Gamewell Alarm Systems in Michigan

[PFD1]

Red Jacket, Michigan is also known as Calumet which is listed in the Gamewell system list.

[PFD1]

Kalamazoo, MI Emergency Phone Boxes

Kalamazoo's emergency phone boxes were removed in 1982, but the shell of one (I believe the only one left) still is on the pole in the southeast portion of the city. All of the fire stations still have one on the outside.

[FAO25]

This running card from the Motor City is dated 12-23-68.  The location covers the D.F.D. Central Office (the fire alarm office).  I can hear it now, O.K. Chief 1, you're on the way...

Questions about Detroit Running Card
1. Is the alarm level across the top so you read the assignment down?
2. If I read it correct on the first alarm there were 2 Squads but only 1 Ladder Company assigned?
3. Who or what is "A"?
4. Were all boxes rx'd from street given a full assignment or was there a procedure for reduced assignments at certain times or for certain conditions?

[fcdan]

Questions about Detroit Running Card
1. Is the alarm level across the top so you read the assignment down?
2. If I read it correct on the first alarm there were 2 Squads but only 1 Ladder Company assigned?
3. Who or what is "A"?
4. Were all boxes rx'd from street given a full assignment or was there a procedure for reduced assignments at certain times or for certain conditions?

Answers:
1. Yes
2. Yes. However, Snorkel 1 was with Engine 9 at that time and responded on all box alarms where  Ladder  1 is on first alarm. From what I can remember, most downtown box alarms got two trucks, plus Snorkel 1.
3. A is short for Assistant Chief, Car 202. He ran out of Fire HQ and is the highest ranking 24 hour chief on duty. It is eqvuilant to todays Senior Chief, Car 203.
4. Up to the mid 1960's a box pulled got a full box alarm assignment of 2 or 3 engines, truck, squad and chief. Then it was reduced down to engine only during the day and afternoon shift, engine and truck on the midnight shift.

[dwagner825]

I came across this while researching something else. 

[PFD1]

Lansing Michigan fire alarm box pedestals. Two different styles from the city of Lansing.

[PFD1]

Kalamazoo, MI fire alarm office.

[PFD1]

Kalamazoo, MI. Alarm coming into the firehouse.

[magicitybill]

Neat!  Notice the telegraph key on top of the repeater & the grenade extinguisher on the wall by the door. In the fourth photo notice the combination gas / electric fixture. Those are two diget box numbers on the run pages & the register is almost out of paper!!

Great photos!!!