Ringing in a new era ...

Airman 1st Class Garrett Heaton, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron, rings the fire bell nine times during the new fire station?s ribboncutting ceremony Monday. Firefighters maintain traditions existing for more than 200 years and one of these traditions is the sounding of a bell. As firefighters began their tour of duty, the bell signals the start of that day?s shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned brave souls to fight fires and placed their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizen. After the fire was out and the alarm ended, the bell signaled the completion of that call. When a firefighter died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrade's passing. These traditions reflect honor and respect to those who have given so much and who have served so well. It symbolizes the devotion that these brave souls had for their duty. A special signal of three rings, three times each, represented the end of our comrades? duties and that they would be returning to quarters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua)