‘Bells Across America’ honors fallen Anchorage firefighters

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Fire Departments across the country, including in Anchorage, honored fallen firefighters over the weekend.

“Bells Across America” is a nation-wide tribute to firefighters who died on the line of duty. The Anchorage Fire Department held their own ceremony at the Alaska Fallen Firefighter memorial in downtown Anchorage.

“When a firefighter had 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,“ said Anchorage Fire Chief Doug Schrage during the ceremony. ”We utilize these traditions as symbols which reflect the honor and respect on those who gave so much and who have served so well.

A firefighter rang a bell at the memorial in three sets of three times each, symbolizing the devotion of lost firefighters, and marking the end of their watch. The Fallen Firefighters memorial commemorates the lives of 33 Alaskan firefighters who died on the line of duty.

“To those that selflessly gave their lives in the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their duties well done to our comrades, their last alarm,” Schrage said. “They are going home.”

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