Although this project is dedicated to all of the Fallen Firefighters, the original inspiration came from my father FF Dennis J. Mullins, Jr , a 34-year veteran firefighter in Mount Vernon, NY who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1995. He was only 59 years of age. A highly decorated firefighter, Dennis was also the recipient of the Medal of Valor for saving the life of a fellow firefighter during a structure fire in 1977.

On January 12, 1994, he arrived at a fire scene and was operating as a motor pump operator. His job was to drive the engine to the nearest hydrant, and hook up the lines to deliver water to the fire. After several minutes, the firefighters waiting to enter the flames were not getting water. They radioed my father several times but there was no reply. They followed the lines back and found my father face down in the snow. He was unresponsive.

The firefighters immediately administered CPR and were able to get a pulse. EMS transported him to the hospital and en route had to defibrillate him several times.

At the hospital, he was place on a ventilator and stabilized. My family and I arrived a short time later and the hallways were filled with a sea of his brother firefighters, several who came directly from the fire scene still in their bunker gear.

After several days, the doctors told us that his prognosis was bleak and we should consider removing the life support system. We discussed it as a family, and with the Fire Department Chaplin, and decided to remove him from the ventilator and to let go and let God. After it was removed, we prepared for the worst and said our goodbyes.

Well God was not ready for another hero in heaven just yet. Much to our amazement, and that of the doctors, he began to breathe on his own. We were elated that he survived and were anxious for him to begin the recovery process.

Unfortunately, that elation was short-lived. A few days later we received bad news. Due to the prolonged lack of oxygen, his brain was irreversibly damaged. The neurologist said that only his brain stem had activity which controls non voluntary body functions like breathing, heart rate, liver, kidney and other major organs.

The doctor told us he was in what is known as a persistent vegetative state and would never regain consciousness. We were devastated. Our emotions went from absolute jubilation to incredible grief.

There was a long road ahead, several hospitals, brain trauma units, and skilled nursing facilities. After several months, we were finally able to have the doctors approve him to be released to a home environment. My mother moved with him to South Carolina to her sister’s house where he would get 24 hour care.

On January 18, 1995, 371 days after collapsing, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained at the fire scene.

We transported him back to NY where he received a well-deserved Firefighter Funeral with Full Honors. Firefighters from all over the country came and stood in the freezing rain, white gloved hands saluting as the fire engine with his flag draped coffin passed.

A proud Korean Wartime Veteran that served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne, my father was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery in Suffolk County, NY.

From that very day, I always wanted to do something special to honor my father and all firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Well, it took me over 25 years, but “Five Bells” is my personal tribute to the memory of these fallen heroes.