Surf City’s fire siren unexpectedly breaks

Photo via SCVFC
The siren alerts firefighters of an emergency.

If Surf City seems unusually quiet, that’s because the fire company’s siren is out of order. The alarm, which was last replaced in 2004, is out of commission due to exposure from the area’s salt air, said Fire Chief Michael Wolfschmidt, who noted the members did not foresee the siren’s unfortunate demise.

Because purchasing a brand-new siren would be very pricey, the fire company is in the process of deciding whether or not to acquire a used siren or to rebuild the one already in place. Wolfschmidt said the alarm, which is vital for notifying the volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel, will be in working order as quickly as possible.

Although some people consider the sound of the siren to be a nuisance, it is “truly a time-tested method of alerting our volunteers of an emergency” and rarely ever stops working, Wolfschmidt stated in a post on the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. and EMS’ Facebook page. The siren also signals residents and visitors of an emergency and allows the community to be mindful of volunteers and emergency vehicles responding to the situation.

The siren is activated for all fire and rescue calls but is not used for emergency medical calls.

While the department’s members use electronic paging devices, the costly equipment sometimes stops working. The electronic devices also cannot be carried at all times, such as when volunteers are swimming or surfing or even boating, Wolfschmidt said.

“If we were to shut the fire siren off, some volunteers would be completely unaware of a fire or rescue emergency, which could have disastrous results. We need them to be there!” he stated. “When the fire siren activates, our volunteers always stop what they’re doing, or get out of bed, and head to the firehouse to help their neighbors in need. Please remember that firefighting is a dangerous and ultra hazardous activity. That firefighter responding to your emergency may never come home to their family in the event the unthinkable happens.

“Fire does not discriminate whether you are a career or volunteer firefighter or a civilian ... it will kill you just the same. Please remember this the next time you hear our siren and see our volunteers.”

Anyone with further matters concerning the siren may email Wolfschmidt at surfcityfirechief@gmail.com.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.