Responsibilities
The Communications division (also known as "Dispatch" or "Fire Alarm") is staffed 24 hours/7 days a week with one dispatcher.
They are responsible for:
- Answering and routing all incoming calls to the fire department
- Answering all 911 calls
- Dispatching all fire apparatus to emergencies
- Monitoring all fire alarm systems in the town
- Assisting and issuing burning permits for residents
- Interacting with all other agencies involved in any emergency
Fire Alarm Monitoring System (Radio Box)
In 2007 the Town of Salem adopted a change to the local Fire Codes to have all municipal fire alarm systems operate under a "radio box" system. Many people have seen or recall seeing in Salem the classic "red fire box" that was located on a building or a telephone pole that worked via a red telephone line. The modern-day version of this system works via "radio waves" with no lines stringing from pole to pole.
Anywhere a radio box is located in Salem, the fire alarm system is tied in directly to the Communications center for continuous monitoring.