By: Melissa Toupin
mtoupin@abc6.com
The first Station Nightclub Fire Memorial is finally complete in Warwick almost a decade after the devastating fire killed 100 and injured dozens more.
During a dedicated ceremony Saturday the names of the 100 victims were read aloud. Their families holding each other as the satellite memorial is unveiled on the site of Warwick's old fire station.
"It means the world to me because she was one of the most important people in my life," said Michelle Hoell-Forte who's sister Tammy Mattera-Housa died in the blaze.
The plans for the memorial were announced just over a month ago. Controversial at first because some were concerned they'd never get a memorial at the actual station site in West Warwick. But last month, they got word that would happen too.
Jody King spearheaded the Warwick memorial which has a special focus on the Warwick victims. Photographs of 9 out of the 10 Warwick residents who died in the fire are etched on a tablet at the memorial. Among them, King's brother Tracy. He was a bouncer at the club the fateful February night back in 2003.
"It is my hope, wish, and dream that this memorial park will help all of us transform the suffering the pain and discomfort into a thing of beauty," said King.
Former Governor Donald Carcieri still dealing with the pain today. He became emotional while reflecting on community outpouring after the tragedy.
"I still have a hard time," said Carcieri. "Still have a hard time with it. Like all of you."
Plans are moving forward for the main memorial at the site of the fire. Groundbreaking is expected to happen this spring.
