Firefighter memorial to be dedicated Friday

Firefighters and dignitaries from across Tennessee will attend the long ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication Friday afternoon for the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road. The memorial will honor the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and neighbors.

Fund raising efforts for the memorial began six years ago with the Tennessee Ultimate Firefighter Challenge, which is held in September each year. Since that time, a committee was formed from fire service organizations across the state to continue the efforts of raising money and to create public awareness.

The Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial, according to organizers, will be a monument to the spirit, commitment, and sacrifice of those firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty and will provide the citizens of Tennessee with a place to honor the fallen and to inspire young men and women to follow in their brave footsteps.

"A committee of very dedicated people has worked very hard to get to this point," said Sparta Fire Chief Ed Kay, who serves as the memorial committee's president. "We are proud of what we have accomplished for our states' first responders and for the families of our fallen heroes."

On average, two firefighters die each year in Tennessee. Records show that 197 firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty from 1875 to 2009. Of that number, 26 firefighters lost their lives from 2000 to 2009. No firefighter fatalities were recorded for 2008.

The keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony will be James Daughetee, the father of the late Shane Daughetee, a 24-year-old firefighter killed in the line of duty in Bradley County in January 2007.

Pavers bearing the names or other chosen inscription of memorial donors make up a walkway leading to the memorial's Circle of Honor, which includes the names of the fallen firefighters on bronze plaques.

Hart Freeland and Roberts donated and completed the conceptual drawings. Companies such as IMI, Contec, Wright Paving, B & W Excavating, Haynes Services Electric, N & S Waterproofing, WASCO, the Community High School ag class and American Constructors have donated time or services for the completion of Phase One of the memorial.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the site. More than 600 people are expected to attend, including Leslie Newman, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, who serves as the state fire marshal.

On the web

www.tnffmemorial.com