Hundreds turn out to dedicate RI firefighter memorial in Exeter

Along the walls of the memorial are the names of the 97 firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty in Rhode Island since the 1800s.

“Today is a reminder that being a firefighter involves a very special charge,” said Senator Jack Reed at Saturday’s ceremony. “You must serve the public faithfully, without any type of compromise.

Rhode Island was one of just four U.S. states that did not have a memorial to fallen firefighters – but not anymore.

“This monument will forever be a reminder of the firefighters we lost,” said Lt. Governor Dan McKee. “It will also remind us of the courage displayed by our firefighters every single day.”

Ground broke on the memorial outside of the Fire Academy just over a year ago, where future firefighters can pay their respects to those that came before them.

“And they’re getting a sense of what they’re embarking on for the rest of their life,” said Cumberland Fire Chief Richard Susi. “That this is what they – potentially have to give their life in the line of duty.”

Included among the families and firefighters Saturday, firefighter Patrick O’Brien, whose own father did not return home one fateful night.

“Means a lot to be able to see my father’s name on this wall and him to be memorialized for giving his life in the line of duty for the citizens of the Town of Warren,” said O’Brien. “And I’m hoping that we never have to come back out here to add any more names to that wall.”

Before building the memorial, the Association of Fire Chiefs said they traveled to every New England firefighter memorial to get a sense of what they wanted to build.

They say they’re a little biased, but they are very proud of the end result.