The modern Fire Service emphasizes early notification and quick response to emergencies like fires. The history traces back beyond the 1968 911 system to the origins of fire alarms and quick notification methods. With enhanced 911 capabilities today, emergency services can be reached easily through cell phones. The evolution of technology from fire alarm telegraph systems in the 1800s to today’s advanced communication methods has greatly improved the speed and accuracy of emergency response. Key figures like Dr. William Channing, Moses Farmer, John Gamewell, Moses Crane, and James Gardiner played pivotal roles in developing the fire alarm telegraph system. Each city in the United States that adopted the system contributed to shaping the modern fire service dispatching and response procedures.
https://www.ffam.org/2022/09/17/early-american-fire-alarm-systems/