Memorial Plaza

And so, in February, 1993, a solemn procession made its way from Fire Headquarters to the Indiana War Memorial located just one block north of the site of 1992’s tragic fire. There, dignitaries spoke of bravery and sacrifice. Then, a rose was placed in a vase for each name from the roll of heroes. As each name was read, a fire bell tolled. When the vase held sixty-eight names, Taps echoed through the auditorium. The event was attended by civic leaders, firefighters, and family members of several of those who sacrificed their lives. One of them, who’s father had died 32 years before, spoke to a member of the Local 416 Executive Board after the service. She thanked the Local for the service, “This is the first time my father’s sacrifice has been recognized publicly.”

This, then, was the genesis of the Marion County Fallen Firefighters Memorial. After two years of planning and fundraising the dream was realized. The Memorial was dedicated on July 26, 1996. The list of names had grown to seventy-one as the concept was expanded to include all of Marion County.

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Plaza outside of the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Local 416 Union Hall located at 748 Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis.

This is housed in the oldest standing firehouse in Marion County. The Memorial consists of five descending columns that spiral out from the front of the firehouse to the centerpiece column. On each column are inscribed the names of our fallen heroes. Atop the center column sits a Phoenix, the mythical bird of fire. Just as it rises from its ashes, so too do the souls of our heroes, drawn upward to heaven.

Local 416 has expanded since the dedication. It now represents over 2600 active and retired firefighters from 25 Indiana departments. It is a vibrant, growing organization just as the Indianapolis Fire Department is under its current leadership. The Local is working for a bright future for all its members. To be truly successful in the future, we must always remember the sacrifices of the past. One way we do this is to honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.