Dedicated to the courage and memory of Arizona firefighters and paramedics, the Arizona Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Paramedics Memorial honors the firefighters, paramedics and wildland firefighters who left behind families and loved ones. Located outside the state capitol in Phoenix, Arizona, the monument reflects the commitment of emergency responders to the community while simultaneously providing a place for that same community to gather and connect.
Creating a Place to Reflect
Since 1902, numerous men and women across the entire state of Arizona have given their lives to protect and serve their communities. These sacrifices led to the creation of a Commission in 1990 by the Arizona legislature to erect a memorial to fallen firefighters from Arizona. It was envisioned as a place that would honor the courage and memory of specific Arizona firefighters and paramedics who gave their lives in service of others. The space would also provide the living relatives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a place to stay connected with their legacy.
Dedicated in 2015, the Arizona Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Paramedics Memorial is the result of over 20 years of planning, 10 years of development and three years of fundraising. The monument includes a bell tower, 10 bronze statues and a wall engraved with the names of all those who have died. These life size bronze statues represent and honor the paramedic and wildland firefighters. Their names and sacrifices are called out and highlighted in specific ways.
Funded entirely by donations with over 1,000 coming from the community, the efforts of the prominent corporations and individuals who contributed a great deal to make the monument a reality are also specifically mentioned. Numerous events, fundraising endeavors and community gatherings take place at the memorial on a regular basis, highlighting how it has become a hub of activity for the community.
Thematically connected to the efforts and sacrifices honored by other memorials located throughout the Wesley Bolin Plaza, the Arizona Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Paramedics Memorial has become part of and reflects the Arizona community in ways that are as notable as they are long-lasting.
A Living Memorial
Created to serve as a living memorial honoring the sacrifices made by members of the community, the Arizona Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Paramedics Memorial simultaneously connects audiences with the past and future. By honoring the sacrifices made by firefighters, paramedics and wildland firefighters while also giving their families and their larger communities something that actively keeps their memories alive, the memorial has been able to create a sense of connection that spans the entire state of Arizona and multiple generations of visitors.
