Ceremony

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard’s primary duty is to honor those AFFI Members who have died in the Line of Duty. We must be requested by the affected Local, at the direction of the deceased’s family. The AFFI Honor Guard also assists in other types of ceremonies: color postings, the Illinois Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield, IL, and the International Association of Firefighter’s Memorial in Colorado Springs, CO. We participate in these events and ceremonies as a symbol of honor and tradition. And, because we believe it is the right thing to do.

Bell Ceremony

The men and women of today’s fire service are confronted with a more dangerous work environment than ever before. We are forced to continually change our strategies and tactics to accomplish our tasks.

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Our methods may change, but our goals remain the same as they were in the past, to save lives and to protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost. This is what we do, this is our chosen profession, this is the tradition of the fire fighter.

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The fire service of today is ever changing but is steeped in traditions 200 years old. One such tradition is the sound of a bell.

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In the 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, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizen. And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call. When a fire fighter had died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing.

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We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have given so much and who have served so well. To symbolize the devotion that these brave souls had for their duty, a special signal of three rings, three times each, represents the end of our comrades’ duties and that they will be returning to quarters. And so, to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their duties well done, to our comrades, their last alarm, they are going home.

Fireman’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God

Wherever flames may rage

Give me strength to save a life

Whatever be its age.

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Let me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person from

The horror of that fate.

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Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout,

and quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

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I want to fill my calling

To give the best in me,

To guard my friend and neighbor

And protect their property.

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And, if, according to your will,

While on duty I must answer death’s call;

Bless with your protecting hand

My family, one and all.

History of Bagpipes in the Fire Service

The tradition of bagpipes played at fire department and police department funerals in the United States goes back over one hundred fifty years. When the Irish and Scottish immigrated to this country, they brought many of their traditions with them. One of these was the Great Highland Bagpipe, often played at Celtic weddings, funerals and ceilis (dances).

It wasn’t until the great potato famine and massive Irish immigration to the East Coast of the United States that the tradition of the bagpipes really took hold in the fire department. In the 1800’s, Irish immigrants faced massive discrimination. Factories and shops had signs reading “NINA” – No Irish Need Apply. The only jobs they could get were the ones no one else wanted – jobs that were dirty, dangerous, or both – firefighters and police officers. It was not an uncommon event to have several firefighters killed at a working fire. The Irish firefighters’ funerals were typical of all Irish funerals – the pipes were played. It was somehow okay for a hardened firefighter to cry at the sound of bagpipes when his dignity would not let him weep for a fallen comrade.

Those who have attended a funeral where bagpipes were played know how haunting and mournful the sound of the pipes can be. The most famous song played at fire and police funerals is Amazing Grace. It wasn’t too long before families and friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the bagpipes to be played for fallen heroes. The bagpipes add a special air and dignity to this solemn occasion.

Bagpipe bands represent both fire and police often have more than 60 uniformed playing members. They are also traditionally known as Emerald Societies after Ireland – the Emerald Isle. Many bands wear traditional Scottish dress while others wear the simpler Irish uniform. All members wear the kilt and tunic, whether it is a Scottish clan tartan or Irish single color kilt.

Today, the tradition is universal and not just for the Irish or Scottish. The bagpipes have become a distinguishing feature of a fallen hero’s funeral.

Article retrieved from http://www.lonestarpiper.com/component/content/article/52-history-of-bagpipes-in-the-fire-service.html

Bell Ceremony

Fireman’s Prayer

History of Bagpipes in the Fire Service

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