Ringing of the Bell Ceremony
&
Firefighters Prayer

BELL CEREMONY
The men and women of today's fire service are confronted with a more
dangerous work environment than ever before. We are forced to continually
change our strategies and tactics to accomplish our tasks.

Our methods may change, but our goals remain the same as they were in
the past, to save lives and to protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost.
This is what we do, this is our chosen profession, this is the tradition of the
fire fighter. The fire service of today is ever changing, but is steeped in
traditions 200 years old. One such tradition is the sound of a bell.

In the past, as fire fighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that
signaled the beginning of that 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 fire fighter had
died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll
of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing. We utilize these
traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have
given so much and who have served so well. To symbolize the devotion
that these brave souls had for their duty, a special signal of three rings,
three times each, represents the end of our comrades' 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 duties well
done, to our comrades, their last alarm, they are going home.
 

FIREFIGHTERS PRAYER

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.

Let me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me,
To guard my friend and neighbor
And protect their property.

And, if, according to your will,
While on duty I must answer death's call;
Bless with your protecting hand
My family, one and