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In this episodic series of blog posts, we will take a walk through the L.W. Bills fire alarm museum. Our wide assortment of antiques and artifacts is unmatched, and each one tells a story in the rich history of fire alarm systems. From the mid-19 th  century to the present, we have a range of items that would be any collector or enthusiast’s dream. Call us at 978-352-6660 to schedule your free tour today! Fire Alarm Telegraph Receiving Board    First up is the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Receiving Board  or Indicator Panel , an early ancestor of today’s dispatch technology. It is a multi-functional piece of equipment that was invaluable to firefighters in the late 1800s, providing visual and auditory alerts in the case of fire emergencies. Here is the flow of how the indicator panel worked: Someone pulls a fire alarm box. A telegraph signal indicating the box number is sent across wire to a fire station or communications center. The box number is displayed behind the colored lenses along the top of the unit. The bell is struck multiple times, also indicating the box number. Relays retransmit the signal to other circuits which vary in use according to the station’s needs. The dispatchers or firefighters use the labeled levers to issue controls, such as alarm reset. Telegraph Repeater Next, we have the Telegraph Repeater , manufactured in the 1940s-1960s by Bliss, a division of Gamewell. Although quite different in appearance, it bears much similarity to the previous item in terms on functionality. The gauges on the top-left and -right of the machine indicate the circuit’s voltage and current, respectively. The amber lamps between the meters signal activity, alarms, or faults in the circuit’s operation. Each column of switches provides controls including manually opening or closing a circuit and enabling or disabling the retransmission of received signals. The telegraph repeater indicates a major technological shift in dispatch and fire alerting, as it moved us into an era of electronically-controlled indicators. Whistle Blowing Machine Gear Train As seen on the label, this is a gear train  for a whistle blowing machine , and it dates back to circa 1850-1890. It literally puts the “whistle” in “bells and whistles.” This gear-controlled contraption takes telegraph input and uses it to sound a large steam- or air-powered whistle, usually placed in a focal point of a municipality. They might be mounted on towers, government buildings, or power plants, to give a few examples. Like the bells, the whistle machine blows in code. So, for box 313, it blasts three times in a row, pauses, then once, pauses again, and then three more times. It provides the advantage of long-range alerting rather than local alerting that is audible only in a fire station or dispatch center. Wall of Master Boxes The last entry in today’s perusal of the museum is our Wall of Master Boxes . These boxes come from throughout the ages, each one capturing a particular moment in time. If you want to pull their levers, open their doors, and examine their internal machinery, there’s no better time to visit the L.W. Bills museum for a free tour. A picture can’t do it justice. Reach out at 978-352-6660 or office@lwbills.com if you would like to come by.

As temperatures climb, summer can go from fun to frustrating. Whether you're working outside or just trying to stay comfortable at home, knowing how to stay cool and safe during the hottest months is essential. Here are some practical ways to beat the heat this summer. 1. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable It might seem obvious, but dehydration is one of the biggest risks during summer. Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks—they actually dehydrate you. For those working outdoors, consider electrolyte-replenishing drinks to replace lost minerals. 2. Cool Your Space Efficiently Whether at home or at work, air conditioning isn’t your only option. Use fans strategically. Place them near windows in the evening to bring in cooler air. Block direct sunlight with curtains or blinds. Switch to LED lighting. LED lights produce far less heat (and consume less electricity) than traditional, incandescent bulbs. 3. Dress Smart Clothing makes a big difference in how your body handles heat. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials. Stick to light colors, which reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. For outdoor workers: wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing. 4. Keep Equipment Cool, Including Fire Systems High temperatures can affect more than just people. They can have an adverse effect on hardware and equipment critical to life safety. Test fire alarm systems and backup batteries. Heat can reduce their lifespan. Ensure that server rooms, electrical panels, and security systems are well-ventilated. Schedule routine maintenance checks to detect heat-related malfunctions. 5. Time It Right If you have to be active during the day, plan around the heat. Early mornings and late evenings are the coolest parts of the day. Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces every 20-30 minutes if you’re outside. Schedule heavy-duty work for cooler days if possible. 6. Know the Signs of Heat Illness Stay alert to symptoms of heat-related health issues: Heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, excessive sweating, dizziness Heat stroke (a medical emergency): confusion, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, fainting If someone is overheating, get them to a cool place immediately, offer water, and call for medical help if symptoms persist or worsen. Stay Cool, Stay Safe Summer should be enjoyable, not dangerous. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself, your team, and your equipment from the heat. If your facility needs help maintaining safe conditions, especially for fire and life safety systems, L.W. Bills is here to help.

