NEWTON FALLS Officials consider siren system changes

Safety personnel have threatened they will not respond in emergencies unless changes are made.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NEWTON FALLS -- The city's law director and an attorney for firefighters are working out kinks in the emergency siren system that have prompted heated discussion in recent weeks.
The Newton Falls Joint Fire District issued a news release recently, saying city council wants to stop using the siren and make other changes that "jeopardize the safety of the emergency responders and the safety of unknowing pedestrians."
Those firefighters, who were unavailable Wednesday, acknowledge there are problems with the current system but say council doesn't want to spend money to upgrade it.
If appropriate changes are not made, firefighters said their "last resort effort" will be to refuse response to emergencies until something is done.
Standstill: The siren freezes traffic lights downtown and can be heard up to three miles away. Some local business owners and residents have complained it is too loud.
Firefighters, however, say the siren is useful because it ensures ambulances and fire trucks won't get stuck in traffic and it allows emergency personnel to get in and out of the station quickly.
Also being debated are signs at traffic intersections that say motorists cannot turn right on red when the siren is engaged.
City Law Director Richard Schwartz has told council he does not believe the signs are enforceable under Ohio Department of Transportation guidelines.
Suggestions have included discontinuing the freezing of lights when the siren is on and removing signs that prohibit turns on red.
Want siren and signs: Firefighters are asking for a smaller siren to alert motorists and pedestrians, but one that would not be intrusive for business owners. They also want signs erected at intersections that illuminate when a dispatcher activates them in an emergency situation, saying "Emergency Vehicles Approaching. No Turn on Red."
This alternative will cost the city $30,000, firefighters say.
City Councilman Joseph Hildack, D-3rd, said he is interested to hear the recommendation of the law director and attorney.
"I'd like to see what they come up with. This will be resolved," he noted.
The fire chief told council recently the city's ambulance service received 40 emergency calls in March, Hildack said.
Because of frequent calls, many residents have been vocal about keeping the system the way it is, Hildack said, explaining that parents are worried their children will be in danger if the siren is turned off.
At-large Councilman Harry Benetis said he thinks the current system needs updating and that controlling traffic for emergency vehicles will not be a problem as long as the right solution is found.
Firefighters and emergency squads are sometimes called out four or five times a day, he noted.