St. Thomas to honor fallen firefighters

VERNON — St. Thomas Episcopal Church will honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty in a Bells Across America presentation at the church at 307 Route 94 in Vernon, on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at 9:15 a.m.

Bells Across America is a special commemoration for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. The sound of the bell holds special significance for firefighters. Historically, the toll of the bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help and indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station. Departments also sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice. This time honored tradition continues today during the funerals or memorial services for firefighters.

All are welcome to attend this special commemoration for Fallen Firefighters.. There were three New Jersey firefighters who died in the line of duty in the past year. A firefighter from the Byram Fire Department died this September after responding to a call. All firefighters are welcome to wear their uniform.