Can you tell me about the master box reconditioning process from start to finish?   We get them in from municipalities and schools whose boxes have been decommissioned. And at that point, we check for any issues with the box, any problems as far as imperfections, broken parts, to see if the box is actually salvageable and can be restored to proper function. And then we can move on to the breaking-down process, which I and Dave G. will do. And that's prior to reconditioning the master box or street box itself. At that point, we can begin the sandblasting process. I like to have plenty of stock on the shelves, because we move quite a few of these, especially in the last year. First, I will use the Scotch-Brite pad to clean the shells, doors, and back plate, and then use an oil-based paint thinner to clean up the box and prepare it for priming. After that, the priming process begins. The process of painting is roughly a week per box, because you have to paint it on either side, wait a 24-hour period, paint the other side, and then you can do the lettering on the shell itself. And then I can start the assembly of the box itself, which includes pull-down doors, pull hooks, chimneys, gaskets, and retaining bars for pull hooks on some of the boxes that need it.   So you start building them at that point?   Yes, I'll start building them, with all the parts that were reconditioned. Everything that goes back in the box is a refinished product. And then I'll start the process of making the box up, putting all the parts back together, and then it's ready for the next level: either it's a street box or a master box, and that moves on to John, who creates the code wheel, and then Freeman, who assembles the movements.    You mentioned that you have some coworkers that you work together with on the reconditioning process. So what's that like?   It's excellent. I've learned quite a bit in the two and a half years I've been here. That’s thanks to John downstairs. And Dave G., he’s been a huge help. He's been here 20 years, so he has quite a bit of knowledge. And also Freeman and Bobby. Those guys were all instrumental in allowing me to learn this process, and to get to where I am today.   Aside from reconditioning, what other tasks do you take on at L.W. Bills?   I’m responsible for the shipping and receiving, picking up stock for certain jobs from suppliers, groundskeeping of the property, service and maintenance of all the trucks. I do what's needed around the building. And I also go out and support the techs if they need somebody for either an inspection or an installation. In addition to the master boxes, I recondition the pedestals, inner cases, and ATBs (auxiliary terminal blocks).

The LW Bills online storefront If you maintain municipal fire alarm systems or work in fire alarm service and repair, finding reliable parts can be a challenge. That’s why LW Bills  now offers three of our most-requested products— Christmas Tree Keys , reconditioned Master Box Shells , and Rural C Wire —directly through our online store  at special discounted prices. Christmas Tree Keys – Precision-Made for Fire Alarm Master Boxes Our Christmas Tree Keys  (sometimes called Gamewell master box keys ) are a mainstay in the toolbox of anyone who services fire safety infrastructure. Key features: Fits the majority of fire alarm master boxes Precision-manufactured on site for quality and reliability Hand-inspected for defects or imperfections Bulk discounts available with tiered price reductions Shop Christmas Tree Keys  and save more when you order in quantity. Reconditioned Master Box Shells – Like New, Inside & Out Our expertly reconditioned fire alarm Master Box shells  are ideal for municipalities and organizations looking to replace worn or weather-damaged housings. Our reconditioning