PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
(510) 747-4714
Last year, Alameda opened the new Fire Station 3 on Buena Vista Avenue, serving central Alameda. A memorial is now being built in front of the station. The memorial meets the City’s Public Art Ordinance, which requires all new major development projects, including City property, to provide public art. The new Alameda Fallen Firefighters Memorial will honor firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty serving our community.
The design of the memorial includes artistic details symbolizing Alameda. In the middle of the memorial is a bronze sculpture illustrating the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters serving Alameda for over 140 years. The statue will be looking at a memorial wall that honors our fallen firefighters.
The memorial will stand forever in honor of Alameda’s heroes who are no longer standing:
Firefighter James H. Russ passed away in 1897 after being burned in a fire.
Fire Chief Fred Krauth passed away on duty in 1912 at the fire station.
Firefighter Charles Young passed away in 1921 due to an on duty vehicle accident.
Assistant Chief Fred Wagner passed away on duty in 1942 at the fire station.
Captain John Francis Bower passed away in 1948 from fire-related heart disease.
Engineer Jack Douglas LeMoine passed away in 1949 due to cardiac arrest while training at the Alameda Drill Tower.
Firefighter David Wayne Macho passed away in 1993 due to fire-related cancer.
Captain Scott Camevale passed away in 2011 due to occupational esophageal cancer.
These firefighters courageously served Alameda and will be remembered forever.
“Being able to honor and memorialize those who have fallen here in Alameda is important to family members living without their loved ones and to our department,” stated Allyn Richterman, Division Chief and Alameda firefighter since 1987. “The memorial will represent all firefighters who come to work willing to give the ultimate sacrifice at any time.”
Studies show that 68 percent of firefighters develop cancer, compared with 22 percent of the general population. Today’s firefighters are responding to new types of fires. Our homes and businesses are filled with more synthetic materials, plastics, and chemicals than ever before. In addition to the epidemic that cancer has become for firefighters, firefighters also have a higher risk of sudden death from a heart event.
In Alameda, we are proud of the steps taken to protect those who sacrifice for us. Captain Scott Camevale started an exposure reporting system before he was diagnosed that remains as a legacy to help identify risks. Alameda firefighters have a second set of turnout gear, wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) into every fire, and all carpets were removed at our fire stations – all of which help minimize the exposure to dangerous carcinogens from firefighting and disease.
For many of us this is very personal. The Alameda Fallen Firefighters Memorial creates a public space where we can all go to remember those who have fallen, those who serve today, and those who will serve in the future. The memorial was designed by Artist and Sculptor Lawrence Noble of Noble Studio in the Bay Area.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the memorial, there are many ways to do so. More information and a donation packet is available on the City of Alameda Fire Department’s webpage at https://alamedaca.gov/fire/alameda-fallen-firefighters-memorial. Your donations can be part of the permanent memorial, with inscribed granite pavers, large square pavers, memorial benches, and a bronze plaque. In addition, individual donations at every level are needed to cover the full costs of the memorial. You can donate online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/alamedafallenfirefighters or drop-off a check payable to the Alameda Fallen Firefighter Memorial at any Alameda fire station. All donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions about the memorial or how to donate, please contact the Fire Department at 510-337-2100.
