When the siren goes off, Fire Chief Terry Schadt says that's a sign that help's on the way.
But those not in the know, or who aren't longtime residents of West Peoria, might instead think a tornado's on the way.
To the untrained ear, the siren West Peoria's Fire Department uses to call its volunteer force to the firehouse on Waverly Avenue sounds a lot like the shrill tone that tells people to take cover.
So why does West Peoria use the siren? To Schadt, using the siren is a longstanding practice, one he's not inclined to change.
Volunteer fire departments used to all have sirens to notify personnel to rush to the station, Schadt said. West Peoria's went into service in 1940. But he says it's more than just a tradition, it also serves a practical purpose.
The department has adapted to a more modern era by also sending text messages and pages to volunteers. But the siren is harder to miss.
