The Brunswick Fire Company No. 1 has been working with many of our local businesses on the Knox Box program.  This system provides safe and secure access to the location in the event of an emergency and there is no one on the scene or if it is after business hours.  The Knox Box is essentially a safe mounted to the exterior of the building close to an entrance.  The property owner can store items such as entrance keys, access cards and floor plans in the high-security Knox-Box®. 

During an emergency, as the fire company arrives, a request is made to the Rensselaer County 911 Dispatch Center to "release the knox box key".  The dispatch center then engages a tone that releases the key from the locked console mounted in the fire truck.  That key opens the Knox Box which has keys inside allowing us to open an entry door with a key, rather than damage their property by breaking a door or window.  Upon completion of the call the key is returned and locked into the console in the fire truck and the dispatch center is notified that 'the Knox Box key is secure."

The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System was specifically developed for the fire department. With one master key, the fire company can gain access to commercial and residential property. More than 9,000 departments nationwide use Knox® key boxes, vaults, Haz-Mat cabinets, key switches, locking FDC caps, and padlocks.

With this system there is no waiting for a property owner to unlock the door in the middle of the night, and no forcing the door open to gain entry.  The Knox Rapid Entry System reduces response time, property damage and the liability for lost keys.  While this program is not mandated by town law, it is strictly voluntary.  Special thanks goes out to Past Asst. Chief Gus Scifo for implementing this plan and continuing its growth today.

If you would like to participate in this program for your business or residence call the firehouse at 272-9393.