The sound of the emergency siren has been a fixture in Gerrittsen Beach for almost a century. From the early days of manually-rung bells to the era of air horns and modern automated systems, the siren has been more than just a loud noise—it has been the heartbeat of a community on the alert. It is a symbol of readiness, a call to action, and an assurance that the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is always there, prepared to respond to any emergency.

As we bid farewell to our venerable air horn in October 2020, and welcome new technologies into our alert system, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the history and evolution of this iconic signal.

The transition from the air horn to a modern siren system is more than a technological upgrade; it is a continuation of a long-standing tradition of community alertness and emergency preparedness. The siren’s wail is the sound of a community that looks out for its own, of first responders rushing to help, and of a tradition that will carry on for years to come.

We may have said goodbye to our old air horn, but its spirit lives on in every wail of the new siren, in every firefighter’s swift response, and in every resident’s sense of safety and community. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we adapt and grow in our mission to serve you better.

If you have any historical information about the sirens or bells used in the past, we would love to hear from you. Your contributions will help us preserve the rich history of the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department’s emergency alert systems.

Thank you for your patience and support.. Together, we look forward to continuing to serve our community in the years to come.