PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A handwritten note left for the Saltcreek-Tarlton Volunteer Fire Department is drawing attention after it questioned the use of sirens during a recent emergency call.
The note, which was photographed and shared publicly, reads:
“Please consider the neighbors when you are responding to an emergency call. The use of the sirens are not required out here. Thank you, Whisler.”
The message appeared to suggest that sirens were unnecessary in the rural area where the department responded.
In a public post, the Saltcreek-Tarlton Volunteer Fire Department responded directly to the note’s author, writing: “To the person who left this note last night we apologize for the inconvenience you may have received for less than a minute. If it was your home on fire and you were reported as being trapped I’m sure those pesky lights and sirens would not be a problem. Everyone have a wonderful day”
The department indicated the call involved a reported house fire with a possible trapped occupant.
Under Ohio law, emergency vehicles are authorized to use audible and visual signals when responding to emergencies. State statutes outline when motorists must yield to emergency vehicles operating with lights and sirens, but they do not mandate siren use in every circumstance. Individual departments often follow internal response policies based on the nature of the call and conditions at the scene.