process: Fully cleaned, primed, painted, and reassembled Hardware restored to look and function like new Choice of lock type—compatible with Christmas Tree Keys or barrel key variants Optional reflective exterior stickers for added visibility Order your Master Box Shells  and get top-tier craftsmanship at a fraction of the cost of new. Rural C Wire – Durable, Long-Distance 100 Milliamp Wiring For rugged, reliable fire alarm wiring, our 12-gauge, two-conductor copper Rural C Wire  is built to withstand the elements and deliver consistent performance. Specifications: Designed for 100-milliamp systems Capable of runs up to five miles Ideal for connecting a master box to a fire alarm panel or a form 4 at a fire station Request a quote  based on your desired wire length and take advantage of our online discounts. Shop Now & Save Whether you’re stocking up on Gamewell Christmas Tree Keys , replacing a Master Box Shell , or running new Rural C Wire , you can now purchase directly through our LW Bills web store  and enjoy discounted pricing on all three.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we control access to buildings and secure areas. Key cards and fobs have been the standard in commercial access control, but mobile credentials are quickly emerging as a powerful, flexible alternative. So, what does the future hold for secure entry systems? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and trends shaping the next generation of access control.     Key Cards: A Familiar Standard   Key cards have been a mainstay in access control for decades. They're affordable, easy to distribute, and widely supported by most access systems.    Pros:   Cost-effective to produce and replace  Simple to issue and deactivate  Compatible with most existing hardware  Cons:   Easy to lose, forget, or lend to others  Require physical management (printing replacements, decommissioning)  Can be cloned or tampered with if not encrypted     Mobile Credentials: The Digital Evolution   Mobile credential systems use smartphones to authenticate entry, typically through web-based apps. Users receive access rights digitally—no physical card required.  Pros:   Convenient. People rarely forget their phones  Enhanced security with password protection or biometrics (such as Face ID or fingerprint scan)  Remote credential management (grant, revoke, or schedule access at your discretion)  Less physical infrastructure needed (for example, badge printers)  Cons:   Additional costs for mobile-capable systems  Requires user smartphones and possibly app installation  Potential resistance from less tech-savvy users    Key Cards vs. Mobile: What’s Right for Your Facility?   Key Cards   Mobile Credentials   Convenience   Moderate  High  Security   Good (with encryption)  Excellent (biometrics, remote access)  Cost   Lower upfront  Higher initial investment  Scalability   Limited  Highly scalable  User Experience   Familiar  Modern: app- or browser-based  The Future: Hybrid Solutions and Smart Access   In many cases, the future isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about offering both. Hybrid systems that support key cards and mobile access give businesses the flexibility to accommodate different users, budgets, and security needs.  Emerging trends include:   Cloud-based access control management from a PC or mobile device  Integration with video surveillance and building automation  Temporary mobile access for visitors or vendors    How L.W. Bills Can Help   At L.W. Bills, we stay on the cutting edge of building security technology. Whether you're looking to modernize your existing key card system or explore mobile access options, we can engineer a solution that meets your needs today and scales for tomorrow.  Ready to upgrade your access control?   Contact us for a consultation.

