LYNNWOOD — In the days that followed the Sept. 11 attack of the World Trade Center, people across the country looked for ways to express their grief. In Lynnwood, people brought flowers, balloons and cards to an empty spot outside of Fire Station 15.
Four years later, the Lynnwood Fire Department decided it was time to build a proper place to remember first responders who serve courageously and sometimes die in the line of duty.
Workers installed a monument, a polished black granite stone surrounded by engraved bricks, last week in front of Fire Station 15, 18800 44th Ave. W. The department will host a dedication ceremony, but a date has not been chosen.
“Even today, people bring these things every once in a while. We need a place that people can come,” said Capt. Bruce Forbes. “It is a place for us to remember who used to work here who passed away.”
Lynnwood Firefighters Association, Lynnwood Firefighters Union Local 1984 and private individuals raised the money to buy and install the $2,700 memorial. The upright stone also features a picture of a firefighter carrying a child down a ladder, the Maltese Cross and the inscription about Sept. 11.
The names of six retired Lynnwood firefighters who have since died will be engraved on paving stones at the memorial. They are the city’s first fire chief Ken Montgomery; the city’s second fire chief, Alan Dillon; fire marshal Wade Warren; firefighter Ernie Black; reserve firefighter John McPherson; and volunteer firefighter Robert Sweet. No one has died in the line of duty in the Lynnwood Fire Department’s 35-year history.
“Even though they did not die in the line of service, they did serve,” Forbes said.
“(The memorial) recognizes not only the people of (the Lynnwood) fire department but those around the country,” Capt. Forbes said. “We are a brotherhood and sisterhood. We want people to have a place to come to so they can remember who gave their lives in service.”
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