Dedication of the Firefighters' Memorial, which
will honor Connecticut firefighters who lost
their lives in the line of duty, is expected to
take place late in October or in early November.
That is the word from Ernie Herrick, chairman of
the committee which conceived the project and
raised the necessary funds.
Mr. Herrick said that Adams Granite Co.,
Barre, VT is presently engraving a polished
block granite with the images of four
firefighters battling a blaze. The original
artwork for the centerpiece of the memorial site
was created by Lt. Paul Walsh of the New Britain
Fire Dept. Lt. Walsh is nationally known for his
artistic depictions of firefighters.
The site on the grounds of the Fire Training
Academy in Windsor Locks will consist of a
plaza-like setting with a brick patio shaped in
the form of a Maltese Cross, the universal
symbol of the firefighting service. The names of
the fallen firefighters will be inscribed on
granite blocks set around the perimeter of the
plaza.
The committee has verified more than 300
names, according to Mr. Herrick. He is calling
on individuals and organizations with
information about deaths prior to 1883 to
contact him at 178 Ravine Road, Storrs, CT
06268.
The 2001 session of the General Assembly, at
the request of Gov. John Rowland, approved a
state contribution of $100,000 toward the cost
of the memorial. More than $100,000 was raised
by the committee from private sources.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held June 12.
In brief remarks Lt. Gov. Jodi Rell said the
memorial will underscore the dedication and
bravery of Connecticut's firefighters.
Noting that firefighters often save the lives
of others, she said that on occasion they are
unable "to save their own lives."
Mrs. Rell called upon everyone not to take
the service of firefighters for granted and
expressed the hope that the memorial would serve
as a vivid reminder that many have made the
supreme sacrifice.
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