Meet Chris P. , a programmer and technician at L.W. Bills, where he leads the installation, configuration, and ongoing support of Fire Station Alerting (FSA) systems. He’s also involved in software development and helps manage the company’s website and digital tools. Today, we’ll be talking with Chris about Zetron MAX Fire Station Alerting, the technology at the heart of L.W. Bills’s FSA deployments, and how it helps fire departments respond quickly, reliably, and with greater coordination. An example of a typical Zetron MAX user interface. Technical Overview Can you give a high-level overview of what the Zetron MAX system does? Zetron MAX is a comprehensive software and hardware suite used by first response dispatchers—so, fire, police, EMS—and it is meant to streamline the entire process from 911 call to the arrival of the first responders. MAX is broken up into two major components, which are Dispatch and FSA , which is fire station alerting. MAX dispatch focuses more so on the communicative aspect of things, which includes delivering messages over PAs at the fire stations and supporting intercoms with other dispatch consoles. And MAX FSA is specifically for providing information and alerts to fire personnel, so that involves sending out tones corresponding to each apparatus, apparatus being fire engine, ladder, medical, things like that. And you can also monitor the status of vehicles and have live updates as far as whether they're responding or not. And MAX Dispatch and FSA are combined in order to allow dispatchers and firefighters to be in sync with each other, to share information together as rapidly as possible, so that they can all respond to emergencies as effectively as they can. What key components or hardware are typically included in a MAX deployment? There are a variety of peripheral devices, but the heart and soul of MAX are the MAX Central and the MAX Radio Gateway. The MAX Central, you can think of it as the brains of the operation hardware-wise. It provides high-level management of all the subsystems that comprise the dispatcher’s user experience. And then the Radio Gateway is used to take tone delivery commands and vocal transmissions from dispatchers into fire stations for rapid communication between the two. There is actually a third piece, which is the I/O device, which is a little box that receives signals from dispatch as well. And it can provide signals to various tools and physical solutions used at the fire stations, such as doors, bells, whistles—anything that could be controlled with an on- or off-switch can instead be controlled digitally on the Zetron software by dispatchers rather than a firefighter having to do it themselves. How does MAX integrate with existing CAD or dispatch systems? CAD is computer-aided dispatch. And that refers generally to a layer of automation that assists the dispatchers so that they have to do less work. And it's not a matter of  laziness or effort. It's really about things just happening as quickly and streamlined as possible. With CAD, if you receive address information, for instance, from someone's cell phone, CAD can take that address and plot it onto a map and then provide that map information to dispatchers and firefighters. Relatedly, it can also monitor the positions of fire apparatus by using an onboard cellular connection. CAD makes the storage and transmission of data happen more quickly, thus shaving off seconds that can make all the difference in emergency response. Performance & Reliability How does the system ensure rapid alerting and minimal dispatch delays? It's a very quick and easy software interface used by the dispatchers. All they have to do is click one or two buttons depending on the setup, and the tone is immediately sent out to whomever they need to send it. They can queue up tones so that everyone at a station knows exactly which apparatus need to go out and when. And the status monitoring allows all dispatchers and relevant fire personnel to know which vehicles are on the road, in service, in maintenance, out of service, things like that. What failover or redundancy features are built into the system to maintain operation during outages? As I previously mentioned, the MAX Central, the brains, hosts the services used by the system. There are at least two of them at every Zetron deployment, and the idea is that if there's any kind of failure from one of them—it could be a network failure, a power failure, this or that—then it will immediately detect that failure and switch over to the secondary MAX Central, which allows the entire system to continue working seamlessly while the issue with the first one is addressed. Can you walk us through what happens in the system from the moment a call is received to station activation? It's pretty quick. The dispatcher takes in the information from the caller, they determine what station is nearest to their location, they determine based on the needs of the caller which vehicle will be sent out, and then they send a tone corresponding to that vehicle to the relevant station. The tone goes out and they can deliver a vocal message saying what's going on to the firefighters. Connectivity & Communication How customizable are the audio and visual alerts for different types of emergencies or locations? There is a lot of room for customization. The user interface can be configured in a granular, modular, and precise way so that its features and functionality deliver exactly what is desired by the customer. And not just the interface, but the elements that compose the interface, are configurable to a great degree. The programmer can provide specifications that dictate exactly how a communication channel connects two or more sites, the sequence of events that is triggered by a single button press, and more. In addition to this, you can import your own image and sound files to use in various places. So, for instance, you can track and utilize what are called contacts  in the system. And sometimes those will be actual people. You could put someone's photograph on there if you want to, so you could quickly see their picture and click on it without even having to think about or read their name. You can do the same thing with vehicles: have a picture of the vehicle that you're trying to represent. And as far as customizing audio, you can have custom tones that allow you to go beyond just what is prepackaged (provided by Zetron themselves) so you can take any tone and emit it as desired. I was at one station where they had a tone that was from a TV show. User Experience & Interface 8.      How intuitive is the user interface for dispatchers or fire station personnel? Well, when you're designing or configuring software, you think it’s the most intuitive and easy and straightforward way to implement it. But then when it actually gets deployed, people don't know what you had in mind, so it's less straightforward and pretty than you might have hoped. So whenever we put out a Zetron system for a customer, we provide training. We put together a document saying how to do what you do, how to troubleshoot, how to perform the entire workflow. So that way there's no question about what to do. So is it intuitive? I think so, but I'm the one making it, so it's easy to say that. Installation & Integration 9.      What is the typical installation timeline and process for a new fire station alerting system using MAX? That varies heavily based on what the customer’s needs are. It could be a couple weeks for someone with maybe one or two stations, but for someone with, say, seven stations, it could take months. The infrastructure gets complicated and the software is not the whole story. There's a physical installation at every station and at the dispatch center. So there's a lot of installing equipment, running cable, and tying PAs and physical controls into the system. I don't know all the ins and outs of how to estimate timing. I just tell people, you can get it done fast or you can get it done right.

