5-5-5-5 ??

[pfd104]

Where did this originate and what does it mean? Sorry for my ignorance

[mikema]

when the FDNY had the bell system way back when everything has to be tranmitted by using bells.this was before they had voice alarms in the fire house,so when there was a line of duty death they would transmit a signal 5-5-5-5 over the bell system.if anyone has a better reason this is the only reason i have miken

[WTFD10]

According to an old FDNY manual page posted at nyfd.com, Signal 5-5-5-5 officially means "Display National Standard at Half Mast"

http://www.nyfd.com/bells/bells2.html

I'm sure one of the guys on this forum from FDNY could tell you more about it than this buffy Ohio Vollie can