The fire service is rich with ceremony, custom, and tradition and the sound of a bell holds special significance for firefighters.

Many years ago, long before the advent of radios or pagers, fire alarms and daily announcements were dispatched from central headquarters to outlying firehouses by a system of bell commands and telegraph. Each different type of alarm or announcement would have its own number and series of bell strikes. Historically, the toll of a bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help, indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station.

One of the most meaningful series of bells, which has its origins in the fire department of the City of New York, is commonly called “Tolling of the Bell” or “Striking the Four Fives.”

The 5-5-5-5 bell code, consisting of five bell strikes, repeated in a series of four with a slight pause between each series, signifies that a Firefighter has died in the line of duty and to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice.

The custom continues to the present day and is performed during a Fallen Firefighter ceremony. It celebrates the completion of the Firefighter's duty and pays tribute to their service.

It is an acknowledgment of those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man.

The bell tolls in recognition of their tasks being completed, their duties well done, and having answered their last alarm, they are going home.

“I ask that you please rise, if you are able, and remain standing in place until seated by my command.”

“The signal 5-5-5-5 has been transmitted.

With each ring, we honor those who answered the call to duty,

the brave souls, the ones who gave their lives selflessly and with honor.”