Firefighter memorial opened, dedicated

Two events took place Friday on the grounds of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road.

The first, a ribbon-cutting, was an upbeat story of goals achieved.

The second was more somber.

A crowd of 600 firefighters and family members from across the state gathered to open Phase I of the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial. After a variety of recognitions and thanks, ending with remarks by Tennessee Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance Leslie Newman, the ribbon was cut on the memorial.

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That was followed by the second event, the ceremony honoring 194 firefighters who died in the line of duty since 1875 and whose names are listed on the memorial. As their names were read, family members, friends, or descendants placed roses -- one for each name -- on the bronze plaques. After the names had been read, a silver bell was rung five times, then five more times, then five more times. In the days before radio communication, that signal, 5-5-5, meant that firefighters should return to quarters. In a memorial service, it signifies that the firefighters have gone home to their eternal reward.

"This is a day of remembrance, reflection, happiness and even sorrow," said Chief Jerry Crawford of Collierville Fire Department during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He cited John 15:13, a Bible verse also listed in the program for the event: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

James Daughetee, father of fallen firefighter Shane Daughetee of the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department, talked about his son's sense of duty.

"This memorial is a tribute to our son, to those before him, and to those after him," he said. James Daughetee said the memorial would be a place for families to sit and reflect.

TFACA students will be taken to the memorial on their first day of class as a sobering reminder of the responsibility and danger inherent in their work. Students will be given an "Everyone Goes Home" wristband, part of a safety initiative

The memorial is a brick path leading to a circular brick plaza; many of the bricks bear the names or chosen messages of the donors who made its construction possible. Ringing the plaza are benches as well as monuments bearing the names of the fallen firefighters. The U.S. flag, the Tennessee flag, and a special memorial flag fly above the plaza.

The silver bell used in the memorial ceremony was placed at the center of the plaza, but organizers hope to eventually erect some sort of statue at that spot. That, along with additional landscaping, will be Phase II of the memorial, said Sparta Fire Chief Ed Kay, who chairs the monument's board of directors and who made opening remarks at Friday's ceremony. Memorial bricks are still being sold to fund Phase II and the ongoing maintenance of the memorial, he said. Commemorative coins are also available for purchase.

Kay praised the work of Karen Alexander, the former marketing director for the fire academy, who serves as secretary of the monument's board. Alexander has been one of the primary moves in bringing the monument to fruition.

"This has truly been a labor of love for her," said Kay.

Valerie McConnell, wife of Shelbyville firefighter Ricky McConnell, sang the national anthem during the ceremony.

Kay, recalling the Sept. 11 anniversary, also requested prayer for U.S. troops in combat areas and said all of those in attendance can memorialize fallen soldiers and firefighters by doing the best at their own occupations or other means of service.

"May we never, never forget," he said.

On the web

Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial: www.tnffmemorial.com

Everyone Goes Home: everyonegoeshome.com