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i ■ , : To Use Walkie-Talkie At Arlington-Washington [ Will Intensify Track Protection To Speed Up Daily Race Programs , Arlington and Washington Parks will introduce the famed "walkie-talkie" to thoroughbred racing this summer in an effort I to intensify track protection and to speed 1 up the daily racing program. The twin Chicago tracks are the first to use the medium of short- wave, mobile , radio-telephone, and have been granted a license to operate the equipment by the , Federal Communications Commission, it j was announced by executive director Benjamin F. Lindheimer. The innovation has been under the direction of Robert V. Henderson, Arlington-Washington manager of operations, who [ explained that tests have proven the ; walkie-talkie a distinct improvement in 1 race track communications and one with 1 great potentialities. "We are equipping all of our patrol cars, i which cover the plant in three shifts ; around the clock, with the radio-telephone," he explained, "and theyll have direct contact with our 24 -hour switchboard. "They can call in or be called, and, in i any emergency, such as fire, accident, or illness, can reach any spot on the grounds ; within 60 seconds. It will do much toward • extending, and intensifying, protection • both to the public and the horsemen. . In fire protection, the walkie-talkies will 1 supplement Arlington-Washingtons elaborate . system, which includes a professional [ fire-fighting force 24 hours a day, high-pressure equipment, fire hydrants and extra length fire hose at every barn, and lighted phone boxes which distinguish call I boxes at night. "In addition, Henderson continued, "the state steward will be equipped with a ; mobile unit, as will all the stewards who J observe the running of each race around I the racing strip. At any time, they can j report immediately to him, or vice versa, on any violation. "The starter and the mutuel department also will have walkie-talkie units in the ■ event some horse is scratched at the gate. It will definitely help speed up the daily ; racing program." In the case of accidents or illness, a 24-hour track ambulance equipped with mobile i telephone also will be available, as will the • tracks 24-hours-a-day hospitals, equipped [ and staffed for almost any emergency.
