As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the sound of a ringing bell reminds us of liberty and freedom, which has been accomplished through the personal sacrifice of many. The bell is also known for sounding a fire alarm or a warning on a fire engine on the way to a fire. The bell is a symbol of America and those who valiantly fight for freedom or to save lives from peril. Let the bell ring.

In 1958, the East Whiteland Fire Company purchased a second pumper engine. It was a 1947 American LaFrance with a chrome bell mounted on the front of the engine. In 1962 the company purchased a new Autocar fire engine and the American LaFrance bell was mounted on the Autocar. Six months later the Autocar was destroyed in a wildland fire. The bell was salvaged and sent out to be re-chromed, then mounted on the 1954 Autocar fire engine. The bell was then mounted on the wall of the engine room at the firehouse on Planebrook Road. When we moved to our new station in June 2015, the bell was carefully removed and sent out once again to be re-chromed. The American LaFrance bell is now mounted on the wall of the engine room in our new station. The bell has a very special significance in the history of our company.

On this day, with the ringing of the bell, let us remember the importance of liberty, freedom, our United States service personnel, and all First Responders who rush to assist those in need. Let the bell ring.