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, with barbecues, fireworks, and gatherings of family and community. But it’s also one of the busiest days of the year for fire departments across the country. As a company dedicated to public safety and fire prevention, L.W. Bills is here to help keep your holiday safe. Here are our top tips to enjoy Independence Day without experiencing a fire emergency.   Be Smart About Fireworks Leave it to the pros : Attend an official, licensed, public fireworks show instead of lighting them at home. Know the law : Consumer fireworks (like firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles) are illegal in Massachusetts, even if purchased elsewhere. Sparklers burn at up to 2,000°F , hot enough to melt glass and some metals. Keep them away from children and flammable materials. The American Pyrotechnics Association estimates that over 9,800 fireworks-related injuries occurred in 2023. With proper safety practices, you can avoid becoming part of that statistic.   Grill with Care Keep grills at least 10 feet from buildings, overhangs, or flammable surfaces and materials. Never grill on porches, balconies, or fire escapes. Clean grease buildup to avoid flare-ups. Keep a fire extinguisher   nearby. If your building has a monitored fire alarm system, excessive smoke could set off a detector, so be mindful of grill placement and airflow.    Practice Campfire & Fire Pit Safety Use only fire pits or rings that are safety-certified and compliant with local fire regulations. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute. Fully extinguish fires with water and stir the ashes until all embers have gone out.   Prepare Your Facility if You’re Hosting an Event If you're part of a municipal establishment, school, or community center hosting an event: Check that all fire exits are clearly marked and unobstructed. Test emergency lighting and signage. Know how to manually activate your fire alarm or public address system. Have trained staff on hand who know the evacuation plan.   Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July Need a quick inspection before your event? We’re happy to help. At L.W. Bills Company, we’re proud to support the communities that keep Massachusetts safe. If you have any concerns about your fire alarm system before your holiday event, give us a call.

Smartphones have revolutionized communication, but they are no substitute for dedicated municipal fire alarm systems. When every second counts, municipal infrastructure provides critical advantages in speed, reliability, and coordination. Immediate, Automated Response Activating a municipal fire alarm box triggers a series of alerts and notifications. Local fire departments are notified instantly and dispatchers receive precise location data without requiring input from a potentially unreliable 911 caller. Built-In Redundancy Cell networks can fail during natural disasters or large-scale emergencies. Municipal systems, especially radio and hardwired configurations, are designed to function independently, ensuring that alerts get through even in blackouts or telecom outages. Community-Driven Protection Municipal systems are strategically placed at high-risk locations like schools and public buildings. They allow trained personnel to trigger alarms directly and provide valuable historical data for emergency planning. These systems also help municipalities maintain compliance with fire safety codes. Phones Are a Tool—Not a System Unlike cell phones, municipal systems don’t depend on user input, battery life, or signal strength. Their automation and resilience offer consistent protection when it’s needed most. Preserving and Modernizing Infrastructure L.W. Bills has supported municipal fire alarm systems for a century. We offer: Maintenance and modernization of existing systems Radio box installation with contemporary dispatch integration Reconditioned equipment for cost-effective upgrades A Lifeline, Not a Legacy Far from being outdated, municipal fire alarm systems are a vital backbone of community safety. When integrated with modern tools, they offer unmatched reliability. Looking to upgrade or maintain your system? Contact L.W. Bills to learn how we can help protect your community.

