Despite systems which allow volunteer firefighters to be reached via text message, cell phones and pagers, fire sirens still have a presence in several north shore communities, according to a report published Thursday in The Village Times Herald.
Fire departments in St. James, Nesconset, Setauket, Northport, and Port Jefferson are among those that still sound the sirens when a fire is reported, according to the report.
Port Jefferson fire chief Jim Makarius said "technology is not foolproof," Northport chief John McKenna called them "someone's cry for help," and Miller Place first assistant chief Kyle Markott cited unreliable cell phone reception in north shore communities as a reason why the sirens are still necessary.
Click here to read the full report from The Village Times Herald.