Your question is interesting, and so is the answer. I did wonder if newer technology like cell phones had made the sirens redundant, and now we know all the reasons that they're still used. I don't mind the sirens, but obviously you're not alone since the neighboring townships don't use them overnight. I imagine that simple change would really be welcomed by folks who live very close to the siren.

As for all the hackles raised over your very simple question about the fire siren, people need to chill. Being a police detective and member of the SWAT team means you're out there serving and protecting at all hours, too. (I'm guessing you're contacted by cell phone...) So, the idea that you're anti-first responder...? Give me a break. 

Thanks for what YOU do -- including being an awesome neighbor! :) 

Great response Bill...

BTW:

You can hear our volunteer fire department in action whenever the siren goes off using a radio scanner app on a mobile device (Android/iPhone, etc.)

On Android, I use the free app called "Scanner Radio", then tune in to "Montgomery County Fire" stream. 

Black Rock Fire Company uses 99 as their prefix - "99-Ladder", "99-Engine1" etc. 

Listening to them "in action"can help us understand what all these volunteers do for our community.

Wow, thanks for that, John. My grandfather was a firefighter, and after he retired, he used to listen to one of those old tabletop scanners all the time. I've wondered if those things still exist or work. This is a great way to listen. My Dad will love this, too. (Now he's the retiree.)