Commentary—

Firefighters Have More Than Earned Their Memorial

By Lt Governor M. Jodi Rell

One of the most emotional moments in my tenure as lieutenant governor occurred last December when I officially represented Connecticut at a memorial service for the six Worcester firefighters who died in a warehouse fire just weeks before Christmas. This tragedy was felt strongly by all New Englanders and stood as a painful reminder of the dangers firefighters face every day when an alarm sounds.

I met many Connecticut career and volunteer firefighters who were making a special trip to Worcester. The firefighters were solemn as they thought about their Worcester comrades and considered the risks all of them face when responding to a call.

There is no doubt that firefighters play one of the most important roles in maintaining public safety for all Connecticut residents. They put their lives on the line daily to help fellow citizens. They put on heavy gear and lug around even heavier equipment. They are there for us 24/7/365.

Firefighters represent some of the bravest and most courageous people I know. Whether paid or volunteer, they put the safety of the public first, protecting lives and property while being, literally, in the line of fire.

They are loyal and dedicated and go through hours and hours of training annually. They make countless sacrifices to ensure our safety and they serve as role models for young men and women across the state.

Many times we do not stop to consider the danger they put themselves in each time they answer a call. And most state residents probably do not know that, since 1883, more than 400 Connecticut firefighters have lost their lives while dousing flames and rescuing people.

Now there is a special way to both thank our firefighters and to honor those fallen heroes. Recently, I helped begin a statewide effort to raise money to build a permanent memorial to those firefighters who died while doing their jobs. Planning for the construction of this memorial, to be placed at the Connecticut Fire Training Academy in Windsor Locks, began six years ago, and so far about $75,000 has been raised. An additional $100,000 is needed to make this memorial a reality.

This memorial to firefighters is long overdue. Each one of us has an obligation to remember those who have died while serving. We must honor these individuals who have so proudly worn a firefighter’s uniform in Connecticut. A state firefighters memorial will do just that. It will serve as a permanent reminder of the heroes we have lost – and of the heroes who continue to serve.

The Worcester fire took six lives. A fire in Branford a few years ago claimed the life of a volunteer firefighter on Thanksgiving. These tragedies leave no doubt that the burning flames of fire damage and destroy not only buildings, but families as well.

A memorial for our heroes would provide a setting for surviving families, friends, and colleagues to keep their memories alive. What better way to remember the ultimate sacrifice they made for us.

Won’t you please take the time to make a contribution to help build the memorial? Your donation will bring us a step closer to breaking ground and seeing construction begin. Your donation will serve as your personal thanks to the men and women who protect us every day.

Checks may be sent to the CT State Firefighters Memorial Fund, 34 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096.

For more information, you can click to the official Web site for the memorial, www.state.ct.us/ fpc/hot/memorial.html.