Things have been quieter in the area of the Paxtonia 34 fire station in Harrisburg the past few days.
That's because the house siren has been silenced.
As with many things, the long-standing fire service notification has been replaced by technology, District Chief Michael Rodkey told WHTM.
“With today’s technology, along with our combination of paid staff and dedicated volunteers, the siren is no longer necessary. Our crews now receive alerts instantly through cell phones and pagers.”
The silence didn't go unnoticed either. Residents called the station to make sure everything was OK.
Fire officials say the weekly test at noon on Saturdays may continue.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.