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
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