Fire Hall Radios

from _The Cranbrook Courier_, September 29, 1955 (p1)

FIRE DEPARTMENT NOW RADIO EQUIPPED.-
Station XJK24, frequency 153.95 megacycles, is now established in the
Cranbrook fire hall. It is one end of a two-way communication system,
other being a transmitter-receiver installed in one of the new Bickle-
Seagrave pumper trucks.
Built by Communications Co. Inc. of Coral Gables, Florida, and
supplied by Spillsbury & Tindale Ltd., Radio Communications, of England,
through its Vancouver, B.C., agency, the equipment will enable direct
communication by radio between the truck and the fire hall.
Procedure now is that the fireman stationed at the hall while a fire
is in progress, at once switches on the equipment and listens for calls
from the scene of the fire. In case extra equipment is needed, it is
dispatched. Two-way conversation is available at all times, thus speeding
up any necessary emergency action.
The equipment has been undergoing tests by the department, and has
responded in perfect manner. All department personnel have received
instruction in the operation and use of the new equipment.
The fire hall station equipment is adaptable to 110-volt city
electricity, and in case of a power failure provision is made for 6-volt
battery operation.