Communications

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.