Brothers and Sisters-
A few weeks ago, we were discussing the fact that we did not have anything here at Addison that our new hires embraced as their unified project and able to pass along to the next rookie, and we also discussed how we did not have a significant representation for our only Line Of Duty Death – Firefighter Steve Webb. To make a long conversation short, we discovered an opportunity to solve both issues and establish a significant memorial for not only Firefighter Webb, but also those firefighters and officers that have come before us and preserved traditional fire service values.
We discovered that underneath the green coat of paint on the bell outside Station 1, is a beautiful brass bell. As the thoughts began to process, I met with Fire Administration on behalf of the Addison Firefighters Association to discuss the possibility of removing the paint, bringing the bell to a condition that would allow it to be lovingly cared for each day with a quick polish by the newest members of our department. We also presented the request to place a Line of Duty Death Memorial plaque at a 45 degree presentation angle in front of the bell. Surrounding the memorial plaque and the bell platform would be a 3 to 4 feet ring of red pavestones. The pavestones closest to the bell, the innermost ring of stones, will be laser engraved with the names of all retirees from the Addison Fire Department. This symbolic representation pays tribute to the careers of those that paved the way for us today. Much like growth rings on trees, the strength of an organization is based upon the foundation that was laid long ago. In addition, we have proposed a pavestone walk way to extend over to the front apron. We would like to see a small rock border encasing the walkway and memorial site to preserve and honor the site.
We hope to have some form of small, simple landscape design on the south side with a flag pole mounted behind the bell flying the fire department flag and even have the memorial lit each night by a ground mounted floodlight in the front. It would be our hope that when the remaining approvals are granted that the work would be completed in time to have a commitment ceremony on October 7, 2006. For those of you that are not aware, that is the anniversary of the death of FF Steve Webb. We would like to invite the remaining Webb family as well as all of the AFD retirees to the ceremony.
As you may have noticed, work has been granted and has nearly been completed on the bell. We are awaiting final approval for the pavestone area as well as the landscape/flagpole from Town Hall. I extend my personal invitation to each shift and station for the remaining areas of the project. We have so many talented and skilled individuals in the department, and I envisioned this as a unifying project that reaches the furthest corners of our department. Fire Administration has now offered up funding, how much is still to be determined, but the Association is poised and ready to complete the necessary purchases to make this memorial a reality.
Put your heads together and as groups decide if there is interest in either of the two remaining site needs. As soon as permission is granted, then we will be ready to go. Hopefully it will be soon. We are still open for site suggestions, comments, etc. This is for us, so your input only makes it better. To look at the type of laser cut pavers, go to http://brickstonegraphics.com and see the memorial area for fire and police. It is my desire for all of us to put together something that is an honorable and sacred place, one that our new hires (as well as old hires) will work and sweat to keep pristine. It would be my desire to have this be part of our department retirement ceremony, where the retiree gets to place his/her stone in the prepared open position in the Ring of Honor. Think about it; get back to me when you can with either your commitment of skill and labor or your comments/suggestions.
Thanks for your time.
President, local 3187