COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – The Council Bluffs Fire Department is working to restore a bell that once rang throughout the city for more than 100 years. Fire Chief Justin James says the fire station bell, forged in 1876, once tolled for fire calls and firefighter funerals at several Council Bluffs stations. The bell had been relocated to a city storage facility for three years during station construction, and the department now wants it back in action.

James tells the Council Bluffs Nonpareil plans include erecting a tower outside the department’s new headquarters station. He says the tower would feature pictures and plaques depicting the history of the department. The department estimates the project will cost between $80,000 and $120,000. James says donations and grants will likely fund its construction.