Rescue Company 3 1944-1945

Was the signal 5-5-5-5 ever actually transmitted over the telegraph bells?

I was never present at a firehouse to actually hear that signal but swear I recall seeing it on the chalkboard. I believe I was told that when it was sent the watch man was to listen to WNYF radio (or the rig radios after they were installed) for details of the LODD.

However, I was told by someone (with reliable knowledge of the system) in the Fire Bell Club that the Four 5s never actually rang out in the firehouse.

Am I mistaken? 🤔
 
3511 said:
Was the signal 5-5-5-5 ever actually transmitted over the telegraph bells?

I was never present at a firehouse to actually hear that signal but swear I recall seeing it on the chalkboard. I believe I was told that when it was sent the watch man was to listen to WNYF radio (or the rig radios after they were installed) for details of the LODD.

However, I was told by someone (with reliable knowledge of the system) in the Fire Bell Club that the Four 5s never actually rang out in the firehouse.

Am I mistaken? 🤔
Click to expand...
In Report From Engine 82 Dennis Smith writes about being in the firehouse when a signal 5-5-5-5 came in on the bells. My father-in-law is a retired FDNY lieutenant from the war years. I’ll ask him about this.
 
If they didn't transmit the four fives, how would they know they had to turn the radio on?

That said,

I'm looking at a copy of a housewatch journal for Sunday May 17, 1970

2248 RTA 5-5-5-5 It is with regret that the announcement of the death of Lieut. James Connally Sq4 of injuries sustained when operating at box 2030 Bklyn on 5/17/70. Death occurred at 1950 hrs on 5/17/70. John T Ohagan Ch. of Dept Rob't O Lowery Fire Comm.


RIP
 
3511 said:
Was the signal 5-5-5-5 ever actually transmitted over the telegraph bells?

I was never present at a firehouse to actually hear that signal but swear I recall seeing it on the chalkboard. I believe I was told that when it was sent the watch man was to listen to WNYF radio (or the rig radios after they were installed) for details of the LODD.

However, I was told by someone (with reliable knowledge of the system) in the Fire Bell Club that the Four 5s never actually rang out in the firehouse.

Am I mistaken? 🤔
Click to expand...
In the 1946 Bell Signal list:

5-5-5-5 Display National Standard at half mast and turn on Radio
65-2 Turn on Radio in Company Quarters and tune to 1630 K.C. (1.63 M.C.)

Signal instructions are to turn on commercial radios (at the time). The signal itself pre-dates department radios.

Many people consider 'never' to mean before they were born.
 
entropychaser said:
If they didn't transmit the four fives, how would they know they had to turn the radio on?

That said,

I'm looking at a copy of a housewatch journal for Sunday May 17, 1970

2248 RTA 5-5-5-5 It is with regret that the announcement of the death of Lieut. James Connally Sq4 of injuries sustained when operating at box 2030 Bklyn on 5/17/70. Death occurred at 1950 hrs on 5/17/70. John T Ohagan Ch. of Dept Rob't O Lowery Fire Comm.


RIP
Click to expand...
JIM CONNOLLY was a FF in two 35*BN Companies ENG*216 & LAD*124 (before BN*28 was organized) ....he was 35 yrs of age....his Son is a BC OTJ....
CONTINUED REST IN PEACE BROTHER. 1734665546621.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top