As the hot weather continues, the risk of fire increases, especially when combined with outdoor activities. Whether you’re at home or managing a business, it’s crucial to prioritize fire safety to protect lives and property. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe this summer. Grill and Barbecue Safely Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cooking, but grills and barbecues can be significant fire hazards. For homes: Place grills at least 10 feet away from your house and any flammable structures. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. For businesses: If you have an outdoor cooking area for employees or customers, ensure it’s equipped with proper safety measures. Train staff on how to use grills safely and what to do in case of a fire. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers Early detection and quick response are crucial in preventing small fires from becoming major disasters. For homes: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and other high-risk areas, and ensure family members know how to use it. For businesses: Install smoke detectors and fire alarms throughout the premises and conduct regular maintenance checks. Ensure that fire extinguishers are easily accessible and that employees are trained to use them properly. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows the evacuation plan. L.W. Bills can help by replacing old smoke alarms, performing a yearly fire inspection for your business, and fixing any issue you may have with your fire alarm system. Properly Store Flammable Materials Flammable materials such as gasoline, propane, and chemicals should be stored safely to prevent accidental ignition. For homes: Store flammable liquids in approved containers and keep them in a well-ventilated area away from the house. Avoid storing propane tanks indoors or in enclosed spaces. For businesses: Follow industry regulations for the storage and handling of flammable materials. Ensure that storage areas are clearly marked and fire extinguishers are readily accessible. Be Mindful of Electrical Safety Overloaded circuits and faulty wiring can easily cause fires, especially with the increased use of air conditioning and fans during summer. For homes: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors. Have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s wiring if you notice flickering lights or frequent circuit breaker trips. For businesses: Conduct regular inspections of electrical systems and equipment. Encourage employees to report any electrical issues immediately. Plan and Practice Fire Drills Preparation can make all the difference in an emergency. For homes: Create a fire escape plan and ensure all family members know the route and meeting place. Practice your escape plan regularly, especially with children. For businesses: Develop a comprehensive fire evacuation plan and ensure all employees are familiar with it. Conduct regular fire drills to keep everyone prepared and aware of their roles during an emergency. Conclusion Fire safety is a year-round concern, but the summer months pose unique challenges that require extra vigilance. By properly storing flammable materials, practicing safe grilling, installing and maintaining safety equipment, being mindful of electrical safety, and planning and practicing fire drills, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire at your home or business. Stay safe this summer and enjoy the season knowing you’re well-prepared to handle any fire-related emergencies.

In the heart of Georgetown, Massachusetts, lies a company with a legacy deeply rooted in providing top-notch fire safety and security solutions to municipalities and commercial businesses. Established in 1925, L.W. Bills has nearly a century of experience under its belt, solidifying its reputation as a trusted provider in the industry. Specializing in a wide array of services such as sales, installation, servicing, and inspections of fire safety and security equipment, L.W. Bills prides itself on its commitment to quality and excellence. Operating under a state contract, the company is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. At the core of L.W. Bills are its highly trained and certified technicians, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project they undertake. With a focus on American-made products and a strong dedication to the community, L.W. Bills sets itself apart from the competition by prioritizing quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. While the company's website currently lacks customer testimonials and reviews, rest assured that the team at L.W. Bills is continuously striving to enhance the customer experience. By staying true to its values of integrity and transparency, L.W. Bills remains committed to upholding its century-old tradition of excellence in every aspect of its operations. Whether you are in need of fire safety solutions or security equipment, look no further than L.W. Bills for all your needs. With a legacy built on quality and a dedication to serving the community, L.W. Bills is your go-to partner for a safer and more secure future.