(Frederick, MD, October 2, 2013) – On Sunday, October 6, at 12:00 p.m., the Division of Fire and Rescue Services and fire companies throughout Frederick County may sound the sirens in honor of fallen firefighters. DFRS and local fire companies are alerting the public to this so as not to create any undue hardship or worry from the siren activation.
Long before there were telephones and radios in use in America, fire departments utilized the telegraph to receive fire alarms from those once familiar red fire alarm boxes that stood on practically every street corner of our Nation's cities.
When a firefighter fell in the line of duty, the Fire Alarm Office, the forerunner of today's computerized Fire Communications Centers, would "tap out" a special signal, "Five-Five-Five" (5-5-5), over the telegraph fire alarm circuits which went to all station houses. Done for the purpose of notification, and as a sign of honor and respect, such symbolism has been a long-honored fire service tradition which still continues in some cities today.
For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.
