MELROSE – The Melrose community celebrated the return of the original fire bell that was used during the 1920s as an alert system for firefighters.

The bell, which is an old steel wheel from a steam locomotive, was first salvaged by Elwell Maxwell Robinson and then kept by Lee Steadham. Steadham decided to return the bell and with the help of a forklift driven by Antoni Ahrano, the bell was returned to the station.

“It’s just a piece of history,” said Melrose Fire Department Fire Chief Kevin Mobley. “We’re not planning on using it because we have modern technology, pagers, telephones, and all that good stuff. But I felt it was very important to preserve a piece of history that is particular to Melrose.”

Mobley gave a speech during the ceremony that acknowledged all firefighters, whether they were retired, serving as a contracted firefighter or as a volunteer. He also gave thanks to the residents who made it possible for the bell’s return and presented awards to them as Honorary Members of the department. “Amazing Grace” was played with a bagpipe while the audience took a moment of silence to remember the firefighters who lost their lives during 9/11. Lastly, the ceremony concluded with 7-year-old Logan hitting the bell.

John Mcrae provided lunch for the event as a fundraiser for the fire department.

“This group of folks, last year raised us about $1,800 out of a BBQ they do on September 11,” McRae said.

He said the money they raise will be used towards something that will make the locals proud instead of putting it in the general fund. “We are going to find something that they can say ‘hey, we raised the money for that’.”

Overall, the members of the Melrose Fire Department are trained for different types of rescues such as marine rescue, technical and animal rescues. They are also trained in emergency driving courses, wildland and structural firefighting, hazardous materials and emergency medical services.

The department covers Melrose and are contracted to provide fire and EMT services to portions of Alachua and Putnam counties. Due to the geographic position of Melrose, they also answer calls for mutual aid in Clay County and Bradford counties.