East Longmeadow ceremony ends with last alarm and bagpipes

The East Longmeadow vigil concluded with ceremonial elements that honored fallen first responders and victims.

Fire Chief Christopher Beecher explained the fire-service tradition of the last alarm — ‘‘the tolling of the bell with 4 sets of 5 rings’’ to signify firefighters who died in the line of duty — and announced Firefighter Ed McCandlish would sound the last alarm for those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The program included a performance of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes credited to an East Longmeadow High School student, and closing thanks to special guests and public safety personnel.

Chief Beecher closed the ceremony by thanking attendees and the men and women of the East Longmeadow Fire and Police Departments for their service and dedication to the town.