Since the inception of the fire service, bells have served as a means to summon firefighters, communicate the type of emergency, or signal the end of a shift. When a firefighter died in the line of duty, a distinct sequence of five bells was traditionally tolled. Today, the tolling of bells remains a reverent tradition during firefighter funerals and memorial services.

You can participate in this national tradition to honor the memories of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice and to show solidarity with their grieving families. Join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, a poignant tribute culminating with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, on May 5.