Final Alarm Ceremony

A flight of firefighters stands by as a few final words are said about Rick Grammer, Air Mobility Command fire chief, during a Final Alarm Ceremony Jan. 10, 2010 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mr. Grammer passed away last week. A Final Alarm Ceremony is a traditional final tribute to a firefighter who has passed. The ceremony begins by calling the passed firefighter’s name and is followed by the ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. Bagpipes are also commonly played. The ceremony represents the firefighter’s final call to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Final Alarm Ceremony

Mike Edwards, retired assistant fire chief, plays the ceremonial bagpipe during a Final Alarm Ceremony in honor of Rick Grammer, Air Mobility Command fire chief, Jan. 10, 2010 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mr. Grammer passed away last week. A Final Alarm Ceremony is a traditional final tribute to a firefighter who has passed. The ceremony begins by calling the passed firefighter’s name and is followed by the ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. Bagpipes are also commonly played. The ceremony represents the firefighter’s final call to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Final Alarm Ceremony

A flight of firefighters stands at parade rest while a few final words are said about Rick Grammer, Air Mobility Command fire chief, during a Final Alarm Ceremony, Jan. 10, 2010 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mr. Grammer passed away last week. A Final Alarm Ceremony is a traditional final tribute to a firefighter who has passed. The ceremony begins by calling the passed firefighter’s name and is followed by the ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. Bagpipes are also commonly played. The ceremony represents the firefighter’s final call to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Final Alarm Ceremony

A display at a final alarm ceremony held Jan. 10, 2010, shows various trinkets in remembrance of Rick Grammer, Air Mobility Command fire chief, during a Final Alarm Ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mr. Grammer passed away last week. A Final Alarm Ceremony is a traditional final tribute to a firefighter who has passed. The ceremony begins by calling the passed firefighter’s name and is followed by the ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. Bagpipes are also commonly played. The ceremony represents the firefighter’s final call to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Final Alarm Ceremony

A photo of Rick Grammer, Air Mobility Command fire chief, is displayed at a Final Alarm Ceremony, Jan. 10, 2010 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mr. Grammer passed away last week. A Final Alarm Ceremony is a traditional final tribute to a firefighter who has passed. The ceremony begins by calling the passed firefighter’s name and is followed by the ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. Bagpipes are also commonly played. The ceremony represents the firefighter’s final call to duty. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Scott firemen honor the life of a fellow firefighter

Published Jan. 10, 2011
By Bekah Clark
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE. Ill -- Members of Air Mobility Command and 375th Air Mobility Wing leadership and Scott firefighters gathered Monday at 7:30 a.m. for a Last Alarm Ceremony to honor the life of Rick Grammer, AMC fire chief, who passed away last week.

The Last Alarm Ceremony is a traditional final tribute to a firefighter who has passed. The ceremony begins by calling the passed firefighter's name and is followed by the ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. Bagpipes are also commonly played. The ceremony represents the firefighter's final call to duty.

Brig. Gen. Theresa Carter, Air Mobility Command director of Installations and Mission Support, John Bonapart, Air Mobility Command deputy director of Installations and Mission Support, and Col. Michael Hornitschek, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, were among those who attended the ceremony in honor of Mr. Grammer.