Minnesota Fire Service Memorial

On Sunday, September 30, 2012, the Minnesota fire service dedicated the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol. It was attended by firefighters, national dignitaries and many family members of the 207 firefighters who died in the Line-of-Duty. It was a great day and great event. The event planners should be proud of what was accomplished.

2012 Dedication Video

Town Square Television is proud to have presented coverage of the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Dedication. The Event is now available to be viewed online. townsquaretv.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=3946

DVD copies of the Ceremony are also available for purchase at www.townsquare.tv/.

Next of Kin (family) information

Here is the text from the letter that went out to survivor family members that are known thus far from the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation.

"It is with tremendous honor and pride that we are able to recognize your loved one for their ultimate sacrifice in protecting the citizens and guests of the great State of Minnesota. The dream has turned to reality and the Fallen Firefig... hter Memorial has been constructed. Please join us for the dedication ceremony to pay tribute to those who have fallen and those whose lives were changed forever in that sacrifice.

The ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 30, 2012 beginning at 2:00 pm and will last just over two hours; rain or shine. Please arrive to the site no later than 12:30 PM to check in and gather at the Family Tent which will be located just north of the memorial on the grass area in front of the Minnesota State Capitol. The family tent will be ready to receive families at 11 AM. A map of the memorial site and parking options is included in this mailing. There will be a shuttle available from the Sears parking lot to the family tent beginning at 11:15 AM; this parking lot is marked “family” parking on the map that is enclosed.

Each family of a fallen firefighter is asked to designate four family members or friends who will take part in the dedication ceremony. During the dedication ceremony, these four individuals will take their place on the stage when the name of their fallen family member is read. One member of your family will be presented with a Minnesota State Flag which has been flown over our Capitol building. At the check-in table inside the family tent, this member will receive a ribbon or pin denoting them as the designated recipient. It would be greatly appreciated if you will identify that person among the family members prior to that day.

Please note that there is no limit to the number of family members who may attend the dedication ceremony. Due to the number of people involved, only four will be able proceed to the stage for the presentation of the flag. These four will be seated in the reserved seating. All other family members are encouraged to be seated in the general seating/standing areas. There will be accommodations for handicapped / wheel chairs.

Prior to the ceremony, at 12:50 PM all family members and guests will be gathered together and lined up near the family tent. They will then be led on foot to the memorial site and to their respective seating.

State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl will be the Master of Ceremonies at the event, which will consist of:

This will be a formal ceremony with all firefighters in Class A uniforms. We respectfully request business/professional attire for all family members and guests.

Several photographers will be on site that will make all photos available and accommodate any request. There will be ample time after to take as many photos as you wish, details following the ceremony.

The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation consists of representatives from the Minnesota Professional Firefighters, Minnesota State Fire Department Association, and the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. Realization of this memorial and dedication is a result of these associations and more importantly, their members who have contributed the fiscal resources necessary to fund the Memorial Ceremony and to build and maintain the memorial site.

We continue to work towards the publication of a book to further commemorate those who have fallen. Please contact Ms. Ryder at sryder@sbmfire.com or 763-786-4436 to obtain further details on this project. Photos, newspaper articles, and family stories will be received in the family tent the day of the event and will be uploaded onto our web page mnlodd.correlldata.com Minnesota Line of Duty Deaths; which is undergoing development to allow more information about the memorial and those who it honors.

Donations / Background

Dear Firefighters and Friends of Firefighters,

The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation is working with LEO A DALY architects to create a memorial site in honor of fallen firefighters from across the state. This memorial will be located on the grounds of the State Capitol and will be a site for an annual recognition cememony for all those that have given their lives in service to their communities as firefighters.

Our goal is for this memorial to be funded by firefighters, for firefighters – and in order to make that possible, we need your help. If each Fire Department in the state of Minnesota contributes $30 or more for each of their active firefighters, we will raise the $600,000 needed to build this beautiful memorial in honor of our fallen. The goal is to have the necessary funds raised by December 31, 2011. If this goal is not met, all of the donations will be returned and the Memorial initiative will be abandoned.

The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, so all donations are tax deductible.

Sincerely,
George F. Esbensen
President of the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation

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