The various fire companies of the Fire Department shall, at their annual election of officers, elect a board of trustees, designating, in accordance with the provision of the by-laws of their respective companies, one member to act as chairman of the board. The trustees of the respective companies shall be the overseers of the buildings, shall be responsible for maintaining proper order, purchase all supplies or services necessary for proper maintenance and cleanliness, from appropriations made by Council. The firemen assigned to the respective fire houses shall be required to obey the rules and regulations of the board of trustees transmitted through the chairman only, with respect to chores to be done in and around the fire house, in addition to any rules and regulations deemed necessary for conducting the affairs of the company in an orderly manner. (1944 Code Ch. 10 §4.)