The Jacksonville Fire Department is holding a dedication to celebrate the station’s recently completed memorial wall and fountain.
Jacksonville Fire Captain Mike Griffits says the construction was a “time consuming process” over the last six months, but the finished product looks fantastic.
“To be part of this new feature, which I hope will be here 100 years from now, is quite an honor. It has been here for decades already. The initial one was built by firefighters, so keeping that tradition alive was a huge honor,” says Griffits.
Griffits thanked the City of Jacksonville, the Foreign Fire Tax Board, the local firefighter union and community member Melvin Hill for their generosity.
Griffits says Jacksonville firefighters donated “a ton of time” towards the project by helping with the demolition, pouring the concrete and landscaping around the facility.
Griffits says the fun begins after the presentation.
“We are going to have a bouncy house, firefighters challenges for the kids, Air EVAC helicopter will land, we are giving out station tours, answering any questions people have for fire safety month and honoring the fire and safety personel who have served over the years. Smokey the fire dog will also be there and you can see where she lives at.”
The dedication starts Saturday at 1600 West Lafayette at 11 a.m.