Members of today’s fire service are confronted with a more dangerous environment than ever before. In response to these changes, we are forced to continually review and adjust the strategies, tactics and equipment we use to accomplish our ultimate goal of preserving lives and property. Yet, despite all that we do to move into the future, the 200 years of traditions and values of the fire service continue to be the foundation upon which we perform our day-to-day duties. One such tradition is the sounding of the Last Alarm.

The life of a fire fighter is closely associated with the ringing of the bell (alarm). In years 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 that summoned those brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in harms way to benefit the citizens they were proud to protect. When the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled the completion of that call. When a fire fighter had died in the line-of-duty, paying the ultimate sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing.

Today, we sound the Last Alarm to honour all those who have fallen in the past and all that will fall in the future. The sounding of the Last Alarm in three sets of two rings represents the final calling for a brother/sister who has completed his task and is called upon one last time.