Following years of discussion, the fire service organizations of Tennessee decided that the time to create a memorial was long overdue. A memorial to honor the memory of the many men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting our citizens needed to be completed.

Founded in 2002, the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial (TFFM) Committee is comprised of individuals from the various fire service organizations across the State of Tennessee: Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, Tennessee Fireman's Association, Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy, Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains, Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association.  

The TFFM created the Board of Directors and formed the 501(c)3 Not For Profit charity.  The Board of Directors are responsible for not only fund-raising, but also for the concept, design, and construction as well.  The Board of Directors are a very dedicated group of individuals who have volunteered much of their time for this project for many years.  

In early 2005, House Bill 376 & Senate Bill 21 were introduced to the Tennessee Legislator by Representative Mike Turner and Senator Jim Tracy. These bills proposed the dedication of one acre of land located on the grounds of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle, Tennessee for the purpose of erection of a suitable memorial to Tennessee firefighters. On May 28, 2005 Governor Phil Bredesen signed the bill into law Chapter 269 of Public Acts 2005.

Fund raising for the TFFM began with the TUFF Challenge, which is held annually on the last Saturday in September.  Bricks and other items may also be purchased in support of the memorial.

The "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" for Phase I of the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial was officially held on September 11, 2009 and was attended by approximately 700 dignitaries, family members, emergency service personnel and friends.  Nashville Bag and Pipes and the Hendersonville Honor Guard helped to make the ceremony one that will be remembered by all in attendance for many years to come.

Phase II was dedicated Saturday, September 10, 2011. The ceremony included the unveiling of our statue created by Sculptor/Firefighter Scott Wise.  In addition to our honoring our TN Fallen, the TFFM Board also added a memorial to honor the memory of September 11, 2001.  The 9/11 Memorial contains a steel I-beam which was once a part of the towers at "Ground Zero" in New York City. The service and dedications we also special because it began a tradition of hosting a training event "Everyone Goes Home."  This annual event will help train our firefighters and remind them of the importance of being safe while protecting each community! 

Our special thanks to the many organizations and companies that donated time and or services to help create and construct the TFFM:

Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association

Tennessee Fireman's Association

Tennessee TUFF Challenge Committee

Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains

Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson

Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy

Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association

Hart Freeland and Roberts

American Constructors

Wasco

Vulcan Materials

Builder Specialties Company of Tennessee

Duck River Electric

Contec

Wright Paving

Community High School

N & S Waterproofing

B & W Excavating

Graphics, Inc.

Nashville Pipe and Drums

Hendersonville Fire Dept. Honor Guard

Daryl Alexander

Roger Hawks

Kenny McFarland

Dennis Tatum

Kirk Young

Rodney Wilson

Terry Holingsworth

Zach Baldwin,

Adam Sneed

Berenda Vance

TFACA Staff

The many, many persons and departments that helped with fund raising initiatives and during construction with the "laying of the bricks".