Oct 9, 2026 · 5 min · 6 segments
After more than a year of silence, a familiar sound is returning to Clinton, thanks to a team of volunteer firefighters determined to bring a century-old tradition back to life…
After more than a year of silence, the historic fire horn at the Clinton Fire Station is ready to sound once again, thanks to the hard work of the village's volunteer firefighters.
The horn has been a fixture atop the fire station on North Park Row since the building was constructed in 1921.
For generations, its three short blasts have alerted the community whenever firefighters are called into action.
But about a year and a half ago, the system began experiencing problems.
Firefighters managed to make several repairs, but eventually the control system failed completely.
Rather than bringing in contractors to replace everything, members of the volunteer department decided to tackle the project themselves.
And as it turns out, they had plenty of expertise to draw from.
Second Assistant Fire Chief Dan Larkin explained that the department includes electricians, engineers, mechanics, and pipe fitters.
Each contributed their skills to getting the century-old system working again.
Department electricians built an entirely new control panel and installed fresh wiring.
Members with plumbing experience replaced valves, regulators, and other components.
Outside specialists were also brought in to service the air compressor, which hadn't received that kind of attention in quite some time.
So, how does the system actually work? An air compressor and large storage tank sit in the station's basement.
When the department receives an emergency notification from Oneida County's 911 system, the new electronic controls activate a valve that releases compressed air to the horns on the roof.
The system determines exactly how long the horns sound and how many blasts are produced.
And while the technology controlling the horn has been modernized, the sound itself remains unchanged.
The department kept the original horns, air tank, and compressor, preserving a tradition that stretches back more than a century.
But the restoration project isn't quite finished.
Firefighters also plan to bring back the station's 30-second warning bell and a warning beacon located on the southeast corner of the building.
Both will eventually be connected to the newly restored system.
For Clinton residents, the return of the firehorn means more than just another familiar sound around the village.
It's the continuation of a longstanding community tradition, made possible by the dedication and hands-on skills of the volunteers who answer the call when their neighbors need help.
And soon, when those three familiar blasts echo across Clinton once again, residents will know that a piece of their village's history is back in business.
For more on this story, check out ursentinel.com.
After more than a year of silence, the historic fire horn at the Clinton Fire Station is ready to sound once again, thanks to the hard work of the village's volunteer firefighters.
The horn has been a fixture atop the fire station on North Park Row since the building was constructed in 1921.
For generations, its three short blasts have alerted the community whenever firefighters are called into action.
But about a year and a half ago, the system began experiencing problems.
Firefighters managed to make several repairs, but eventually the control system failed completely.
Rather than bringing in contractors to replace everything, members of the volunteer department decided to tackle the project themselves.
And as it turns out, they had plenty of expertise to draw from.
Second Assistant Fire Chief Dan Larkin explained that the department includes electricians, engineers, mechanics, and pipe fitters.
Each contributed their skills to getting the century-old system working again.
Department electricians built an entirely new control panel and installed fresh wiring.
Members with plumbing experience replaced valves, regulators, and other components.
Outside specialists were also brought in to service the air compressor, which hadn't received that kind of attention in quite some time.
So, how does the system actually work? An air compressor and large storage tank sit in the station's basement.
When the department receives an emergency notification from Oneida County's 911 system, the new electronic controls activate a valve that releases compressed air to the horns on the roof.
The system determines exactly how long the horns sound and how many blasts are produced.
And while the technology controlling the horn has been modernized, the sound itself remains unchanged.
The department kept the original horns, air tank, and compressor, preserving a tradition that stretches back more than a century.
But the restoration project isn't quite finished.
Firefighters also plan to bring back the station's 30-second warning bell and a warning beacon located on the southeast corner of the building.
Both will eventually be connected to the newly restored system.
For Clinton residents, the return of the firehorn means more than just another familiar sound around the village.
It's the continuation of a longstanding community tradition, made possible by the dedication and hands-on skills of the volunteers who answer the call when their neighbors need help.
And soon, when those three familiar blasts echo across Clinton once again, residents will know that a piece of their village's history is back in business.
For more on this story, check out ursentinel.com.
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