Evanston Fire Department history Part 50

Another installment in the History of the Evanston Fire Department.

KSC732 IS ON THE AIR!

In June 1952, the Evanston Fire Department took a major step into modern communication by purchasing two-way FM radios for $13,000. These radios were installed in all fire stations and on most EFD vehicles. The funding came from a 1951 bond issue, and although there were initial issues with interference from a local taxi company, the problem was quickly resolved by Motorola engineers working on the project.

The 20-series numbering system was introduced in 1952 to help reduce confusion with other nearby fire departments that shared the same radio frequency. This system helped distinguish EFD units from those of Wilmette, Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe, and Highland Park. For example, Engine 1 became Engine 21, Truck 2 became Truck 22, and so on. A new pumper/rescue unit was designated as Squad 21. Chief Henry Dorband used the call sign “F-1,” which he had previously used on the Evanston Police Department’s radio system after receiving a new two-way radio-equipped car in 1951.

The EFD ended up sharing the same frequency with several suburban fire departments. Unlike the Chicago Fire Department, which used repeaters, the north suburban departments did not, leading to occasional interference between transmissions. This made clear communication even more essential.

The Evanston Police Department received the FCC-assigned call sign KSA580 when its base station was activated in 1951. The EFD followed suit in 1952 with KSC732. The radio at Station #1 was known as “KSC732 – the desk” or simply “732 – the desk.” Stations #2 through #4 had call signs KSC733, KSC734, and KSC735 respectively, while Fire Station #5, which opened in 1955, was assigned KSD841.

The EFD conducted two daily radio tests—once at 8:00 AM and again at 8:00 PM. Each station had to confirm receipt by stating its call sign. If companies were out responding to calls, the test could be delayed or even canceled during a major incident.

Company officers were responsible for tracking the status of other units of the same type (engine or truck). For instance, the officer of Engine Co. 24 needed to know if Engine Co. 23 was in or out of service, as this could affect their response area. Officers would acknowledge changes over the radio, often using their station’s call sign or just the last three digits.

Initially, both police and fire department radios were housed in a second-floor room of the police station, near the stairway to Fire Station #1. Later, they were moved to a first-floor room next to the police complaint desk, on the opposite side of the building from Station #1.

Communication operators, who were civilian employees supervised by a police sergeant, handled the radio traffic. Their salaries were split evenly between the police and fire departments. Before 1975, these positions were held exclusively by men, often retired officers or firefighters. Good memory, clear speech, and multitasking skills were key, but typing was not required.

All fire calls, inhalator alerts, and details were broadcast over the EFD radio. Operators announced fire and inhalator calls, automatic alarms, car fires, and trash fires. A firefighter at Station #1 usually handled non-emergency details like lockouts, gas washes, or odor investigations.

A four-second horn alert was sounded before each fire call, inhalator call, or detail, as well as during the daily radio tests. This unique tone, activated by a doorbell-like button, couldn’t be stopped once started and would cut through any ongoing conversation. There were only two buttons—one in the police radio room and one at Fire Station #1’s desk.

Operators didn’t assign units to calls. Instead, they would announce the call type and location twice, then state the time and the EFD’s call sign. After that, the radio system would become a conference line. Responding companies were expected to acknowledge the call, and it was up to the platoon commander to ensure the right units responded.

This old-school dispatch method, dating back to 1952, remained in place until 1982!

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