From: Doug Hanes 
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 1997 15:33:08 -0400
Subject: Alarm Boxes

The City of North Tonawanda, New York still has alarm boxes.  We are
almost twice the size of Tonawanda, NY.  Although most wired boxes have
been removed all master boxes and certain street corner boxes were
retained with wireless gamewell boxes.  When the dispatcher receives
an alarm via the radio console he then reproduces the box number on a
manual system over the remenants of the wired system which just serve
the city's 7 stations.  Apparatus is dispatched via radio to a "box"
location which may very well be a phantom.  The telegraph backs up the
radio and telephone system.

A "5" tap indicates all rigs in service.

A 1-2-1 indicates all rigs are back in quarters.

A single tap is an alert for a still-alarm or first aid call.

A two tap indicates a box or full assignment is being set up for a
suspected working fire.

A three tap is rung out for additional manpower.

A four tap is rung for a second alarm.

A five tap is rung for a general alarm.

The same numbers of tones are also sounded on the radio for the various
assignments.

Doug Hanes, 1st Lt.
Gratwick Hose Co. No. 6
North Tonawanda, NY  14120

President, FireBell Club of Buffalo (NY)