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The Ohio Fallen Firefighter's Memorial serves to
honor the thousands of brave Ohioans who have risked their lives to
protect the lives and property of the citizens of Ohio. It further
serves as a remembrance to those who have made the supreme sacrifice
in the line of duty.  The memorial
was dedicated on October 19, 1997 by Treasurer of State Ken
Blackwell, Director of Commerce Donna Owens, and State Fire Marshal
James J. McNamee. Members of Ohio's fire service community, from
across the state, as well as the family and friends of fallen
firefighters honored, witnessed the unveiling of the
memorial.
The memorial was designed by artist Pete Viyuk and
constructed by Miles Buzzi. It is ten feet high and seven feet wide
and is similar to the one located at the National Fire Academy in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. The project cost $30,000 and was paid for
through a series of donations spearheaded by the Ohio State
Firefighter's Association in cooperation with the State Fire
Commission and the Division of State Fire Marshal.
The memorial is located on the grounds
of the office of the State Fire Marshal. In a tradition established
by State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage, each year in October, in
conjunction with the National Firefighter Memorial Weekend, Ohio's
fire service community and the families, friends and fire
departments of Ohio's Fallen Firefighters to be honored for that
year, are invited to pay tribute in a ceromony which includes the
placing of a wreath by the State Fire Marshal, reading of the "Last
Roll Call", and the rendering of Taps.
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