boy, you've practically proved ownership to this glove.

[Droopy Dolan]

Okay, then, I'll be going.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Just a moment, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Collins]

Yes, sir.

[Droopy Dolan]

Collins, what are you doing here? What are you snooping into my business? Poor Jimmy Collins.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Never mind that, Jimmy. You know this fellow? Have you ever seen him wearing gloves like this?

[Jimmy Collins]

Yes, sir, I have. He wore those gloves to school right after Christmas.

[Droopy Dolan]

Yeah, so what? It ain't any crime wearing gloves in cold weather.

[Chief Bob Cody]

No, but it's a crime to ring in false alarms. And it's a crime to spread panic by yelling fire. In a public place like this movie theater.

[Droopy Dolan]

I never done it. I don't admit nothing.

[Chief Bob Cody]

You've admitted enough. I charge you with maliciously and knowingly ringing in false alarms.

[Droopy Dolan]

No, no, I never I, I, I won't do it again. Honest. Just give me a chance.

[Chief Bob Cody]

You will be handed over to the police for prosecution. My heart goes out to your father and mother, boy. The law must take its course. Well, all's well and ends well. Oh, by the way, can I drop you people anywhere? As long as I have my car.

[Droopy Dolan]

Thank you, no. Chief. Cody, we're almost home. I'm going to march my family off to bed before anything else happens.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Oh, there's just one point. I don't understand about this case.

[Tim Collins]

Oh, what's that, Chief?

[Chief Bob Cody]

Well, how did your brother Jimmy lose his glove the night of the blizzard?

[Tim Collins]

How about it, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Collins]

Oh, do I have to tell?

[Tim Collins]

Jimmy's a shame. Jimmy's a shame.

[Jimmy Collins]

Oh, I am not. It's just. Well, that night, remember I watched them movies with Trudy and, well, she met some other girls and.

[Tim Collins]

And Jimmy was throwing snowballs at us and we chased him and washed his face with snow.

[Jimmy Collins]

Oh, I tripped. And then's when I lost my glove.

[Tim Collins]

And we made him yell uncle. And oh, mommy, there were only six of us girls.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Well, well, now, don't laugh at Jimmy too hard now. Jimmy was a big help in clearing up this case. You bet. And you know, I think we'll need him in the fire department one of these days.

[Droopy Dolan]

Just like my Tim, following in his father's footsteps.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Oh, yes, yes. That reminds me. Tim.

[Tim Collins]

Yes, sir.

[Chief Bob Cody]

As you know, your class of probationers, that is, you fellows who went through training school together.

[Tim Collins]

Yes, sir.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Are up for permanent appointment to the fire department.

[Tim Collins]

Oh, yes, sir. I've been waiting for my notice in the mail, sir.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Yes, well, I have nothing to do with that. But I understand those notices were mailed today.

[Tim Collins]

What?

[Droopy Dolan]

Tim, then you'll know tomorrow you'll know for sure that you've been appointed as a fireman.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Well, it's never sure until you have your notice in your hand. But if you get it, son, come in and see me at headquarters, huh?

[Tim Collins]

Yes, sir.

[Chief Bob Cody]

All right. Good night, all.

[Tim Collins]

Good night. Good night, Chief. Gee, if I get my appointment. Golly, if I get it. Oh, good grief. Now, now, I. I won't sleep a wink all night.

[Narrator]

Now, what do you suppose Chief Cody meant by that? If all along Tim has counted on getting his permanent appointment on the fire department. And he was sure he was in line for it when Chief Cody called all available men to special duty the night of the blizzard a few weeks back. But now Chief Cody says if. Well, there's only one sure way to find out what happens next. Be sure to listen to our next true to life episode of the Firefighters. In just a moment, Chief Bob Cody will tell you, boys and girls, how you can help the firefighters in your own hometown. But first, here's a message. And now, Chief Bob Cody with a special assignment for all junior firefighters. Chief Cody.

[Chief Bob Cody]

Hello, boys and girls. This is Chief Cody again. And here's your special assignment. Attention, please. You are to make yourselves familiar with the operation of the alarm box nearest your home. Study the directions on the box until you know just what to do in case of emergency when you must call the fire department. Now, here's the rest of your assignment. Do not touch. Don't touch the fire alarm box except when you need to call for help. And if you know anybody who thinks it's fun to ring in false alarms, warn him to stop before he gets into serious trouble. Tell him how dangerous it is to us firefighters and to the whole neighborhood when some foolish person rings in a false alarm. Well, that is all, and thank you, firefighters.

[Narrator]

Fire Chief Cody and the young rookie fireman Tim Collins will be back tomorrow at the same time on the same station when you hear.

[Chief Bob Cody]

That's it. Let's rol.

[Narrator]

Let's go. Firefighters. Firefighters is written by Frank Jones and is a copyrighted feature of William F. Holland Productions.