Saturday October 30, 7 2010 Nature: Sounding Last Alarm – James T. (Tee) Norwood Address: Oak Orchard, Delaware On Saturday, October 30th, 2010 at approximately 1 p.m., the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company participated in the memorial services for Life Member and President Emeritus – James T. (Tee) Norwood. Tee was an active part of the volunteer fire company for 40 years and held the offices of Board of Director, President, Secretary and Treasurer in the administrative operations of the organization and Second Assistant Chief, Chief Engineer, and Engineer in the fire operations of the organization. In recognition for his diligent and dedicated serve Tee was elected a Life Member and appointed the 55th Anniversary Grand Marshal with his close confidant and fellow firefighter, Maurice A. (Snooty) Mosley, Sr.; as well as being awarded the distinguished title of President Emeritus. The memorial services were officiated by clergy personnel from the Indian Mission Church serving as the Master of Ceremonies was Pastor Karen Mumford of the Indian Mission Church and representing the fire seervice was Rev. J. Allen Miller of the Community Church of Oak Orchard and Chaplain of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company. Tee’s funeral procession originated at the Long Neck United Methodist Church in Long Neck Road traveling north on Long Neck over John J. Williams Highway and proceeding north on Indian Mission Road to the Indian Mission Church for the interment services. The memorial service continued with a presentation of the President Emeritus’ Helmet by Fire Company President Miller and Fire Chief Deery presented the American Flag covering the casket to his widow, Jean Norwood. The American Legion Post #28 provided an Honor Guard with a 21 gun salute and the Delaware State Police provided a bagpiper who played Amazing Grace. The “Tolling of the Bell Ceremony” is a tradition at a fallen firefighter’s funeral. During the tour of a firefighters shift a bell which has now gave way to a more modernized alerting system sends the signal that a call for help is needed. Day in and day out firefighters all over the world place themselves in harms way to protect the lives and property of their fellow man. At the conclusion of the alarm, it was the bell that would signify that the call is complete and the units would be returning to quarters. This returning to quarter’s signal, the tolling of the bell is now the means of sending a fallen firefighter home to their final resting place. They are returning to quarters for the last time. Their tour has been completed. This reading was performed by Deputy Chief Hubbs. A fellowship reception followed at the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company Main Station Memorial Hall.