Long before there were telephones and radios, fire departments utilized the telegraph to receive fire alarms from those once-familiar red fire alarm boxes which stood on the corner of our Nation's cities.

When a firefighter fell in the line of duty, the Fire Alarm Office would tap out a special signal over the telegraph fire alarm circuits which went to all station houses. This was done for the purpose of notification and as a sign of honor and respect and is a long-honored tradition which continues today. Although some cities may differ in the number of times this signal is tapped out, the most common sequence is 5-5-5.

Our "In The Line Of Duty" Crests and badges have been designed for all firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.