It was the signal to start and end a work shift. It was rung each time firefighters received and returned from a call. During the 54th Annual Fire Fighters Association of Missouri Convention, the bell was reintroduced to firefighters from across the state. Rather than pounding a gavel to mark the start and end of the annual event, a bell was presented to the association by the Warrenton Fire Protection District to be used at future conventions. The three-day event was kicked off when organizers rang the bell three times at Friday night's opening ceremonies. "Our goal all along was to set the standard higher and make it better than any convention's ever been," said Eddie Meyer, convention co-chair. "People will remember Warrenton 2009, and I think we did accomplish that." Area businesses benefited from the influx of visitors. Warrenton Fire Chief Mike Owenby said 619 firefighters, family members and vendors were at this year's event. Representatives from 68 departments across the state were in attendance. Warrenton Mayor Greg Costello said the financial impact of the city hosting the convention won't be known until figures are released next quarter. FFAM President Jerry Miller praised the planning committee, the fire district and ladies auxiliary for their diligent work in hosting the big crowd. He considered this year's turnout to be one of the highest in his years affiliated with the state organization. "This is where we bring them together," said Miller, a training officer at Mountain Grove and regional training coordinator for the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training program. "I thought everything was great. Everything was in close proximity and that made it run smooth." The theme for this year's event was "We Bring Families Together." Local organizers said it was their intention to showcase the city and fire department. Meyer said the support from the community was overwhelming. "Everyone seemed to have a good time," he said. "The facilities were great. Everyone in the community was very hospitable. It was great for the community." Some of the highlights included a parade featuring a few old-time fire trucks and a firefighter skills competition on Saturday. Entertainment included a mixer on Friday and a banquet on Saturday. Events were either held at Warrenton High School or Holy Rosary. Also in attendance was nationally known renowned retired Phoenix Fire Chief Alan Brunacini. He hosted a class on command safety Friday and was the keynote speaker later that evening at the opening ceremonies. This year's convention was the first time Warrenton hosted the firefighters since 1969. Last year's affair was hosted by the Southern Stone District near Branson. Next year's convention will be held in Kearney. Owenby said around $45,000 was spent to host the convention, but all money was taken from the fire department and ladies auxiliary's budgets. He noted that no taxpayer money was used to fund the event. This year's convention came to a close Sunday when Miller reached down from the podium and rang the bell three times. "It's like a big family and you always want to impress your family," Owenby said. "It went great. It was a long weekend, but we had a blast."