For years the city depended on a Mill whistle as a fire alarm.  In 1913, the Follansbee city council made funds available for remodeling the hose house on Penn Street.  A representative of Fabric Fire Hose Company of New York visited and took specifications for a fire bell and tower.   The hose house was completely remodeled including a cement floor.  A high tower was erected for the bell.  In 1922, the bell was replaced by a fire siren. Among the 1913 officers of the Volunteer Fire Department were:  Jenkin Jones (President), Charles Petch (VP), Blair Burchard (Recording Secretary), William Brandt (Chief), and Sid Lake (Captain). (See 1907 First Volunteer Fire Department)

• Mill Towns Review, “Firemen Elect New Officers,” December 26, 1913, front page.