A professional who operates municipal fire alarm system, radio transmitter and receiver, and telephone switchboard. Respnsibilities include:

• Receives incoming fire calls by telephone or through alarm system.
• Questions caller, observes alarm register that codes location of fire, and scans map of city to determine whether fire is located within area served by city fire department.
• Determines type and number of units to respond to emergency.
• Notifies fire station, using radio, and starts alarm system that automatically contacts all fire stations and indicates location of fire.
• Relays messages from scene of fire, such as requests for additional help and medical assistance.
• Records date, time, type of call and destination of messages received or transmitted.
• Maintains activity, code, and locator files.
• Tests various communications systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
• May operate telegraph to relay code as back-up if transmitter fails.