Wood County Firefighters Association holds annual memorial service
From left, Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department and Lt. Jason Fleak of the Parkersburg Fire Department officiate at the Monday memorial service of the Wood County Firefighters Association. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department tolls the bell at the memorial service by the Wood County Firefighters Association for officers who have passed away since 2021. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Members of the Wood County Firefighters Association attended the memorial service Monday at the public safety monument at the Parkersburg Municipal Building. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Lt. Jason Fleak, at the podium, of the Parkersburg Fire Department Monday opens the memorial service for the Wood County Firefighters Association. Behind him is Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department, who tolled the bell for deceased members. To the right are wreath bearers Pvt. Patrick Davis and Capt. Matt Geary of the Parkersburg Fire Department. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department tolls the bell at the memorial service by the Wood County Firefighters Association for officers who have passed away since 2021. The tradition is known as the ringing of the bell (Photo by Jess Mancini)
From left, Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department and Lt. Jason Fleak of the Parkersburg Fire Department officiate at the Monday memorial service of the Wood County Firefighters Association. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department tolls the bell at the memorial service by the Wood County Firefighters Association for officers who have passed away since 2021. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Members of the Wood County Firefighters Association attended the memorial service Monday at the public safety monument at the Parkersburg Municipal Building. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Lt. Jason Fleak, at the podium, of the Parkersburg Fire Department Monday opens the memorial service for the Wood County Firefighters Association. Behind him is Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department, who tolled the bell for deceased members. To the right are wreath bearers Pvt. Patrick Davis and Capt. Matt Geary of the Parkersburg Fire Department. (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department tolls the bell at the memorial service by the Wood County Firefighters Association for officers who have passed away since 2021. The tradition is known as the ringing of the bell (Photo by Jess Mancini)
Trending
PARKERSBURG -- The Wood County Firefighters Association held its annual memorial service Monday.
"Today, we are here to remember, and to honor, our fellow firefighters who have gone on before us," Lt. Jason Fleak of the Parkersburg Fire Department said.
Deceased members were recognized by the traditional ringing of the bell.
In the past, as firefighters began their tour of duty, the bell signaled the beginning of the shift, Fleak said.
"Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned the brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in harm's way for the good of their fellow citizen," Fleak said.
When the fire was out and the alarm ended, the bell signaled the completion of the call, he said.
"When a firefighter had died, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced their passing," Fleak said. "We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have given so much and who have served so well," Fleak said. "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 companions duties and that they will be returning to quarters."
The bell was tolled three times each for: Jarrett Nay, a firefighter and EMT with the Washington Bottom Volunteer Fire Department, who died January 2021; Michael Moore, a past chief of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, who died in July 2022; Capt. John Modesitt, Parkersburg Fire Department, who died in January; and Parkersburg Firefighter James Thorn who died in April.
Tolling the bell was Capt. Pete McMullen of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department.
A wreath also was placed at the public safety monument in front of the municipal building. Wreath bearers were Pvt. Patrick Davis and Capt. Matt Geary of the Parkersburg Fire Department.