Bell Ceremony

In the past, as firefighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of the day’s shift.  Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizen.  And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call.  When a firefighter had died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced the loss of a comrade.

To symbolize the devotion that these brave souls had for their duty, a special signal of five long rings followed by silence done four times, represents the end of our comrade’s duties and that they will be returning to quarters.  And so, to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their last alarm; to their fire service brethren, they are going home.