In the near future when Powellites hear a distressing shrieking in the night, it won’t be the air raid siren signaling a fire or car crash. Instead, it will more likely be their alarm clock insisting they get up and go to work.

Last month, the Park County Fire Protection District No. 1 Board of Directors voted to silence the sirens nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

However, one fly in the clamorous ointment necessitated adjustments to the plan at the directors’ monthly meeting April 5.

“It’s not a matter of flipping the switch,” said Monte McClain, Park County communications supervisor.

Park County Sheriff’s Office dispatch pages the Powell Volunteer Fire Department to fires, car wrecks and other emergencies. Pagers packed by firefighters notify them of the type of incident and its location, more or less simultaneously with the siren sounding mostly to notify motorists and pedestrians to be on the look out for fire trucks.

Dispatchers can be instructed to not activate the siren, but must remember not to, McClain said. And, if the siren doesn’t sound for months, and the dispatcher accidentally triggers the alarm, the Sheriff’s Office will receive numerous complaints.

The only infallible solution is to install a timer on the two working sirens in Powell. Pete DeHaan of Pete DeHaan Electronics in Powell said he could install timers. The cost would be $5 for each timer and 15 minutes of labor per siren, McClain said.

There are three sirens, but one was taken out of service, said Kenny Skalsky, the district’s administrator.

“In the end, we’ll do whatever you guys want to do,” said Sheriff Scott Steward.

The siren would still sound to warn citizens of a civil defense issue, Steward added.

Civil defense mode would be a continuous blast to alert of a disaster such as a tornado, said Powell Fire Chief Damian Dicks at the district’s Feb. 2 meeting.

Director Jerry Faxon moved to add the timers. Director Kelly Spiering seconded the motion and it passed.

“I think the timer would be the best way to go,” said District President Bear May.

Thanks for the memories

Fireman Joey Darrah penned a thank you letter to the district and his comrades in firefighting.

After being a Powell fireman for 20 years, Darrah officially retired last year, but remains on the reserve team.

Darrah served as chief for nine years.

“I can say that my father was very proud his son became a member of this great organization which he loved so much,” said Darrah in the letter dated April 5.

The late Joseph Darrah (1938-2013), served as a fireman 18 years and chief for two years.

“I have always been thankful for the great relationship the board has had with the department since Calvin Sanders was chief (1997-2004),” Darrah said.

“Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank Kenny Skalsky for all of the support and extra time he gave me when I was chief.”

Skalsky is the district’s administrator and maintains the department’s equipment.

“I will miss most of it, but it is time to turn a new chapter,” Darrah said. “Good luck. I believe we are all in good hands on the firefighting front.”