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So… Isn’t it time that we as the fire service did something to help honor our fallen firefighters in Tennessee.  Most other states have firefighter memorials and our fallen hero’s deserve that honor also.  So… What can we do to help this cause?  Well… several fire departments are doing “fill-the-boot” campaigns, some are sponsoring golf tournaments, and several others are holding pancake breakfasts or spaghetti dinners to raise money for this state-wide effort.  Some fire departments are not allowed to solicit money or conduct such events and they are askinglocal civic groups and private sponsors to help in raising money.  For example, if the local Rotary Club raises $250, $500, or $1,000, a brick or more than one brick could be purchased in the name of the local fire department thus donating to the cause while also honoring the local fire department.  There may be private organizations in your community that support civicprojects.  If so… Your efforts are important to gaining financial support for this worthy project. 

 

Seven county fire departments joined together to raise money to support the building of a fallen firefighter memorial at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Those departments included Ashland City, Pleasant View, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Henrietta, Two Rivers, and Harpeth Ridge. 

 

The Cheatham County Firefighters Association (CCFFA) sponsored a golf tournament at Sycamore Valley Golf Club on Friday, September 26, 2008.  13 teams participated in the Best Ball Scramble.

 

“We were very pleased with the event from all perspectives,” says Chief Shane Ray, CCFFA President. “It was a great day of spending time with friends while also raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

 

Chief Jerry Crawford and Chief Daryl Blair were on hand to accept the $9,000 donation on behalf of the Tennessee Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

 

“The effort made here on behalf of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial should serve as a challenge to firefighters across this state,” said Chief Crawford. “If every county across Tennessee were to mirror Cheatham County’s fund raising drive, we would have enough to not only build the Memorial, but also sustain the project for the future.”

 

The Fallen Firefighter Memorial will be a monument to the spirit, commitment, and sacrifice of those firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. It will give  the citizens of Tennessee a place to honor these firefighters and inspire young men and women to follow in their brave footsteps.

 

The expenses of the design and construction of the memorial will be funded by private and corporate contributors. The Fallen Firefighter Memorial will be located on the campus of the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.

 

“We would like to thank all of our area businesses and citizens who supported us in this inaugural golf tournament,” adds Vickie Pritchett, CCFFA volunteer. “To our hole sponsors, team participants, volunteers and those who donated prizes we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”

 

For complete coverage of the event, visit www.cheathamfire.org.