Dennie Covey
Emergency lights installed at fire station
by By David Rupkalvis
(Posted 10/30/2009 02:31 pm)
editor@grahamleader.com
When an emergency arises, every second counts as emergency responders drive to the scene.
In an attempt to make the streets safer and response times faster, the Graham City Council recently decided to purchase flashing lights that were installed near the Graham Fire Station on First Street.
The lights, which flash only when a fire truck is exiting or entering the station, are designed to warn other drivers that an emergency vehicle is approaching.
Fire Chief Dennie Covey said the lights were installed after the city council decided to look for ways to warn drivers.
“One of the city council members was coming by, and she noticed there was heavy traffic on First Street,” Covey said. “We do have a lot of traffic here at times, especially when school is getting out. She thought if there was an emergency, we could run into traffic. She wanted to know if there was a way we could warn drivers.”
After some research, Covey found the flashing lights. The city council approved purchasing the lights, and employees at the Graham Street Department installed them. The lights were paid for with money in the fire department’s budget. Covey said when an emergency call comes in, one push of a button turns the lights on.
“They’re remotely activated within the truck,” he said. “They’re on timers for about 30 seconds. They’re blinking only when we have an emergency.”
For many years, an emergency at Graham Fire Rescue has meant firefighters jump in the truck, pull out of the station and slowly proceed onto First Street when traffic allows. Covey said there has been no accidents and no real problems with drivers. Despite the lights, Covey said the firefighters will continue to use caution when exiting the station.
“We’re watching for everyone,” Covey said. “This is more or less to let everyone know a fire truck will be in front of them.”
During the first few weeks the lights have been working, Covey said most drivers have slowed down when the lights were blinking. If the lights are blinking, Covey asked drivers to be cautious. He said the lights are only turned on when the fire truck is leaving on an emergency or returning to the station.
“Slow down, give us enough room to get in and out of the station,” Covey said. “Stop if necessary. We won’t be in their way long.”
