For generations La Conner’s volunteer firefighters had been called to action by an old 1950s civil defense “air raid” siren.

In 2011, bending to the will of some lodging proprietors, the Town Council voted to eliminate the howling siren during weekdays, when the fire station was manned 24 hours per day.

Several weeks ago, the last volunteer to man the station round-the-clock left, but the siren wasn’t turned back on.

Maybe few have noticed the five-cycle warble has been missing for awhile, but come Oct. 1, people will notice its return.

The siren will be switched back on full time, the Town Co...