Presentation - Fire - Police etSTRIKING THE FOUR FIVES
The Fire Service is rich with ceremony, custom and tradition. Our custom
of rendering final honors has its origins in the Fire Department where 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. When a firefighter dies in the line of duty,
headquarters would transmit five bell strikes, repeated in four series with a slight
pause between each series, followed by the announcement.
The custom has continued down to the present day and this form of
rendering final honors to departed comrades is known in the Fire Service as
"STRIKING THE FOUR FIVES':
I ask that members of the Dubuque Fire Department and Police
Department, active and retired, please stand at attention for the striking of the
four fives:
BELL STRIKES
The signal four fives has been transmitted. It is with deep regret that the
Dubuque Fire and Police Departments announce the loss of members of the New
York Fire and Law Enforcement Community. Assignments have been
completed and they have returned to quarters.
THE LAST ALARM
Dear Lord, we call upon you for strength and guidance. Give us
courage that we may impart courage to others.
When the gong sounds, calling us to our duty, give us speed and
efficiency.
As our sirens wail, ride with us through the city streets, shielding
us from danger.
On the fireground, may our officers and fire§ghters always work
as a cautious, courageous and victorious team.
Walk with us through the terror of flames and explosions.
May our hearts be always ready if we are summoned before our
Eternal Chief in the midst of our labors.
We ask only that you may be pleased with our service.
That when the Last Alarm shall have sounded for us, we may
receive our eternal assignment with you.